Designed by Burke-Kennedy Doyle Architects and constructed by Walls Construction, the Grand Canal Harbour development is a large-scale mixed-use project in Dublin 8. This ambitious development comprises 596 apartments spread across four multi-storey blocks ranging from seven to thirteen storeys. The project also includes commercial, retail, and medical spaces in the basement, showcasing a comprehensive approach to urban living.
Innovative Balcony Design
A notable feature of this development is the inclusion of Sapphire’s inset aluminium balconies. These balconies, fitted with Mydek’s Vista® aluminium decking, offer a combination of toughened and laminated glass and brick slip fascia with flat vertical infill bars balustrading. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the apartments but also provides outdoor spaces for 300 of the units, significantly improving the living experience.
Sapphire Balconies ESG Strategy Alignment
In alignment with Walls Construction’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, the Grand Canal development focused on minimising the project’s carbon footprint. Sapphire’s aluminium balconies played a crucial role in this strategy. Compared to traditional concrete alternatives, these aluminium balconies require minimal thermal breaking, which reduces costs, labour, and time on site. This efficiency helped lower the embodied carbon of the entire project, supporting sustainability goals.
Carbon Reduction and Efficiency
Sapphire’s innovative approach was exemplified by the use of their inset Glide-On™ balconies. Typically, inset balconies require thermal isolation on three sides, but Sapphire’s design only necessitated isolation at the connection points penetrating the façade. This intelligent design choice not only streamlined the construction process but also contributed to significant carbon reductions.
Installation Efficiency
The Grand Canal Harbour project demonstrated the advantages of early engagement and critical analysis in achieving carbon reduction goals. The inset Glide-On™ balconies were pre-fitted with soffits during production, drastically reducing on-site installation time and minimising potential delays caused by trade sequencing issues. This approach ensured that the project remained on schedule and within budget while maintaining high standards of sustainability and efficiency.
The Grand Canal Harbour development stands as a testament to the successful integration of innovative design and sustainability. Through the strategic use of Sapphire’s aluminium balconies and early design considerations, the project achieved significant carbon reductions while preserving the aesthetic integrity of the façade.
For more information about Sapphire Balconies and their architectural balcony solutions,