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The introduction of a self-cleaning glass coating option is proving popular with Juliette balcony and balustrading customers, especially for those living in coastal or city environments, say specialists Balcony Systems.

Applied on both sides of the glass, the patented self clean coating creates a smooth surface that quickly repels water, dirt and grime to help keep it looking clean for longer.

This maintenance-reducing benefit was the key reason why Rhian and John Powell Jones chose the Balcony Systems Juliette balcony for their new-build home at Harlech, North Wales.

“The self-cleaning glass definitely influenced our choice of balustrading as our house is in an elevated position overlooking the sea,” comments Rhian. “It’s very windy so we often get fine salty and grainy deposits carried in the air. This glass certainly helps to reduce the amount of cleaning we have to do – leaving us more time to enjoy the view.”

She adds: “Not only does the Juliette balcony look great from the inside and outside, it’s easy to look after too.”

Spectacular sweeping curved glass balconies, supplied and installed by Balcony Systems, provided the bespoke balustrading solution for the multi-million pound Gloucestershire dream home of one of Britain’s leading industrialists.

Spread over seven levels, the 2,800 sq metre futuristic, high-tech property is a fabulous fusion of glass, stone and metal roofing incorporating several self-contained apartments, a swimming pool, winter garden and viewing tower.

Complex design

The former dairy farm site, near Wotton-under-Edge, also contains a second smaller property reflecting Swinhay House’s contemporary style and materials. Both buildings use more than 45 metres of Balcony’s elegant balustrading system, which was specified to meet the projects’ complex design and aesthetic requirements.

As the system relies on the handrail for the necessary strength, the glass balustrades require minimum vertical supports to provide uninterrupted views of Swinhay’s formal gardens, parkland and countryside beyond. Curved and straight 10mm toughened glass panels blend seamlessly and stylishly with the mansion’s extensive glazed elements for maximum visual appeal.

Endless design opportunities

An exciting project, it presented some interesting challenges as Effi Wolff, Balcony’s Managing Director, pointed out: “All the balconies were highly unusual shapes in combinations of convex and concave curves, slopes and cut out of stone work to follow the building’s unique shapes and changing levels. Not one balcony had a 90 degree corner in it!”

Glass balconies with curves of 15 metres or more are achievable without the need for posts – offering endless design opportunities. This is due to the inherent strength of the curve – or arch as seen horizontally – combining even greater support with the handrail to give stunning results.

Structural work was project-managed by Swinhay Developments Ltd whose Managing Director Iain McMurtry praised the versatility of the Balcony system in delivering a highly-effective curved and straight balcony solution for both properties.

“An initial inquiry for two curved glass balconies on the smal

ler estate house led us to specify the Balcony System for four balconies on Swinhay House,” he explained. “We wanted glazed and anodised aluminium balconies and Balcony fitted the bill with a bronze handrail to match the colour scheme. Assistance with surveys and technical design was backed up with excellent service. The whole installation went very smoothly.

“From an installation and contracting perspective, the Balcony system ‘ticks all the boxes’. More cost-effective and simpler to install than a traditional glass balustrade, it performs very well. I am very pleased with the finished product which convincingly achieves the look of a much more expensive system,” added Iain.

Glass balustrading specialist Balcony Systems is the first to add a low-cost, self-cleaning glass coating option to its external and Juliette balconies in response to increasing demand for the ultimate reduced-maintenance solution.

Low maintenanca, crystal clear glass

Applied using a special ‘vapour chamber’ process, this unique patented double-sided coating creates a smooth surface that quickly repels water, dirt and grime. Protected from the elements on both sides, glass stays looking clean for longer; requiring just the occasional wipe down with a wet cloth.

The innovative coating can also be applied on all colours of glass, including tinted panels, providing an affordable, readily available and convenient extra benefit for architects, specifiers and designers to offer their clients.

Available now across Balcony Systems’ entire product range, including curved patio doors, the self-cleaning glass coating can be specified at the design stage for bespoke projects or supplied on off-the-shelf Juliette balconies.

