No one can be exactly sure when the first balustrades were built, but it’s safe to say that their history goes back centuries.
The style of different balustrade systems used through the ages has often been determined by the materials in fashion at the time – ancient Greeks and Romans would add ornate stone balustrades to their outdoor balconies as a symbol of wealth, wooden balustrades became popular in Renaissance Europe, and by the Victorian era, wrought iron had become the most widely used material as a symbol of prosperity and good taste.
In the second half of the 20th century, more materials entered the world of balustrades – stainless steel, aluminium, and glass.
Prompted by efficient modern manufacturing techniques, its strength, flexibility, and versatility, glass has since then become a popular option for balustrades, both in the private and commercial markets.
Like other materials before it, glass balustrades today represent the current age and architectural style – with clean, sharp and bright aesthetics, they define the modern design.
One of the main reasons that glass elements are so popular today is that they help to create more space – making areas appear larger than they really are, which is something that cannot be achieved by using other materials.
It seems the benefits of glass balustrades are endless – they’re ideal for modern interiors, are easy to clean, strong and durable, safe and secure.
Plans are in place for the facility to become operational in 2024, to support the growing global fleet of Leonardo helicopters, from the warehousing of components right through to production tooling in a single facility.
“The main aim of the Single-Site Logistics facility at Leonardo’s base in Somerset is to consolidate and increase efficiencies of our warehousing needs. This state-of-the-art facility will streamline the site’s operational capability and customer service by having all logistical support in one place. It highlights further Leonardo’s long-term commitment to its site through the strategic development of this high-tech logistics hub.
With sustainability at the heart of its construction, the facility will span an area of nearly 20,000m², the equivalent of 2.7 football pitches. The project will see the consolidation of eight existing warehouses into one all-encompassing logistics hub.
By housing all of the logistics under one roof it means we will increase efficiencies, complete tasks quicker and achieve a reduction in operating costs.
“We are proud to be the UK’s only onshore helicopter manufacturer and this development further illustrates our commitment to British engineering and manufacturing. We’re excited about building sustainability into the bricks and mortar of this new hub.”
The new facility will be equipped with rainwater harvesting tanks for brown water services, full LED lighting throughout, a heat recovery system in the main warehouse, and a modern office temperature control system. In addition, there will be a bank of electrical vehicle charging points.
The leading suppliers of guaranteed waterproofing systems were approached by the desperate client who had had a second basement level excavated beneath their existing basement as well as the front and rear gardens.
Unfortunately, bad waterproofing design and workmanship meant the basement had flooded immediately upon completion – the builder ceased trading and, following a legal case, the architect and structural engineer were found culpable.
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