Avant-garde Court

This large-scale project featuring 224 bolt-on balconies involved the replacement of composite decking boards on timber joists with BalcaSmart Aluminium decking.

We've seen a huge increase in the number of refurbishment projects since the updated Approved Document B came into force along with guidance from the government urging owners of pre-existing buildings to remove combustible materials from balconies if found.

This luxury tower was completed in 2014 but with 25 stories, it was a project that came with many challenges.

System Used

BalcaSmart Aluminium decking system with aluminium decking boards in RAL 7039 (Quartz Grey).

Selected for its low-height build-up, the BalcaSmart Aluminium decking system for balconies was selected, with joists attaching directly to the existing steel balcony frame.

Balconies are stacked. To ensure the finish from below was as seamless as that from above, the substructure was powder-coated in RAL 7040 (Window Grey) to match the balcony steels.

The Challenges

Pre balcony fabrication, our estimating and design team worked with Fletcher Crane architects to create detailed designs, which our team used to create a bespoke specification.

As the development was completed in 2014, apartments were occupied, with residents present during refurb works.

Furthermore, due to the glass facades and balustrades to the exterior, the goods for the job (including cut-to-length aluminium decking boards) were taken in through the interior of the building and installed as such by London-based Acacia Gardens from Hounslow.

Location: Shoreditch

Completed: 2021

Architect: Fletcher Crane

Client: Private leaseholders