30 ROUND TABLE REVIEW; BUILDING FABRIC CONCLUSION
Our group tackled the ongoing issues for retrofi t head on, but also endorsed, with some caveats, a range of proposed solutions. Combatting a potential “race to the bottom” which was cited as a risk by Nik Nelberg, means the kind of open sharing of expertise and ideas we were fortunate to witness at the round table. We need this kind of thinking urgently to take the steps to ensure our current housing stock isn’t obsolete in 2050.
We would like to thank all attendees and our sponsors WMS Underfl oor Heating and Saint Gobain Construction Products UK. An extended report on the event is available free to download at
insights.netmagmedia.co.uk
INDUSTRY RECOMMENDATIONS
We asked our delegates to give their key retrofi t recommendations for industry
David Pierpoint, The Retrofi t Academy: We need a free at the point of access support programme for SMEs.
Becky Lane, Furbnow: We need to start the awareness and communications strategy on housing retrofi t to consumers now.
Ashley Cooper, WMS Underfl oor Heating: Get everyone together to simplify the top three priorities for our messaging to regulators.
With thanks to our sponsors:
Nik Nelberg, Earl & Calam Design and Build: Collaborative work; making sure the price is right, and the contracts are set up in a way that allows people to deliver quality.
Samantha Organ, University of West of England: Don’t be afraid to be disruptive – whether you’re big or small.
Jack Ostrovsky, Retrofi t London: The industry needs to communicate the destination we need to get to clearly to policymakers, and get rid of the cacophony of targets.
David Adams, AdamsD Consulting: For Government, something like an energy saving stamp duty incentive; for industry, gain knowledge, make little incremental steps in diff erent spaces.
Alex Baines, British Gypsum & Isover: For Government, we need a way of getting proper assessments done, to give industry the idea of where they need to go, what needs to be done; and for industry, get involved in the Retrofi t Hub.
Kate Simpson, Nottingham Trent University: Develop strong industry partnerships so you can share openly, and exchange best practice with supply chain and academics.
Russell Smith, Retrofi tWorks: Think beyond tactics, and more about strategy and the big picture, collecting data; and make sure we’ve got a plan.
Sapphire overcomes complex logistical challenges to deliver balconies to Huntley Wharf development
E
arly engagement between Peter Brett Associates, PRP Architects, and Berkeley Homes ensured that Sapphire could supply
balconies that refl ected the architectural vision and historical signifi cance of the Huntley Wharf site. Historically the site was home to the former Huntley and Palmer biscuit factory (famously supplying millions of biscuits to Allied troops during WW1 and WW2), today it is the new waterside destination in central Reading.
Through innovative design solutions,
Sapphire was able to manufacture off site brick columns for corner balconies, inset balconies, and balconies with brick slip fascias. These components were mechanically fi xed off site with brick slips, enabling them to blend eff ortlessly with the rest of the brick facade, mirroring the industrial aesthetic of the former factory. One of the project’s challenges was the
proximity of one of the tower crane locations to a stack of balconies, which punched through the podium slab. This could have necessitated the costly and disruptive relocation of thousands of pounds of M&E ductwork. Sapphire’s site support team devised an inventive solution, proposing the use of a compact spider crane to install the balconies from below. This approach not only preserved the integrity of the existing infrastructure but also reduced costs and simplifi ed the installation process, showcasing Sapphire’s ability to overcome complex logistical challenges through creative problem-solving. The Huntley Wharf project stands as a
testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative solutions that Sapphire Balconies brings to modern developments, marrying historical reverence with contemporary design and functionality. Through their early and proactive engagement with project stakeholders, Sapphire ensured that the
HBD08_Sapphire_Building Fabric - Balconies &
Balustrades_HPAdv.indd 1
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
balconies contributed meaningfully to the architectural narrative, enhancing the living experience while honouring the site’s rich heritage. Berkeley Group PLC Technical Coordinator
Mara Dumitru said: “I found the Sapphire team to be very professional, proactive and helpful. We have had a very good collaboration throughout and felt the team at Sapphire successfully managed to meet both architect’s and client’s expectations.” For more information about
Sapphire Balconies and their architectural balcony solutions, visit
https://balconies.global/ case-studies/huntley-wharf-reading/
sales@sapphirebalustrades.com
www.sapphirebalustrades.com
12/08/2024 11:09
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