Fantastic customer feedback

Managing Director Effi Wolff comments: “Introducing this self-cleaning glass coating option has put Balcony Systems firmly at the forefront of innovative and practical balcony solutions. It has generated fantastic customer feedback, as well as growing demand from architects for a distinctive feature to offer their clients.”

We are happy to announce that this year’s Balcony Systems photo competition has begun:

We are now contacting customers that have ordered with us in the past to encourage them to take part in this year’s competition for the best photograph of juliet balconies, balustrades and curved doors.

The competition will run until 15th December 2011 at which time we will stop accepting new entries.

The judging process will begin and we will choose the winner in January.

Here you can read the competition’s terms and conditions.

The happy winner will win a brand new Apple iPad worth £499

To participate all you have to do is:

1. Send us a maximum of 8 high resolution photos to Information@balconette.co.uk
2. Take a moment and fill out a review form about the product you purchased at http://www.balconette.co.uk/Products/customer-review.aspx

Good luck and we look forward to seeing your beautiful pictures!

A spectacular glass and aluminium balcony overlooking the Solent has earned an Isle of Wight couple top prize in Balcony Systems’ first-ever Photo Competition.

Retired business owners Stephen, 73 and Jo Harwood, 68, installed the balustrade last summer at their Fishbourne home and were selected from hundreds of entries featuring glass Juliette and external balconies to win an iPad.

Making the presentation on their balcony, Balcony Systems General Manager Lesley Woodcraft said: “Choosing a winner from so many fabulous photos was difficult, however we felt Stephen and Jo’s eye-catching entry really showed off the balustrading to great effect.”

Measuring nearly 20 metres long by up to two metres wide, the balcony spans the sea-facing elevation of the property and is accessed off the first-floor living room and open-plan kitchen. Featuring curves at both ends and an anodised satin finish handrail, it provides far-reaching panoramic views to England’s south coast.

“The balcony is a crowning feature of the house and really transforms its whole appearance. We’re absolutely delighted with it, and of course, that it has also won us such a marvellous prize in Balcony’s photo competition,” said Stephen.

“We saw Balcony Systems three years ago at Grand Designs and were very impressed as the product was exactly what we were looking for – nice clean lines and clear glass without clips to keep the views.

“No one else was prepared to do a curve; there was a very ‘can-do’ positive attitude from Balcony! They can always find a solution. The fitting team was brilliant, really excellent. So many people have admired our balcony from which we enjoy wonderful sea views.”

Completing the three-bedroom property last summer was the fulfilment of a 38-year dream for the couple, who have four grown-up children. “Having owned the plot of land for so long, we took the decision five years ago to finally go ahead and build our own house,” continued Stephen, who admitted the project was a major undertaking at their time of life.

“The house took two years to build and the glass balcony was installed right at the end of the build. It really makes a feature of the whole house, while also protecting us – and the building – from the wind. Not only does it look good, but the low-maintenance glass and aluminium materials resist corrosion – an important factor for a coastal location,” he added.

Architect Robert Biggs of Biggs Talbot Architects, said: “It was important for the design of the balcony structure to reflect the contemporary nature of the house design as well as providing a marine theme. The Balcony system with its clean minimal structure lines and ability to provide curves provided an ideal solution both in terms of providing an interesting visual appearance and low maintenance.”

The balustrade was fitted atop the galvanised steel structure, which features recycled plastic wood-effect decking with a non-slip surface.

Balcony Systems, the UK’s leading balustrading supplier, is aiming to conquer the glass Juliette balcony market with its affordable, stylish and popular product costing from under £200.

At £199, the BAL 128 version measuring 1,280mm with white handrail is available in various quantities – from just a single unit to bulk delivery for larger housing schemes.

Low-maintenance glass Juliette balconies are not only a great deal on initial purchase, but also prove to be a long-term cost-effective choice when compared to conventional balustrading materials as they don’t require painting or repairs. Clear glass retains views and maximises light to the interior, while a wipe down with a wet cloth keeps them sparkling.

