D1 Decking Solutions Near Completion on Full Fire Balcony & Terrace Remediation Project at Beacon Rise Complex, Cambridge | AliDeck Balcony Solutions
The remediation of multi-storey multi-occupancy buildings is a pressing concern for the industry. With thousands of residents facing severe fire risks, there is an urgent need to provide safe and compliant living environments. AliDeck has been providing cost-effective and futureproof aluminium decking and balcony component solutions since 2019. In that time, we have created project success with many of our customers and Approved Installers.
A recent partnership between D1 Decking Solutions and AliDeck, a market-leading manufacturer of aluminium decking and balcony components, breathed new life into the balconies and terraces at Beacon Rise residential complex in Cambridge.
Unfortunately, the existing balconies and terraces at Beacon Rise did not meet current fire safety standards. This is a similar story to thousands of properties across the UK & Ireland. Residents were concerned about safety and were looking for a solution the provided an outdoor space that was not only safe, but durable and aesthetically pleasing. The Property owner was proactive in addressing this concern and AliDeck was the solution.
In addition to being a long-term AliDeck customer, D1 Decking is one of our certified Approved Installers. They have successfully completed a wide variety of projects with us throughout the years. They provide supply and installation services for non-combustible decking solutions for new construction and remedial applications.
Beacon Rise consists of 76 modern apartments and is located less than a mile from Cambridge city centre. The penthouse terraces offer views across the city including many historic landmarks, making them a highly popular outdoor living space for residents all year round.
The pre-existing timber decking required remediation with a suitable and direct replacement, bringing the balcony and terrace deck areas in line with current regulations. In accordance with BS 8579:2020, timber and composite materials have no longer been deemed suitable for use, with aluminium decking widely regarded as the new standard across the industry.
When powder-coated, our products achieve fire ratings of A2-s1, d0 and A2fl-s1 the second highest Euro-Class rating, and therefore adheres to current regulations outlined in BS 8579:2020. Residents can now feel safe in their own homes without fear of being unable to sell or re-mortgage, a struggle recently faced by thousands of leaseholders following EWS1 & FRAEW Surveys.
AliDeck supplied a full system solution that includes our 20mm Junior Flat Decking Board, Low Joist, Adjustable Pedestal Brackets, and supporting components as a direct replacement for the pre-existing timber decking, providing a cost-effective and hassle-free solution.
To begin the replacement process, the aged timber decking was removed to expose the steel sub-frame. In order to achieve the required build-up heights, our 20mm Junior Board, 50mm low joist, and 90mm adjustable pedestal brackets were combined to create a variety of required heights to ensure smooth and flat surfaces to avoid any potential safety risks.
An additional benefit of our low joist is the ability to be installed on its side for greater build up allowance, without compromising the structural integrity.
The boards and joists were supplied in our popular RAL 7030 – Stone Grey powder-coat which is available as one of our 10 standard colours, with further RAL colour options also available for bespoke project specifications. Only the top sides of the boards have been powder-coated to save on costs, without any visual impact on the overall aesthetic of the installation.
Please note: Installations were not complete at the time of our visit, with final touches providing a safe, compliant, and seamless finish to the balconies and terrace decks.
Due to the shape of the balconies, angle cuts are required to ensure a flush finish within the boundaries of the sub-frame. Although these boards had not been installed upon our visit, a fine example of D1’s craftsmanship can be seen on the terraces where some boards were required to be cut to length and width to manoeuvre around the framework of the doorways.
Aluminium decking is not only a futureproof solution for fire safety, but it also offers supreme slip-resistance and wear resistance. Residents of Beacon Rise will have the assurance that they will not only be safe during times of heavy rainfall but that their decking surfaces will remain aesthetically pleasing for decades to come. As a result, the property will maintain a higher level of value.
Our customers will benefit from a minimum 60-year life expectancy and 30-year manufacturer warranty, which require low maintenance in order to preserve the high-quality powder-coat finish.
Upon our site visit, it became clear to us how residents were eagerly awaiting their newly revitalised outdoor living spaces, with several leaseholders holding positive conversations with the D1 team members regarding their first-rate engineering work on site and the progress made.
We love to share our guidance and expertise with our customers throughout their projects, including site visits to provide technical support where any complex or bespoke features may be required. We’ll arrange a time and day that suits you on site, or we can arrange a meeting at your head office or warehouse facility should you find this more convenient.
Would you like more information about this balcony remediation project at Beacon Rise, Cambridge?
Would you like to discuss further how we can best support and help you achieve compliant and fire-safe balconies for an upcoming remediation project?
We’d love to talk to you. Simply contact us via 01622 534 042 or email info@alideck.co.uk.
