101 on Cleveland (Cleveland Street, Westminster)

 “It’s been a very good experience working with Sapphire as a company.”

Laura Ray, Site Manager, McLaren Construction Limited

History:

Situated in the vicinity of the iconic BT Tower in London, the 101 on Cleveland Street project stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design and efficient construction practices. The involvement of Sapphire Balconies was prompted by the architect’s use of the COACH balcony software, leading to a collaboration with Asseal Architects aimed at refining the balcony design. The primary goal was to align the unique architectural intent of the building with the contractor’s requirements for buildability and cost-effectiveness, creating a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire

Sapphire’s contribution to the 101 on Cleveland project centred around the rationalisation of balcony design, focusing on the integration of aluminium balustrade railings and GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) balcony fascias. The design process involved close collaboration with Asseal Architects and the GRC manufacturer, ensuring that the balconies not only captured the building’s unique character but were also practical and cost-effective to construct.

To achieve a contrasting appearance, Sapphire leveraged its expertise in aluminium balustrade railing designs, complementing the GRC balcony fascias manufactured specifically for this project. These fascias were provided with cast-in fixings, allowing for seamless integration with Sapphire’s balcony systems. This approach enabled a unified look that contributed significantly to the building’s overall aesthetic.

In simplifying the balustrade design, Sapphire aimed for a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. The introduction of a seamless powder coating finish for the soffits was a strategic move to enhance balcony drainage efficiency while avoiding the complexity and potential issues associated with using GRC fascias in non-traditional orientations. This design choice not only improved the functional aspects of the balconies but also contributed to the visual coherence of the building’s exterior.

Through innovative design and material selection, Sapphire Balconies successfully addressed the project’s dual requirements of distinctive architectural expression and practical construction considerations. The Cleveland Street project exemplifies how collaboration and technical expertise can lead to solutions that satisfy both the aesthetic aspirations and the practical needs of a development, ensuring that the final result is both beautiful and built to last.