Wheatstone House, Chiswick

History

Wheatstone House in Brentford stands prominently beside the bustling Brentford flyover, marking its presence at a busy intersection. This strategic location demanded a balcony design that not only complemented the urban setting but also addressed the specific challenges associated with its high-traffic environment. In partnership with L&Q and their Quadrant Construction division, Sapphire embarked on a mission to develop balcony solutions that would meet the project’s unique needs while enhancing the residential experience for Wheatstone House occupants.

Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire

The collaborative process began with Sapphire presenting their CPD to L&Q and Quadrant Construction, offering vital insights into the essential principles of successful balcony integration. This initial step laid the groundwork for a detailed examination of the project specifics, leading to significant design and implementation strategy refinements.

A critical aspect of the collaboration was optimising the balcony anchor design. By streamlining this component, Sapphire ensured a robust and efficient connection between the balconies and the building, crucial for the structural integrity and safety of the installations. Additionally, key decisions regarding glazing privacy and safety were meticulously evaluated. The choice to use laminate glass over monolithic options for the balcony glazing reflected a commitment to resident safety and privacy, aligning with the highest standards of building regulations and resident comfort.

Furthermore, Sapphire ingeniously incorporated drainage solutions into the underside of the balconies. This approach not only simplified water management but also proved to be a cost-effective strategy, eliminating the need for complex and expensive drainage systems. By integrating the drainage directly into the balcony design, Sapphire was able to ensure that water management was both efficient and aesthetically pleasing, avoiding the visual clutter often associated with external drainage solutions.

Wheatstone House, Brentford, exemplifies the power of targeted collaboration and innovation in addressing the specific challenges of urban development. Through their partnership with L&Q and Quadrant Construction, Sapphire Balconies demonstrated their expertise in delivering tailored balcony solutions that enhance both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of residential buildings. The project stands as a testament to Sapphire’s ability to simplify the balcony journey, from conceptualisation to implementation, ensuring that each design element contributes to a coherent and practical urban living space.