Architecture
Client Within the Manufacturing Sector
£8 million
Turnover
42
Projects
£131,568
Secured in R&D Tax Credits
Project Example
Balcony Support Systems
A specialist structural engineering firm working in the manufacturing and construction sector undertook a research and development project to streamline balcony support systems by reducing unnecessary structural elements while preserving safety and code compliance. The team used structured analysis and iterative modelling to determine the number of support members and connection points required for typical residential balcony spans. They also re‑examined how balconies are tied back to the main structure, exploring alternative connection concepts that could work reliably with the leaner support arrangement. The resulting design approach demonstrated that, for certain balcony layouts, it is feasible to use fewer primary supporting elements than had been standard practice while still meeting stringent performance requirements for stiffness, vibration response, and overall structural integrity.
To validate this approach, the company's engineers collaborated closely with structural specialists to test different support layouts, beam sizes, and interface details through calculation and physical verification, checking that load paths remained robust and that no local overstressing or serviceability issues arose. In parallel, the team compared multiple frame‑tying strategies, weighing up trade‑offs between material volumes, fabrication complexity, assembly time, and on‑site risk. The result is reduced material usage for balconies compared to existing standards, whilst still achieving the required safety margins.
Get in Touch With One of Our Experts
In the 2023–24 tax year alone, UK businesses claimed £7.6 billion in R&D tax relief across 46,950 claims. If your business is investing in innovation, you could be eligible too.
Book a free consultation with our team and we’ll help you uncover qualifying activities, identify eligible costs, and understand how much you could claim.
Simon Wilby - Director
