Gascoigne West Phase 1

History

Completed in 2021, Gascoigne West Phase 1 marks a significant development in urban housing landscape, showcasing the power of collaboration between leading construction and architectural firms. Invited to join forces with Wates, TP Bennett Architects, and structural engineers, Sapphire Balconies embarked on a mission to enhance the project through meticulous design rationalisation and engineering precision. This collaboration aimed to not only meet the stringent requirements of the London Plan but also to elevate the quality and feasibility of balcony designs within the scheme.

Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire

Sapphire’s involvement brought a focused approach to optimising the balcony design, specifically regarding sizing and fixing key principles such as anchor spacing and balcony dimensions. By aligning the design closely with the London Plan’s sizing requirements and leveraging cost-effective material sizes, Sapphire facilitated a more streamlined and efficient construction process. One of the standout achievements of this collaboration was the ability to significantly reduce the weight load imposed by the balconies on the building’s structure.

This reduction was instrumental in aiding the structural engineers with the main superstructure design, allowing for a leaner and more cost-effective approach to the building’s construction. Through detailed analysis and strategic planning, Sapphire helped to ensure that the balconies not only adhered to regulatory and design standards but also contributed positively to the structural integrity and economic viability of the project.

The collaborative effort on Gascoigne West Phase 1 exemplifies how integrated teamwork between architects, engineers, and balcony specialists can lead to significant advancements in construction methodology. By rationalising the design from an early stage, Sapphire and its partners were able to navigate the complexities of urban development, delivering a project that is both compliant with urban planning regulations and optimised for structural and economic efficiency. This project stands as a beacon of how thoughtful engineering and design collaboration can achieve superior outcomes in modern urban housing developments.=