Balustrades kits, bespoke, or the best of both?

The following article appeared in the June edition of Building Innovation...

In modern buildings few things have the instant visual impact of high quality elegant balustrades. But as all architects know there is more to achieving that stunning first impression than specifying a good-looking product. Balancing the requirements of design with the economics and practicalities of supply is an art, and calls for careful consideration of the options. It is easy to visualise the look but difficult to achieve it on time, on budget and to expectations. The specifier may not be thinking in this dimension but one of the most important questions to resolve early on is the relative values of modular, semi-modular and bespoke balustrade systems. Each has its place, but at Sapphire we believe the semi-modular system provides the best of all worlds – the advantages of consistency offered by modular systems combined with the flexibility of bespoke, backed up by the start-to-finish service of balustrade experts.

Modular systems, or kit components are generally mass produced and can often seem relatively inexpensive. The components are of even quality and are proven to perform to a given standard. But there are pitfalls. Kits have to be correctly specified and assembled, often by a contractor not necessarily experienced in surveying or installing balustrade systems. It’s a bit like assembling flat-pack furniture – “Why am I left with this extra bit in my hand?”…. then a year down the line when the client calls the specifier to say “my balustrade is loose” the reason may not do much for anyone’s reputation. And then who’s responsible for putting it right? Flat-pack furniture providers don’t do house calls and modular balustrade manufacturers are not liable if their product is inappropriately surveyed or installed. Unfortunately, because one size must be made to fit all, the end result can be a compromise and the system is only as strong as the weakest link in the supply chain. A very simple building where all the angles are simple and uniform and everything is on the level is easy to survey and will not expose the limitations of modular systems. But most buildings are not like that. Even if the site is pretty standard, curves, interesting details that make a building stand out, can mean standard modular products don’t fit perfectly. Adjusting bolts are obtrusive but necessary, and the more complex the installation the more adjustment will be necessary.

Ordering is another drawback with a modular system because the onus is on the contractor to specify and install what’s needed, but few are experts on balustrades. Often modular component suppliers are unwilling to assist with specifying the quantities of components but just ask the client for the product code. Modular systems are offered in standard formats and have to be adjusted on site to fit but inexpert installation can make even the best products look second-rate. Buying ‘off the shelf’ might seem to be the least expensive choice up-front, but when finally installed might not deliver the end result you envisaged.

At the other end of the scale are bespoke systems. Across many markets, bespoke implies the best, the most exclusive, the preferable option. But that’s not the case with balustrades. A bespoke system should fit and look the way you want and in the hands of an expert it might, but the quality might not be what you expect. Bespoke balustrading means ‘this has never been made before’ so there is often little or no guaranteed consistency of quality. Often fabricators of bespoke solutions are general metal workers who may be experienced in basic metal work but lack the specialist expertise and attention to detail required to provide high quality handrail solutions. A typical example is a metal worker who commonly manufactures mild steel products trying to make a stainless steel balustrade. Bespoke manufacture is often completed with onsite welding and finishing, which commonly leads to ugly welds, heat marks or visibly poor polishing. In some cases corrosion sets in or structural instability because of the wrong material selection. The client is essentially a guinea-pig and defects are almost bound to occur in the learning stage. What happens to the budget and the schedule then? Who is responsible for putting things right? Problems with custom-made installations tend to drag on, with all involved parties denying responsibility especially in scenarios where products looked great when installed but soon started to rust or show defects. Even when problems are rectified more time is lost re-checking the modifications. The last thing you need is costly delays, or arguments about who is picking up the bill. The lack of knowledge in balustrade related regulation from general metal workers can often lead to recommendations of glass thicknesses or balustrade loading which in fact do not meet legal requirements. In the event of product failure the balustrade design could fall back on all parties involved, including architects and contractors.

At Sapphire we believe our semi-modular systems combine the best features of modular and bespoke and add in the expertise and support of a company dedicated to manufacturing and installing balustrades. It’s what we do, it’s what we have done for years and it’s what we have become established specialists in. As market leaders we can practice economies of scale so a vast array of components can be engineered in bulk, giving a consistent quality and finish.  Then the variables – legs, handrails and glass panels – are custom designed and made so there are no unsightly welds or ugly bolts. Each system is made to perfectly suit its project but the principles at the core of the product have been tried, tested and proven over decades.

The route you choose often dictates the service you will experience. Most semi modular systems are provided by balustrade experts as opposed to either the catalogue type modular component supplier or ‘anything and everything’ type metal worker.

Having 19 years experience in the business means we can provide support for the specifier, architect, contractor and client from the initial design to the final hand over. It’s our responsibility to make sure your specified balustrade does not disappoint. We develop lasting team relationships with customers, specifiers and suppliers and count major retailers among our long-term customers. Having a semi-modular system means we can work within strict time limits without stress for our partners, a factor crucial to retail situations where work can only take place at set times and often to very tight deadlines. And our system allows flexibility based on experience - Sapphire has provided solutions where other suppliers have refused even to tender. Quality is consistent and our clients automatically get the advantage of better service. That’s why projects are completed on time, on budget and to specification.