The Juliette balcony range includes 28 different standard models with aluminium handrail finishes in white, silver, bronze or Royal Chrome. Bespoke sizes and colours can be supplied for bulk orders to suit any client specification and budget.

Low cost, High value

Commenting on the lower price, Balcony Systems’ Managing Director, Effi Wolff says: “With our genuinely affordable Juliette balcony range, we’re challenging people’s perceptions that glass balconies are expensive. In fact, our glass and aluminium products cost about the same as steel – but work out cheaper in the long run as you don’t have to paint them.

“With the added advantages of corrosion-resistance for coastal areas, contemporary clean lines and ease of installation, we’re already seeing a tremendous response from purchasers seeking a value-for-money balustrade, which also looks good,” he adds.

The beautiful Greek island of Paxos is home to Chris James. The island is lush and green with a very Italian feel. When Chris decided to re-build an old windmill which stood in the grounds of his villa he wanted to keep its traditional look and feel. The windmill, which will be used as a guest cottage, has one bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor and a living room on the first floor to make the most of the sea views. The windmill is creating a lot of interest locally so Chris knew he had to get everything right.

He found Balcony Systems Ltd on the internet and was immediately won over by their stunning curved glass patio doors and placed an order. The three-panel curved patio door measuring 4.5 metres wide will be installed in the first floor living room so guests can enjoy the spectacular sea view .

Chris James says: “I found Balcony very helpful and professional. I had the doors delivered to a UK address and then shipped to Paxos. The doors will be a stunning addition to the building. They will give the impression of one large window and will certainly give the windmill the ‘wow’ factor.”

When homeowner Nick Tiffin planned a major renovation of his detached five bedroom home in Leamington Spa, he chose a Juliette balcony from Balcony Systems as the finishing touch to the master bedroom. Nick wanted something contemporary, stylish, high-quality and value for money and he found the ideal solution on Balcony’s website. He ordered a 2.4 metre Juliette balcony to be fitted to the bi-fold doors in the master bedroom, overlooking the back garden.

Nick is delighted: “The balcony was on-site within seven days, and with some help from the contractor it was fitted easily in under three hours. We can now open the doors in safety and have an uninterrupted view of the garden. The balcony enhances the look and value of the property too. The service from Balcony was excellent from start to finish and I’d certainly recommend them.”

Eighteen exclusive townhouses overlooking the River Nene in March were built by James Developments Company Ltd. The architect specified Balcony’s Juliettes because he wanted to make sure each townhouse enjoys clear views of the river and benefits from maximum light coming into the room. Balcony’s Juliettes were also chosen because their stylish looks enhance the attractiveness of the three and four bedroom properties.

A key selling feature

Architect Chris Cooper says: “The balconies are a key selling feature for the new townhouses and we’ve had positive feedback from purchasers. They create an unimpeded view of the river which homeowners can enjoy in complete safety, and with minimal handrail and no clamps to distract the eye, they look modern and add appeal to the development. We are seeing more and more new build properties adding Juliette balconies as a ‘standard’ feature because they are attractive and popular with buyers and help new homes sell faster.”

Stunning curved patio doors supplied and installed by Balcony Systems transform the appearance and enhance all-year round use of a swimming pool extension at a Hertfordshire home.

Adding tremendous space and light, the doors have three sliding panels that allow Margaret and Andy Demetriou of Broxbourne to ‘bring the outside in’ during hot summer days. Panoramic views to the garden can be enjoyed when taking a dip or relaxing – whatever the weather.

Curved glass was an essential part of the specification and the couple’s decision was firmly sealed after seeing another Balcony curved patio door installation at apartments in East Sussex.

“The curved doors are wonderful; they’re so much prettier than conventional options and the smaller frame profiles leave more glass area to enhance the view. Everyone who sees them

is stunned by how beautiful they look,” says Margaret. “Once you’ve seen them, you don’t want flat glass!”

Working with their builder, Balcony’s team completed the installation process smoothly and on time. The couple have since hosted visits from several potential purchasers of curved patio doors.