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EXTERIORS
Unique facade concept with wind-resistant and multicoloured fabric sun protection
I n Aspholz, a seven story student
residence has been built to accommodate 332 students in 30 apartments and 11
studios, making it the largest of its kind in Zurich. For the project, Darlington Meier Architects had Iranian-born Swiss artist and photographer, Shirana Shahbazi, design the external screens. Darlington Meier
correspondingly sizeable with the largest measuring around 22 m2. White polyester fabric Soltis 86 was chosen Architects used tall
and wide windows to increase the amount of sunlight able to reach the kitchens and living rooms from the forward loggias. The Fixscreen vertical blinds from Renson are
as the base for the colourfully designed west side of the building. For the exact colour coating of the fabric, the artist developed a facade plan to reveal the geometric patterns extending across the entire facade. Each blind is a standalone colour composition, which combines with the adjacent blinds for an extended artwork.
www.renson.net
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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
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WWW.BUILDINGCONSTRUCTIONDESIGN.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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