Curved Patio Doors

Curved patio doors and glass balustrading supplied by Balcony Systems Ltd met the architect's specification to maximise light, satisfy strict aesthetic requirements and enhance the feeling of spaciousness at this luxury apartment complex for the over-55s in Lancashire.

The Renaissance Living development at Sienna Court in Oldham offers stylish and modern retirement accommodation, with a mix of 53 apartments, of these six two-bedroom penthouse apartments.

The complex is built to exacting high standards by contractor Wiggett Construction Ltd and makes extensive use of glass. Glass was specified to maximise residents' views; both internally overlooking a large communal lounge/bistro area and externally from Juliette balconies to a central Piazza within the complex.

According to Renaissance Living, the elegance and simplicity of Balcony's "Balconette" Juliette Balcony system provides the secure 1.1 metre high balustrade to satisfy Building Regulations, but without any 'visually intrusive' bars and "at very reasonable comparative cost."

The company adds: "Balcony's systems have enabled us to make our original vision a reality - particularly as they occupy such highly visible positions, making them a key factor in the overall appearance of the development."

Balcony also provided the technical advice and design criteria for curved balconies and curved sliding patio door access for two large penthouse apartments. "Having discussed the technical aspects with Balcony and learned about the curved sliding door system, which again was very reasonably priced, we had our solution," explains Dave Higgins, Projects Director at Wiggett Construction. "Up to then, we had not been able to find an answer to the structural curves in glass/aluminium on the British market."

Curved glass balustrading supplied by Balcony Systems also fulfilled the safety requirements for a large opening with curved ends in the first floor of the communal area, giving a visual interlink with ground floor lounge below.

"Minimum visual interference, minimum structural supports and curved glass were again the defining factors. Balcony's solution is both aesthetically satisfying and achieved considerable economies on other quoted systems - none of which could deal with the curves. Balcony's installation teams also integrated well with the contract programme and we are extremely satisfied with the company's contribution to this successful project," adds Dave.

The Channel Island of Jersey has enthusiastically embraced the arrival of a low-maintenance glass balcony system that offers safety and security, while keeping clear views to the outside.

Tom Matthews is Managing Director of Pallot Windows, one of the island’s oldest window companies and now Balcony’s distributor based in St Helier. He says the elegance and simplicity of the competitively-priced Balcony System serves their niche market perfectly.

"It’s a fantastic product, particularly for the many properties here that overlook the sea," says Tom. "Jersey has some wealthier residents who are selective in what they spend on their homes and lifestyles, preferring products that are a bit different and bespoke. The Balcony system scores highly for its aesthetics and affordability, with the great advantage of keeping the views. Its corrosion-resistance makes it ideal for our coastal climate, and of course, there’s no need for painting."

A shortage of homes is keeping Jersey’s builders busy, with some 400 new apartments a year being built - many on reclaimed or previously-developed land - to meet demand. Changes in the hotel industry mean a number of hotels are being converted into luxury apartments, many with large balconies.

For example, the former Seacrest Hotel site at St Brelade has been transformed into eight apartments with glass balconies measuring up to 20 metres by 10 metres. As well as retaining spectacular sea views, the clear glass panels also offer protection from sea breezes.

As inherently strong materials, glass and aluminium open up exciting creative design possibilities for straight and curved glass balconies, with minimal need for vertical or corner posts.

The Balcony system allows for greater distancing between the vertical uprights than other systems," explains Tom. "So for an eight-metre wide balcony, only three posts would be needed - compared to six or more posts with other systems - enabling the beauty of the glass to shine through."

Handrails are available in a choice of finishes to suit property styles and colour schemes; powder-coated white or anodized silver, bronze or ‘Royal Chrome’, which replicates the look of stainless steel, but without the discolouration problems.

Tom concludes: "Balcony is a very responsive and reactive company with an original, yet practical product that really appeals to the Jersey market. The company’s commitment to excellent customer service enables us to offer the same to our discerning customers."

Designed to make the most of its beautiful countryside setting, this luxury five-bedroomed house incorporates extensive glass balustrading and a distinctive three-pane curved sliding patio door supplied by Balcony Systems Ltd.

Owners Greg Freiberg and his wife Lindsey Russel selected Balcony’s products to realise their vision of maximising views and natural light at the stunning, spacious property they built on the site of a former 1960s bungalow at Soulbury, Buckinghamshire.

