Safeguarding the Game: SMART Balustrades Enhance Safety at Burton Rugby Club’s New Stadium
Project Overview
The goal of this project was to construct a cutting-edge stadium and grounds for Burton Rugby Club. Central to this vision was the installation of a 3.0kN/m loading balustrade system, providing both safety and an elevated viewing experience across the terraces, stairs, and bleacher seating.
Challenges
The primary challenge was to uphold stringent safety standards while allowing unobstructed views for spectators, especially considering the needs of wheelchair users. The original vertical bar balustrade design was deemed unsuitable as it would have hindered visibility.

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SMART Balustrades’ Solution
SMART Balustrades presented a forward-thinking design that incorporated 60×30 stainless steel posts, 48mm diameter stainless steel handrails, and 10mm thick clear toughened glass panels. This solution successfully met the rigorous 3.0kN/m loading requirement while maintaining an open and aesthetically pleasing balustrade system, ensuring a clear line of sight for all spectators.
Execution and Implementation
In collaboration with R. L. Harrison Construction, SMART Balustrades meticulously executed the installation, ensuring seamless integration of the chosen materials into the stadium’s terraces, stairs, and bleacher seating areas. The focus remained on delivering safety and an unobstructed view, enriching the stadium experience.
Client Case Studies
Since launching SMART Balustrades, we’ve helped over 800 happy customers with project of varying sizes and styles. Feel free to read some of our excellent TrustPilot reviews, or delve deeper to see our consultation to installation process on our case studies page, and see how our expert team could help you.
Results
The innovative balustrade solution provided by SMART Balustrades at Burton Rugby Club’s new stadium achieved the desired 3.0kN/m loading requirement while offering spectators an unobstructed view of the game. The combination of 60×30 stainless steel posts, 48mm diameter stainless steel handrails, and 10mm thick clear toughened glass panels resulted in an elegant and highly functional balustrade system.
Conclusion
The collaboration between SMART Balustrades and R. L. Harrison Construction for Burton Rugby Club’s new stadium showcased the importance of innovative design in achieving safety objectives while enhancing the overall spectator experience. The project demonstrated successful integration of safety, aesthetics, and functionality, reflecting SMART Balustrades’ commitment to delivering exceptional results in sports infrastructure.

Client Testimonial
R. L. Harrison Construction commended SMART Balustrades for their ingenuity and expertise in implementing a solution that not only upheld safety standards but also enhanced the overall stadium experience for the patrons and visitors at Burton Rugby Club.
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