Why are Prefab Balconies the New Choice for High-Rise Developments?

Traditionally, balcony construction has often been an afterthought in the building design, and concrete balconies don’t make the process any easier.

With the more efficient and sustainable modern methods of construction, off-site manufacturing and prefabricated balconies are transforming projects.

Here are 7 reasons why prefabricated balconies are the new choice for high-rise residential buildings:

1. Increased Perceived Value: Prefab balconies are manufactured off-site, focusing on functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. Improved visual appeal contributes to a building’s market value as high-quality finishes, sustainable materials, and functional designs appeal to buyers. Additionally, because prefab balconies are produced efficiently, developers benefit from cost savings through reduced waste and faster installation.
2. Enhanced Thermal Efficiency: Step codes are driving the push for increased thermal performance in new Canadian constructions. Heat can easily escape through balcony structures without proper thermal breaks, undermining the building’s energy efficiency. Prefab balconies allow manufacturers to place thermal breaks in tactical locations within the balcony system to reduce heat loss in the building, leading to improved thermal performance.                                                          
3. Higher Project Efficiency: Prefinishing balconies off site reduces the need for on-site trades as there is no manufacturing of balconies in situ. Delivering fully assembled units also means faster balcony installation.
4. Unmatched Quality Assurance: Balconies that are produced in controlled factory conditions undergo several quality checks, ensuring that each balcony has a trackable history. For example, at Sapphire we use the Passport App to record and track each balcony’s progress through the different production and quality check stages.

5. Ideal for Passive House Developments: Thermally broken balconies increase energy efficiency and reduce heat loss, aligning with passive house principles. Prefabricated aluminium balconies also lower structural load as they are lightweight and complement sustainable building frames like cross-laminated timber frames.

Learn in our case study how we streamlined the balcony project at Vienna House, a passive house residential development in Vancouver, Canada.

6. Higher Design Flexibility: Off-site manufacturing allows for more opportunities to create a functional balcony design that offers comfort to residents and simplifies installation and on-site handling of balconies by installers. Prefinished balconies can be thoughtfully assembled in the factory while keeping the risk of error as low as possible.
7. Compliance with Standards: Features like thermal breaks in prefab balconies improve energy efficiency by lowering heat transfer, supporting compliance with standards like the Toronto Green Standard. Sustainable balcony design can also contribute to lower TEDI ratings. 

Discover in our case studies how our prefabricated balconies have benefited projects across the UK and Canada.