Secure and Protected: Description of Situation's Safety
In partnership with various stakeholders, Sapphire Balconies has demonstrated its expertise in crafting fire-resistant, aesthetically pleasing solutions for a significant housing redevelopment scheme in West London – the Green Man Lane Estate in West Ealing. This regeneration project, running since 2011 as part of Ealing's broader goal to enhance the borough's housing stock, has seen continuous progress, with Phase 3 presenting new challenges due to stringent safety regulations.
The updated 'Part B' fire regulations, imposed after the Grenfell tragedy, affected Phase 3 considerably, restricting the use of certain materials in balcony construction. Notably, laminate glass was no longer exempt from facade regulations. This change imposed a severe challenge in preserving the harmony of design between phases, as glass balustrades were a prominent feature in earlier stages.
However, Sapphire Balconies, having played a crucial role in Phase 1 and 2, was once again enlisted to devise a solution that catered to the new safety standards without sacrificing the project's overall integrity. The primary hurdle was to achieve the A2-s1, d0 fire rating, a stipulation introduced by the revised regulations, while maintaining visual and functional continuity.
By drawing upon their ingenuity and design acumen, Sapphire devised an alternative balcony specification that fulfilled the rigorous fire rating demands. This strategic adjustment saw the replacement of glass balustrades with a railing system that met the stringent A2-s1, d0 requirements, ensuring overall compliance with the revised safety standards. Remarkably, Sapphire successfully incorporated their signature Cassette balcony design into this solution, conserving the same drainage trays and decking employed in previous phases. Thus, the visual coherence across the development remained intact.
Sapphire Balconies' solution not only passed the technical scrutiny but also aligned remarkably well with the architectural vision. Their collaboration with project architects and contractors underscored their commitment to fostering innovation, maintaining safety standards, and upholding design excellence. The successful implementation of the A2-s1, d0 fire-rated railing system in Phase 3 underscores Sapphire's adaptability in navigating regulatory challenges while improving safety and design consistency.
For more information, visit the official website of Sapphire Balconies.
[1] EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009 - Classification of reaction to fire of construction products and building elements - Part 1: Classification using test-series (ISO 13501-1:2007)[2] Approved Document B (Fire safety) for England – Approved Documents 2019[3] Hackitt Review – Building a Safer Future, Dame Judith Hackitt, 2018
- In their efforts to maintain design continuity and adhere to stringent safety regulations, Sapphire Balconies successfully incorporated an A2-s1, d0 fire-rated railing system into their Cassette balcony design, proving their expertise in the realm of health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, and science as they navigated the complexities of fire safety and construction for the Green Man Lane Estate redevelopment.
- The revised fire regulations, such as those laid out in EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009 and Approved Document B (Fire safety) for England – Approved Documents 2019, have had a significant impact on construction projects – Sapphire Balconies, with their unwavering dedication to innovation, safety standards, and design excellence, have demonstrated their proficiency in applying scientific principles to the medical-conditions and health-and-wellness realm, ensuring the safety of the Green Man Lane Estate's inhabitants and the aesthetic integrity of the project.
