Supporting VINCI Construction UK at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield

Design Your Own Balustrade

Project Overview

The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield is one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious hospitality destinations, internationally recognised for its luxury accommodation, conference facilities and world-famous golf courses.

As part of the redevelopment works, VINCI Construction UK was appointed as the main contractor to deliver a new-build structure following the demolition of the existing nightclub. The project involved the construction of a new building shell and structural framework, enhancing the resort’s overall offering while maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Working in collaboration with VINCI Construction UK and EPR Architects, SMART Balustrades was appointed as the specialist subcontractor to supply and install frameless structural glass balustrade systems to the external terrace area.

The project required a solution that would complement the modern architectural design while delivering the highest levels of safety, durability and performance expected within a luxury hospitality environment. The balustrade needed to provide secure edge protection while preserving open sightlines, allowing guests to fully experience the surrounding environment.

SMART Balustrades supplied and installed a structural glass balustrade system comprising continuous top-mounted aluminium base tracks and 25.52mm thick SentryGlas laminated glass panels, designed to achieve a height of 1100mm and meet the required 3.0kN loadings in accordance with relevant British Standards.

This installation formed a key architectural feature, enhancing both safety and visual appeal within the external terrace space.

Challenges

Delivering balustrade systems within a high-end hospitality environment presents a unique set of challenges, particularly where quality, coordination and programme are critical.

One of the primary challenges was ensuring the balustrade system integrated seamlessly with both the architectural vision and the newly constructed structural framework. The frameless glass solution needed to provide unobstructed views while maintaining full structural integrity and compliance.

A key technical consideration was the coordination with the contractor responsible for the structural steelwork. Careful alignment of fixing details was essential to avoid clashes between the balustrade base track and supporting steel elements, ensuring both systems worked cohesively.

The project programme also presented logistical challenges. Works were required to be delivered within a tight timeframe to align with the wider construction schedule, while maintaining high standards of finish expected within a luxury environment.

In addition, late design adjustments and evolving project requirements required flexibility and responsiveness. Any changes needed to be accommodated without compromising safety, quality or programme delivery.

Precision was critical throughout. Structural glass balustrades demand exact tolerances and careful installation to achieve consistent alignment and a flawless visual finish.

SMART Balustrades approached these challenges with a proactive and collaborative mindset, ensuring all elements of the system met the project’s demanding requirements.

SMART Balustrades’ Solution

To meet the technical and architectural requirements, SMART Balustrades delivered a bespoke frameless structural glass balustrade system tailored specifically to the project.

The system incorporated:

  • 25.52mm thick toughened laminated SentryGlas panels for enhanced strength and safety 
  • Continuous top-mounted aluminium base track systems for secure fixing and clean sightlines 
  • Carefully considered detailing to ensure durability and long-term performance 
  • Precision manufacturing and supplier coordination to ensure consistency and accuracy 

SentryGlas laminated glass was selected due to its superior strength, stiffness and post-breakage performance compared to standard laminated glass, making it ideal for high-traffic external environments.

The frameless design maximised transparency and allowed uninterrupted views across the terrace, supporting the contemporary architectural intent.

While key elements were carefully managed and coordinated by SMART Balustrades, selected components were sourced through trusted specialist suppliers to ensure the highest quality and performance standards.

Execution and Installation

Successful delivery relied on detailed planning, coordination and expert installation.

SMART Balustrades worked closely with VINCI Construction UK to develop an installation programme aligned with the overall construction schedule. This ensured efficient delivery while maintaining the highest standards of safety and workmanship.

Our experienced installation team ensured each balustrade section was installed with precision, achieving a clean and consistent finish throughout.

Close collaboration with other trades ensured smooth integration with surrounding elements, avoiding delays or conflicts on site.

Despite late-stage design changes, SMART Balustrades adapted effectively, maintaining programme commitments and delivering to the required standard.

The installation process included:

Detailed site surveys and precise setting-out

Coordination with main contractors to ensure compatibility of fixings

Careful handling and installation of structural glass panels

Secure installation of aluminium base track systems

Ongoing quality checks to ensure alignment and finish

Results

The completed installation delivers a high-quality, contemporary balustrade solution that enhances both safety and aesthetics within the external terrace area.

The frameless glass system provides a clean, modern appearance while preserving open views, contributing to the overall guest experience.

From a safety perspective, the system achieves full compliance with required loadings and performance standards, ensuring reliable protection in a high-traffic environment.

 

Conclusion

The Belfry Hotel & Resort project demonstrates SMART Balustrades’ ability to deliver specialist balustrade solutions within complex, high-end developments.

Working in partnership with VINCI Construction UK and EPR Architects, SMART Balustrades successfully delivered a frameless structural glass balustrade system that aligns with both architectural intent and technical requirements.

Our ability to coordinate with multiple trades, adapt to evolving design requirements and maintain high-quality standards ensured the successful delivery of this prestigious project.

This project reinforces SMART Balustrades’ position as a trusted specialist subcontractor for high-profile leisure and hospitality schemes across the UK.

 

Planning a hotel, leisure or commercial development requiring premium balustrade systems?

We work closely with architects, contractors and developers to deliver compliant, high-quality balustrade solutions aligned with your programme and design vision.

Contact our team today to discuss your project requirements.

What our customers think

“SMART Balustrades carried out a high quality glass balustrade system on out hotel project. Their price was keen and they carried out the work within our very tight programme, despite late changes to the system. I would highly recommend them.”

Richard Peevor, VINCI Construction UK

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