Hot Dip Galvanized Balconies at Sandymount Place, Dublin

Arc Engineering designed, manufactured and installed 42 steel balconies for the Sandymount Place residential development in Dublin 4. Galco hot dip galvanized the balcony bases, brackets and structural anchors, providing long-term corrosion protection for the steel hidden beneath the finished balconies.

Sandymount Place consists of two residential blocks featuring contemporary balconies with glass balustrades and privacy screens.

Arc Engineering delivered 20 balconies for Block 1 and 22 for Block 2. The package also included two bespoke sawtooth balconies, balcony structures for an alcove area and glass balustrades for terraces and communal spaces. Although the balconies create one consistent architectural feature, their supporting structures were far from standard.

Block 1 was built using hollowcore slabs with a screed build-up. Block 2 used in-situ reinforced concrete floor slabs. Arc Engineering therefore had to develop two separate balcony support and connection systems while maintaining the same external appearance.

Bespoke Balcony Engineering

Two sawtooth balconies in Block 2 projected up to 2.6 metres from the building. Their irregular shape required bespoke structural design, precise fabrication and careful installation planning.

Another balcony combined a paved concrete terrace with a cantilevered steel section. Special offset support stubs were designed to connect both areas and maintain one continuous balcony and balustrade line.

All balcony components were manufactured offsite and delivered fully finished. The completed units were then lifted directly into position by crane, helping to reduce site work and keep the demanding construction programme on schedule.

Galco’s Role in the Project

Galco hot dip galvanized the mild steel balcony bases, brackets and cast-in anchors used to connect the balcony structures to the building. These elements play a critical structural role, but many of them become difficult to inspect or maintain after the balconies, decking and façade finishes are installed. Hot dip galvanizing protected the steel before it arrived on site. The finished components were ready for installation without additional painting, drying or coating work.

Why Hot Dip Galvanize Steel Balconies?

Balconies are regularly exposed to rain, moisture and temperature changes. At Sandymount, salt carried in the coastal air can place additional pressure on unprotected steel.

Hot dip galvanizing provided several practical benefits:

• Long-term corrosion protection for balcony bases, brackets and anchors.
• Complete coating coverage across edges, welds and complex details.
• Protection for hidden steelwork that is difficult to access after installation.
• A durable finish able to withstand transport, handling and crane lifts.
• Faster installation, with no additional site painting or curing time.
• Lower maintenance costs during the building’s service life.

Built to Perform Beyond the Visible Finish

Residents see glass balustrades, clean architectural lines and additional outdoor space. Behind these visible elements is a carefully designed system of steel bases, brackets and anchors.

Arc Engineering delivered the balcony structures and bespoke engineering needed across both blocks. Galco provided the hot dip galvanizing that protects the structural steel underneath. The result is a coordinated package of 42 balconies designed not only to look good on completion, but to perform reliably for decades.

Project Team

Main Contractor: M&P Building & Civil Engineering Ltd
Architect: O’Mahony Pike Architects
Structural Engineer: J. B. Barry & Partners Consulting Engineers
Balcony Design, Manufacture and Installation: Arc Engineering
Hot Dip Galvanizing: Galco