This article outlines requirements for balcony decking load capacity. Designing a balcony, terrace or external walkway requires careful assessment of load-bearing capacity. Essentially, it’s a structural consideration that requires the calculation of known and potential loads. Types of load When designing a balcony or terrace deck, it’s useful to consider various types of load: the…More
At Neaco, many of our products boast modularity, but what does this actually mean for you as a specifier? The word ‘modular’ is usually associated with temporary structures but, for us, modularity means that our products are manufactured as a single unit or in as many units as you require. We are able to manufacture…More
Architectural design on coastal locations involves a set of conditions that makes the choice of durable external materials especially important. These environments are often prone to high winds, stormy weather, dampness and saltwater which can accelerate the deterioration of less resilient buildings. Wood is not a suitable long-term choice for balustrade in marine locations as…More
This article discusses the latest government advice, issued in June 2019, which has widespread implications for the assessment and management of balcony fire risk. The Grenfell disaster gave rise to new Building (Amendment) Regulations in December 2018, requiring stricter fire safety compliance for new, refurbished and converted residential buildings with a floor above 18 metres…More
Both performance and aesthetics are important considerations in stair balustrade design. A stairwell or stairway is a space where furniture is largely or totally absent, so balustrade is usually the focal point which allows design expression and defines the overall look. When it forms part of a more open space – for example, providing access…More
The external use of combustible materials on Care Homes with floors under 18m – just because it’s legal, does that make it moral? The building regulations that came into force on 21st December 2018 ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of residential developments over 18m above ground level. This means that…More
