UNCLE Southall, Merrick Road

Overview

Located close to the new Southall Crossrail (Elizabeth Line), this residential development transformed a former Esso Garage site into a high-quality, high-density housing scheme. Developed by Redrow, the project combines contemporary design with efficient construction methods. Sapphire Balconies supported the build with precision-engineered offsite balcony systems that enhanced installation speed, quality, and aesthetic cohesion across the façade.

Aspirations: Maximising Access and Efficiency

Located near the new Southall Crossrail (Elizabeth Line), this former Esso Garage site offered the ideal opportunity to deliver high-density housing with strong transport links into central London. Developed by Redrow, the scheme combines contemporary design with efficient building methods, using reinforced concrete frames, SFS, and a brick façade to ensure durability and performance.

 

 

Constraints: Architectural Rhythm and Structural Coordination

The alternating balcony layout created architectural variety and movement across the façade. While some balcony stacks began at ground level and stopped mid-height, others extended to the roof, requiring precise structural co-ordination. To achieve large first-floor terraces without oversizing units, Sapphire designed paired balconies that were joined on site, optimising fabrication, transport, and lifting efficiency.

 

 

How Sapphire Streamlined the Project

Using Sapphire’s Glide-On™ Cassette® system, balconies were prefinished offsite and delivered ready for installation with vertical bar balustrades, obscured glass dividers, and aluminium decking. Controlled edge drainage, designed in line with BS8579:2020, directed rainwater away from the façade, ensuring long-term performance. Two-piece anchors were cast into the RC slabs, allowing smooth balcony installation from scaffolds without disrupting other trades. Finished in dark grey to match window frames, the balconies achieved a cohesive, high-quality appearance.