Marine-Grade Balcony Partitions
Location: Thames Reach, London
The Brief
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, Thames Reach is a luxury residential development featuring a collection of privately owned apartments, each with stunning south-facing balconies that overlook the river.
While the riverside setting offers spectacular views, it also brings exposure to the full force of the British climate — including strong winds, driving rain, high UV levels, and the corrosive effects of salt air. The balconies were originally designed by a marine architect and featured distinctive white sail-style fabric partitions (commonly referred to as dodgers) to divide the shared spaces between apartments.
During planned refurbishment works to strip and repaint the balcony railings, it was the ideal opportunity to replace the twelve aged dodgers with durable, custom-made replacements — built to last in a challenging marine environment.
Our Solution
For a project in such an exposed location, material performance and durability were key. We specified a 620gsm PVC fabric, selected for its outstanding UV stability, abrasion resistance, and ease of cleaning. Its weight and flexibility make it perfectly suited for long-term outdoor use, particularly in coastal settings.
Each fabric partition was custom-fitted and tensioned using marine-grade 316 stainless steel hardware to ensure strength and corrosion resistance. To prevent damage from high winds and maintain the fabric’s integrity over time, we incorporated 6mm shock cord lacing at both ends of each dodger. This feature allows for a degree of flex and movement, reducing strain on eyelets and preventing premature wear or distortion.
Every detail of the installation — from wire tensioning to fabric cutting — was executed with precision, ensuring a clean, uniform appearance that complements the building’s architectural style while delivering unmatched durability.
Specification
- Design: Bespoke, made-to-measure fabric balcony partitions
- Quantity: 12 Fabric Dodgers, 24 Stainless Steel Tension Wires
- Fabric: 620gsm Reinforced PVC (Marine-grade, UV-stabilised, easy-clean)
- Colour: White
- Thread: V138 UV-Resistant Polyester
- Lacing: 6mm Shock Cord for tension absorption
Wires & Fittings: - 5mm 1×19 Stainless Steel Wire Rope
- M10 Swage Fork Terminals
- M10 Fork/Swage Rigging Screws (All Stainless Steel 316)
Built to Withstand Coastal Conditions
This installation ensures long-lasting visual appeal and performance in one of the harshest urban environments — balancing sleek aesthetics with marine-grade resilience. The new dodgers restore the privacy and functionality of each balcony while preserving the architectural intent of the original design.
Client Testimonal
“C&J were enthusiastically recommended by two unrelated friends who both owned boats and were satisfied customers of C&J.
While our project was very much on land, the balconies and much of the exterior of our buildings, overlooking the Thames and designed by the renowned architect Richard Rogers, have a nautical inspiration. This includes many metal ship-type railings, in a dozen or more cases combined with large canvas-type dividers or dodgers.
The brief was to replace this large set of dodgers which were badly weathered and pollution-stained, and their hardware which was rusted, with durable new ones, respecting the original look.
C&J’s management were very responsive, flexible and professional, the work was on time, on budget and of good quality. The measurement and installation team was a pleasure to work with. Thank you.”
