Balustrades sit at the edge of several different trades. They need to work with the structure, waterproofing, coping, façade and finishes. If those interfaces aren’t considered early, a low-cost balustrade can create additional design work, coordination and installation costs elsewhere.
Golf Links Estate in Southall is a good example.
Working with the project team, BA Systems developed a B50 Vertical Bar Balustrade solution that incorporated bespoke details to simplify the balcony edge and reduce interaction with surrounding trades.
The balustrade was designed to work with the waterproofing, while the coping cill was integrated into the balustrade module. Architectural columns were also incorporated into the system, with bespoke brackets designed to simplify the interface with the roofing membrane.
The result was a more coordinated balcony edge, with fewer separate elements for the project team to manage.
Looking beyond the initial price
This is where value engineering should be about more than simply finding a cheaper product.
A balustrade that costs less to buy may require more work from other trades, more complicated detailing or additional site coordination.
On a large residential project, those costs can quickly add up.
Instead, it’s worth asking:
- How many trades need to coordinate with the balustrade?
- Who is responsible for the interfaces?
- How does the system work with the waterproofing?
- How straightforward is it to install?
- Can the detail be simplified before it reaches site?
At Golf Links Estate, considering these questions early helped create a solution designed around the wider project, rather than treating the balustrade as a standalone package.
Because the lowest price isn’t always the lowest cost.
The right balustrade solution should make the project easier to design, coordinate and build.
Talk to BA Systems about your next balcony project.
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