Ballymastone: Delivering Complex Balcony Solutions for Glenveagh's Flagship Development

Ballymastone, Donabate is Glenveagh's flagship residential development and one of the largest housing developments currently being delivered in Ireland. The overall development comprises approximately 1,200 homes delivered across multiple phases, with the first two phases providing almost 800 homes and apartments. Extreme Balconies was appointed to deliver the balcony package for Blocks 1 and 2, providing 142 balconies together with associated privacy screens, columns and structural support systems.

The project represented a significant technical challenge due to the wide variety of balcony types and structural arrangements required throughout the development. Unlike many residential schemes that utilise a small number of standard balcony designs, Ballymastone incorporated numerous balcony configurations, each requiring careful engineering, coordination and manufacturing. The completed package included cantilevered balconies, post-supported balconies, L-shaped balconies, Juliet balconies and large feature balconies spanning approximately 12 metres across two apartments.

The variety of balcony types created numerous structural interfaces and installation conditions throughout the development. Each balcony solution required close coordination between the architectural, structural and manufacturing teams to ensure the design intent was achieved while maintaining buildability, programme requirements and consistent quality across the development.

The balcony structures were manufactured within Extreme Balconies' Newcastle facility under controlled factory conditions. Following fabrication, the balcony components were sent for hot dip galvanising and subsequently powder coated in RAL 7016, providing both long-term durability and an architectural finish that complemented the overall appearance of the development.

Following the finishing process, the structural components were transferred to Extreme Balconies' Clane assembly facility, where the balconies were fully assembled prior to delivery to site. Aluminium vertical spindle balustrades, aluminium drainage decking systems and soffit panels were installed in the factory environment, producing fully finished balcony units ready for installation.

The aluminium drainage decking system formed an important element of the balcony design. The integrated drainage system collects rainwater and directs it away from the building façade before discharging at either side of the balcony edge. This not only improves the long-term performance of the balcony system but also contributes to the clean architectural appearance of the finished installation.

The inclusion of soffit panels further enhanced the visual quality of the development by providing a clean and consistent underside appearance throughout the various balcony types. Despite the complexity and diversity of the balcony arrangements, the completed installation maintains a cohesive architectural language across the entire development.

Installation works continued through to November 2025. The fully assembled offsite approach significantly reduced site activities and allowed the project team to manage the installation of numerous balcony types efficiently. The delivery of completed balcony units minimised disruption to other trades while ensuring high levels of quality and consistency.

One of the project's greatest achievements was the successful delivery of multiple balcony solutions within a single development while maintaining a consistent manufacturing process and architectural finish. The various cantilevered, supported, L-shaped and long-span balcony designs all required different engineering approaches and connection details, yet the completed development presents a unified appearance.

The collaboration between Glenveagh, MDO Architects, DBFL Engineers, TSA Engineers and Extreme Balconies was fundamental to the success of the project. Early coordination and continuous communication allowed the team to successfully manage the complex interfaces associated with the numerous balcony types and support arrangements.

The quality of the finished installation and the successful delivery of the project has resulted in Extreme Balconies being awarded the subsequent phase of the Ballymastone development, which will include approximately 150 additional balconies. This repeat appointment demonstrates the confidence placed in the team and reflects the quality, technical expertise and collaborative approach delivered throughout the project.

Ballymastone demonstrates how modern manufacturing methods, engineering expertise and collaborative project delivery can successfully deliver complex architectural metalwork at scale. The project combines technical excellence, manufacturing quality and architectural design across one of Ireland's most significant residential developments, establishing a benchmark for the delivery of large and varied balcony packages within the Irish construction industry.