Sapphire Balustrades selected for Breeam Excellent university building

Public Sector Tue, Mar 22, 2016 5:08 PM

Sapphire Balustrades selected for Breeam Excellent university building

A new landmark university building in Essex, architect-designed to BREEAM Excellent standards, has selected high style, student-proof solutions from Sapphire Balustrades for all interior balustrading.

Structural glass balustrades from Sapphire’s Crystal range with stainless steel handrails are installed along central staircases and around light wells at the University Centre Harlow, a modern addition to the Anglia Ruskin University campus.

Sapphire was selected to manufacture and install high quality solutions for the multi-million pound project which combine contemporary styling with the performance demanded by such a high traffic education environment.

In addition to Crystal balustrades for the main building, Sapphire has also installed matching stainless steel handrails in the 96-seat lecture theatre, and provided balustrades for escape stairs using its Opal powder coated steel balusters and handrails with glass infill panels. Handrails in all areas feature 50mm diameter tubular profiles and inline stalks to match.

The three-storey University Centre Harlow accommodates a range of higher education courses including graphic design and journalism. Working in conjunction with the project’s main contractor, Essex-based Hutton Construction, Sapphire’s team developed bespoke balustrades which satisfied the architect’s aesthetic specification, were fit for purpose, and also complied with relevant regulatory criteria, including DDA compliance for disabled users.

Hutton Construction’s Commercial Director comments: “Sapphire ticked all the boxes in terms of design and product quality. They managed the manufacturing and installation very smoothly - in fact, we are already looking at another project with them.”

Creating a sense of light and space was a key design requirement for the new university building. An expansive glazed façade allows light to flood into the open plan atrium and over 100 metres of Sapphire’s Crystal glass balustrades with 15mm structural glass panels provide the perfect complement to freestanding stairways.

Panels are manufactured from clear toughened glass, with fixing channels concealed by a satin polished stainless steel trim. Handrail fixings are stalk type, offset or wall brackets depending on location. Opal tubular steel balusters and handrails for escape stairs are powder coated in Traffic Grey (RAL 7042), providing a smart, long lasting finish.

Nick Haughton, Marketing Manager at Sapphire Balustrades, says the University Centre Harlow project highlights the benefits of Sapphire’s step-by-step approach to the design, manufacture and installation of high quality balustrades.

“We will work with clients at each stage of a balustrade project, from concept to completion, to ensure that every contract is completed on time, on budget, and to specification, both in terms of style and performance,” he added.

 

Featured News

Specification news
Duoflex - a new window on commercial building...

There’s a quiet revolution underway that is changing the landscape of our towns and...

Read More >>

Specification news
Forbo expands design possibilities with new Tessera...

Forbo Flooring Systems has enhanced its established Tessera carpet tile collection...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Mermet | Kibo Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Kibo Darken...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Karellis Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Karellis Da...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Flocké Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Flocké Dark...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Shadow 24 Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Shadow 24 B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Natté PES Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Natté PES B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Straightcurve®
Straightcurve®

Straightcurve® – headquartered in Australia, is renowned for high-end innovative garden edging,...

Read More >>

RLG600 Access Flooring System
RLG600 Access Flooring System

The Kingspan RLG600 raised access floor panel is intended for light office use and is capable of...

Read More >>

RHG600 Simploc
RHG600 Simploc

Kingspan RHG600 Simploc is the heavy grade floor system, capable of handling up to a 12kN/m2...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>