Building type
multi-family
Total project size
(9) Bolt-on balconies
Project duration
9-month design-to-delivery timeline, with fabrication completed in approximately 3 weeks
Project overview
13 Gilman St is a modular multi-family apartment project in Somerville, Massachusetts, developed with Reframe Systems. The project required a bolt-on balcony solution that could integrate cleanly into a factory-built construction workflow, where building modules are manufactured off site, shipped to the jobsite, and assembled in sequence.
Vestis worked with Reframe Systems to adapt a bolt-on balcony system for their modular process, including a custom railing and picket design that aligned with the project’s aesthetic requirements. Through multiple design sessions with the drafting and engineering teams, Vestis helped define a clear balcony solution that could be fabricated, shipped to the East Coast, and delivered without disrupting the modular production schedule.
Client
Reframe Systems
Location
Massachusetts / Northeast
Project Date
November, 2025
Building Type
multi-family
Products used
Bolt-on balconies
How Vestis delivered this project
See how our team collaborated with architects and contractors to solve project constraints, deliver engineered solutions, and complete installation successfully.
Modular construction required a balcony solution that could keep pace with factory-built sequencing
The project required more than a standard balcony order. Reframe Systems needed a partner that could consult through the design process, adapt to modular building requirements, and help finalize a railing aesthetic that fit the project while remaining compatible with a prefabricated balcony system.
- Modular construction sequencing required clear product definition and timing
- The balcony railing needed to deviate from standard design details
- The system had to support a specific picket aesthetic while remaining fabrication-ready
Engineer, coordinate, fabricate, and ship a balcony system for a modular workflow
Vestis needed to support the project from design consultation through fabrication and delivery, while staying aligned with Reframe’s production schedule and East Coast jobsite logistics. In a modular workflow, timing is critical because one delayed component can affect the larger assembly sequence.
- Coordinated design, engineering, fabrication, and delivery over a 9-month project timeline
- Completed fabrication in approximately
- Planned shipping and communication around a modular assembly-line schedule where timing was critical
Iterative design support and lean fabrication for a custom bolt-on balcony package
Vestis collaborated with Reframe Systems through multiple design and engineering sessions to refine the balcony and railing details before fabrication. The team adapted the railing and picket design while preserving the core bolt-on balcony system and preparing the package for efficient production.
- Worked through several design iterations with drafting and engineering teams
- Adapted the railing and picket design while preserving the core bolt-on balcony system
- Used lean manufacturing processes to produce and prepare the 9-balcony package for East Coast delivery
Custom balcony package delivered without delaying the modular construction process
The completed balcony package gave Reframe Systems a factory-aligned solution that supported their modular build approach and opened the door for continued collaboration on future projects. Vestis delivered the 9-balcony package with the custom picket design while maintaining the project’s construction process and sequence.
- Delivered 9 bolt-on balconies with a custom picket design for the project aesthetic
- Maintained the project’s modular construction process and production sequence
- Established Vestis as an early bolt-on balcony partner for Reframe’s modular building model
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Project gallery
See how our team collaborated with architects and contractors to solve project constraints, deliver engineered solutions, and complete installation successfully.
Products used on this project
Architectural canopy and sunshade systems engineered, fabricated, and supplied by Vestis to meet the project’s structural requirements, design intent, and installation schedule.
Bolt-On Balcony
Vestis Decklets are a complete prefabricated aluminum bolt-on balcony system for multi-family housing, hotels, and commercial developments. Customizable by powder coat color, balcony projection, fascia type, and width, each unit features high-quality Trex composite decking with an optional composite water-shedding system that directs water away without a secondary underdeck. Engineered from extruded aluminum for superior
View ProductAbout the client
Reframe Systems is a modular construction company focused on delivering factory-built housing through an integrated contractor-to-manufacturer model. Their approach brings design, manufacturing, and construction coordination into a more controlled production environment, helping projects move from factory assembly to site installation with greater speed and predictability.
Modular construction and manufacturing partner
A project stakeholder responsible for both building delivery and factory-based production coordination, requiring architectural systems that can integrate with modular design, fabrication, and assembly schedules.
Urban modular multi-family housing
A 3-story multi-family apartment project in Somerville, Massachusetts, built around a modular construction process where building components are manufactured off site, transported to the project location, and assembled in sequence.
Modular speed, design adaptation, and schedule alignment
- · A balcony system that could support the project’s modular construction timeline
- · A custom railing and picket design that matched the desired aestheti
- · Clear coordination across design, engineering, fabrication, and East Coast delivery
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