Housing association Salix Homes’ multi-million pound regeneration project at Canon Green Campus

Designed by Corstorphine and Wright Architects, this development has completely transformed this area of Salford, creating 108 affordable modern and sustainable homes that will have a positive impact on the local community.

The appearance of the ageing 60s block, Canon Green Court, was transformed by Sunparadise balcony enclosures. Installed by McKean Developments, who worked alongside Wilmott Dixon, the main contractor, these glazed columns don’t just improve aesthetics, they offer improved lifestyle for residents due to the systems versatility and resulting extended use of their balcony space, particularly during Spring and Autumn. The space can be fully enclosed, partially or fully opened up providing a protected outside space yet a direct connection with residents surroundings.

When closed, the balcony space will capture any solar energy through the glazing, which also provides a secondary façade against the wind and rain. This natural energy will warm the space, and inner rooms, making the building more sustainable and improving energy efficiency.

Increasing natural daylight and natural ventilation has a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. Our current COVID restrictions have really emphasised how fundamental this really is in the development of 21st century homes. With noise reduction properties of up to 17db when closed, this is a real benefit in noisy roadside, rail side, flightpath or densely populated and congested locations.

The upper glazed panels slide and turn inwards for safe and easy cleaning. When closed, there is a secure locking system which provides a barrier to unwanted intrusion, creating security for the elderly and a safe place for young children to play. There is also nowhere for problematic pigeons to land which reduces maintenance requirements.

Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said:

“The new balcony enclosures by Sunparadise have dramatically transformed the aesthetics of the building for the better, complementing the wider regeneration in the area and creating modern and desirable homes that are fit for the future.”

Sunparadise also provided the glazed curtain walling to the stairwell, providing users with a light, airy space to travel around the building. The smooth transition from one glazing feature to another is not only co-ordinated, but improves security. The stairwell can be seen from across the site, which will deter anti-social behaviour.

Canon Green Court of today is totally unrecognisable from its former self, making life in this revitalised dwelling as attractive as it is affordable.