The couple, who run their own construction company GPF Brickwork & Scaffolding Ltd, lived in their adjacent office/garage block during the two year build programme. They moved in just before last Christmas.

Situated on the first floor of the 'upside-down' house, the open-plan kitchen features a dramatic full-height curved sliding patio door opening onto a corner dining terrace, taking full advantage of the far-reaching views. From the terrace, the glass ‘wraparound’ balcony spans two sunny elevations overlooking the garden and fields beyond. A glass Juliette balcony across a full-height French Window provides the necessary safety, while enhancing interior light into the first-floor galleried landing above the front entrance.

Installation of the patio door and balcony was straightforward and completed by Greg and his brother Jason in just a few days. "We wanted minimum visual interference so that when you enter the room, you are drawn straight through to the view outside," explains Lindsey. "We were going to have a stone-pillared balcony to match the ground floor one, but that would have spoiled the views. The Balcony system appealed to us as it is unobtrusive and literally appears to ‘brings the outside in’."

As a niche product for the UK market, Balcony’s curved patio door range is creating a lot of interest from homeowners seeking an original, inspiring and different solution. Using curved glass, instead of segmented or straight glass adds extra beauty, space and light to any property.

Lindsey continues: "The patio door is quite a talking point. A couple considering a curved door travelled from Devon to look at ours, having discussed some options with Balcony. Our neighbour who has seen it also wants one!"

She adds: "Balcony was extremely helpful, with plenty of ideas and technical advice - right down to the positioning of posts to maximise the clear outlook. It was 100% exactly what we wanted; the bronze handrail and tinted glass complements the property perfectly."

All aspects of an innovative curved glass solution from Balcony Systems Ltd have been used to enhance the unique appearance of a contemporary Art Deco-influenced property on the South Coast.

The system's ability to achieve smooth curved glass doors and windows perfectly met the challenging 'grand piano' double-curve design of the four-bedroomed luxury seafront home overlooking Langstone Harbour at Hayling Island.

Two curved sliding glass and aluminium patio doors provide direct access from the living room and kitchen to the outside. Both sets of doors measure 3.3 metres across by 2.4 metres high, with one set curving inwards and the other set outwards to follow the sinuous shape of the building's southern elevation.

Complementing the doors are curved windows to two bedrooms above, again following the wall's curving line. Completing the theme is a curved glass balcony off the master bedroom. No-maintenance clear glass keeps the harbour views beyond.

The contemporary interpretation of original 1930s styling, seen in some of the neighbouring homes in the area, also features a dramatic curved glass entrance and hallway that spans the full two-storey height of the house. This 'entrance drum' comprises a quarter-circle of curved glass curtain walling, also supplied by Balcony Systems. All the low-maintenance extruded aluminium polyester powder-coated profiles are finished in a RAL 7000 shade of grey.

Homeowner and property developer, Nigel Slydell says: "The Balcony system attracted my interest because it is the only one in the UK that could supply exactly what I was looking for. It has certainly exceeded my expectations in delivering the aesthetics for the house. In addition, the curved glass provides some really interesting reflections of the outside scenery that change with the varying light levels."

Achieving smooth curves, rather than using a 'traditional' alternative such as a faceted design, was a crucial factor in the specification of the Balcony system, according to architect Jeffrey Douglas, of Jeffrey Douglas Chartered Architect.

"Curved glass is a major feature of this stunning house and what the Balcony system has brought is absolutely key to the overall design and aesthetics. Before we discovered Balcony, we were unable to find anything comparable on the UK market. We are absolutely delighted with the result," says Jeffrey.

"Curved glass doors and windows lend a much more refined and elegant appearance as they follow the flowing lines of the southern elevation and entrance. The effect would not have been the same using a faceted method," he adds.

The Balcony Visio Glide 100 system with curved glazed units was specified for the doors. It is manufactured to exacting tolerances for straightforward installation, durability and ease of use.

Balcony's technologically-advanced, yet affordable patio door system suits curved openings of virtually any size and radius, making it ideal for newbuild and renovation projects. Available in any colour, the system allows for configurations of two, three, four and six panels in various sliding and fixed combinations, offering myriad creative opportunities.

Balcony also offers full technical advice and a back-up service, along with a step-by-step installation guide on the website at www.balconette.co.uk. Email: enquiries@balconette.co.uk. Tel: 01342 410411, Fax: 01342 410412. Website: www.balconette.co.uk