Historically the site was home to the former Huntley and Palmer biscuit factory (famously supplying millions of biscuits to Allied troops during WW1 and WW2), today it is the new waterside destination in central Reading.

Through innovative design solutions, Sapphire was able to manufacture offsite brick columns for corner balconies, inset balconies, and balconies with brick slip fascias. These components were mechanically fixed offsite with brick slips, enabling them to blend effortlessly with the rest of the brick facade, mirroring the industrial aesthetic of the former factory.

One of the project's challenges was the proximity of one of the tower crane locations to a stack of balconies, which punched through the podium slab. This could have necessitated the costly and disruptive relocation of thousands of pounds of M&E ductwork. Sapphire’s site support team devised an inventive solution, proposing the use of a compact spider crane to install the balconies from below. This approach not only preserved the integrity of the existing infrastructure but also reduced costs and simplified the installation process, showcasing Sapphire’s ability to overcome complex logistical challenges through creative problem-solving.

The Huntley Wharf project stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative solutions that Sapphire Balconies brings to modern developments, marrying historical reverence with contemporary design and functionality. Through their early and proactive engagement with project stakeholders, Sapphire ensured that the balconies contributed meaningfully to the architectural narrative, enhancing the living experience while honouring the site's rich heritage.

Berkeley Group PLC Technical Coordinator Mara Dumitru said “I found the Sapphire team to be very professional, proactive and helpful. We have had a very good collaboration throughout and felt the team at Sapphire successfully managed to meet both architect's and client's expectations.”

For more information about Sapphire Balconies and their architectural balcony solutions, please visit the website below.