DRAG
Metlifecare Gulf Rise Village
- ProductsGrappler Glide-On Balcony System
- Location
- clientMetlifecare
- ArchitectsIgnite Architects
- Main ContractorNZ Strong
- CompletionJULY 15 2025
- Project Type
Offsite manufacturing of balconies brings essential cost and programme benefits
The Metlifecare Gulf Rise apartments at Red Beach, north of Auckland, incorporate modern balcony solutions that showcase the potential of intelligent offsite manufacturing. Designed and engineered by Auckland-based Belcanto, the lightweight, modular Grappler glide-on balcony system dramatically improved construction time, cost-efficiency and build quality.
Metlifecare approached Belcanto in 2021 with a large delivery program and a need for smarter, faster building solution. Using the Grappler balcony was a key part of achieving this. No stranger to innovative modular products, Metlifecare has also specified bathroom pods and modular facade panels for their projects.
‘We’ve now used the Grappler system on three buildings for Metlifecare,’ says Mark Crean, Director of Living Environments, Aged Care at Ignite Architects. ‘It required us to match an existing balcony design on-site, which we were able to do. We are careful when trialling new products, but our client saw the value in how it reduced risk to the envelope design while delivering significant speed and cost savings. It’s proven to be a real success.’
‘We worked closely with the consultant team to integrate the Balconies seamlessly with the structure and facade design,’ says William Stewart, Managing Director/Design Engineer at Belcanto. ‘It’s important that we are engaged early so the real benefits and savings can be fully incorporated.’
Simplifying complex construction tasks
Made from lightweight aluminium, the Grappler balconies reduce structural load while offering a fully modular, pre-built solution. These balconies slide directly onto the façade, eliminating on-site complexities and reducing both time and budget.
‘Balconies can be time-consuming, involving multiple trades—structural work, concrete laying, drainage, tiling and balustrades,’ explains Mark. ‘Coordinating all these elements can be a challenge for contractors. The Grappler system addresses this by handling all construction in the factory, ensuring quality control and simplifying the process with a single warranty.’
Faster assembly to reduce scaffolding time
At Gulf Rise, contractor NZ Strong saw significant benefits in reducing scaffolding and installation time, with up to 12 balcony units fixed in a single day.
‘Not having to build around in-situ balconies made a big difference,’ says NZ Strong project manager Garyth Jones. ‘The system allows us to complete the façade sooner, bringing down the scaffolding up to a month earlier, which accelerates work on adjacent civil and landscaping projects.’
Garyth adds, ‘It’s refreshing when something just works as planned, without any issues. In a construction environment full of challenges, that’s a win in itself.’
To learn more about our balustrade products and specification services, get in touch with our team of experts.
Products used
Grappler Balconies
Grappler Balconies are lightweight, preassembled aluminium units that simplify delivery from design to construction. With customisable finishes and fast, craned-in installation, they reduce installation time and site trades, offering a smarter, lower-risk alternative to traditional balcony construction. Grappler Balconies are compatible with a wide range of facade types and structural systems – from precast and CLT to traditional framed construction.
Our clients and partners
What Our Clients say
At Metlifecare Gulf Rise, Belcanto fixed 12 balcony units in a single day. The system allows us to complete the facade sooner, bringing down the scaffolding up to a month earlier, which accelerates work on adjacent civil and landscaping projects. It’s refreshing when something just works as planned, without any issues.
Garyth Jones, Project Manager
NZ STRONG
We’ve now used the Grappler system on three buildings for Metlifecare. Our client saw the value in how it reduced risk to the envelope design while delivering significant speed and cost savings. It’s proven to be a real success.
Mark Crean, Director of Living Environments, Aged Care
IGNITE ARCHITECTS
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