Balustrades

Balcony Systems’ products fully exploit Isle of Man views Owners Philip and Jillian Routledge specified Balcony’s four-panel curved patio door, with two sliding panels, that forms the stunning centrepiece of the domed guest lounge at The Arches overlooking Port Erin. Either side of the curved white aluminium powder-coated doors are two further straight patio doors allowing additional access to the outside space. Measuring 5.2 metres across and maximising the 180-degree views, the curved door has double glazed units with Low E glass and a 16mm air space that achieve a 1.8W/m2K U-value. It opens onto a square terrace with a structural glazed balustrade, also supplied by Balcony Systems. This balustrading style was chosen specifically to fulfil safety requirements with low-maintenance minimum visual impact, plus the added benefit of protection from prevailing winds. The curved patio doors and balustrading elements were installed by Chris Wedgwood, Managing Director of Jurby-based Hamilton Project Management Ltd and incorporated as part of extensive remodelling to the substantial 1920s building, perched on a steep site in Tower Road. Five years of construction work included rebuilding and extending the southern elevation and roofing over what was an outdoor swimming pool.

Frameless Glass Balustrade Curved Patio Doors Curved Glass Balustrade

Following the shape of a second lower terrace next to the swimming pool are nearly 40 metres of Balcony’s curved and straight balustrading, topped with an anodised silver handrail. Above this terrace, three glass Juliet balconies supplied by Balcony Systems maintain clear views from guest rooms on two upper floors.

Having holidayed on the Isle of Man for many years, the couple moved there from the UK in 2006 having fallen in love with The Arches’ spectacular coastal location. The B&B opened for business in 2011.

Philip, from Liverpool, explained: “The incredible views inspired all the glass as the whole point was to maximise the pleasure from them. It’s unusual to have 180 degrees of such splendour – and the curved patio door from Balcony Systems really does it justice. Everyone is stunned when they see it and it adds so much to the value and enjoyment of the property.

Top quality products that are built to last.

Phil also commented on the quality of the materials:

“As the house is located near to the sea, that’s great for the views but a real challenge to the materials used to enable us to enjoy them to the full. After four or five years of installation, the finishes on our Balcony products are like new.

“The curved patio door performs well; it’s thermally-efficient, air and watertight, even during the wild weather we get sometimes. It’s so central to what we wanted to achieve. There’s no product like it and it really brings the outside in!”

Project architect John Cryer, of Marshall Cryer Architects said an initial triangular design for the lounge was adapted into a more space-efficient curve after consultation with Balcony Systems.

He said: “The curved door is a remarkable product, making the most of the space and views while turning an ordinary room into something much better. This site is so suited to this product. So many sites on the island have good views that would benefit from products like those from Balcony Systems. I would definitely use their products again.”

According to Chris Wedgwood, it’s the combination of Balcony’s three different products that work really well at The Arches. “The curved patio door undoubtedly gives the house its ‘Wow’ factor and makes the most of the views. The structural glass balustrade is a fantastic answer for uninterrupted views. They’re all good quality, well-thought out products.”

Balcony Systems is a specialist in sophisticated glass and aluminium balustrading solutions and stunning curved patio doors, supplying straight or curved external and Juliet balconies to exact client specifications.

From single balustrades to multi-apartment developments, the company works with architects, designers and specifiers to deliver the most cost-effective, stylish and durable balustrade solution.

The Arches Port Erin.

The house is a lovely and unique B & B and well worth a visit www.arches-porterin.com

Curved balcony wins Balcony Systems’ Photo Competition. An amazing response and great variety of balustrading pictures we received from all over the UK.

Animals, humour, picnics and even patriotism were among the many creative subjects submitted by homeowners in Balcony Systems’ 2012 Photo Competition. But it was a stylish shot of a curved balcony with splendid views that clinched Rob and Jane Hollingworth the top £1,000 cash prize.

Competition Winner – Curved balcony from Silverdale, Lancashire

Curved balustrade from Silverdale The couple, from Silverdale, Lancashire will receive their prize from Managing Director Effi Wolff on Balcony Systems’ stand at London’s Grand Designs Live in May. Their 20-metre long curved balustrading, above a ground-floor lounge, features Balcony’s proprietary Royal Chrome anodised handrail and BalcoNano® self-cleaning glass coating on the panels, which dramatically reduces cleaning cycles.

Creative shots

Worthy runners up were David Partington of Nether Alderley enjoying a seafood picnic with good company, chilled champagne and an equally chilled-out dog; Phil Routledge with a stunning shot of the view through his curved patio doors on the Isle of Man and Ken McNeil for his photo of a peaceful garden balustrade in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Also commended were Jonathan Battle with his ‘patriotic’ picture of Union Jacks draped over his extensive Worcestershire balcony, along with Joanne Tarrant of Castle Donington and Alison Field of Berkswell for injecting a touch of humour into their first-floor Juliet balcony photos with kids in fancy dress and a clever basketball throw respectively. Well done to you. Commenting on the photo competition entries, Effi said: “Choosing a winner from so many fabulous photos was difficult, however we felt Rob and Jane’s stunning entry really captured the elegance of the balustrade in its rural setting.“ Making the most of the outdoor spaces We were impressed by the amazing response and great variety of pictures we received from our customers all over the UK. We’d like to say a very big thank you to all our entrants who put a lot of thought and effort into their photos. “The high standards of creativity that were clearly evident in the photographs, made judging a difficult, but hugely enjoyable process. “Many of the photos showed customers enjoying their balconies and making the most of the uninterrupted views provided by our clear glass system that uses minimal posts and no clamps. From al fresco dining to family groups with their pets – and we particularly liked the animals – everyone joined in the fun of making the most of their outdoor spaces, whatever the weather!” The winners – delighted with their balcony As for the winners, whose self-built home overlooks Morecambe Bay, they said: “We’re delighted with our balcony – and with the news that it has won such a marvellous prize in Balcony’s Photo Competition. Our curved balcony looks brilliant and is so admired by visitors; it also helps that we have the most exquisite view out to the sea.“ We fell in love with the Balcony Systems’ product when we saw it on their website and ordered our balcony at Grand Designs Live two years ago. Having installed it ourselves, we are very happy with Balcony’s product that keeps our wonderful views. Their service was excellent too; everything arrived on time, including the two Juliet balconies we ordered for the bedrooms.” Three years ago, the couple completed their four-bedroomed contemporary home on the site of a former 1920s property, whose last two remaining two-metre high walls are incorporated into the new building. “Our house could be regarded as an ‘extension’ although it’s 99% new. We’d lived in older buildings, so with this project we wanted a completely modern, open-plan style of living – complemented, of course, with our lovely balcony,” added Rob, who established his company Paul Homes Ltd in 1968. A further press release will follow after the presentation, so watch this space! For more details, contact Balcony www.balconette.co.uk on 01342 410411 or email enquiries@balconette.co.uk.

Nether Alderley balustrade runner up Curved Glass – Isle of Man runner up Newcastle-under-Lyme balcony runner up Worcestershire balcony Inner staircase balustrade Juliette – Castle Donington

Backyard balcony

Juliet balcony – Berkswell

Picnic on the balcony

You and Your Balcony – enter our new photo competition to win £1000 cash

What do you like most about your balcony? Whether it’s for reading, relaxing, entertaining or simply enjoying the view, let us know and you could win £1000 hard cash.

We are delighted to announce the launch of this year’s Balcony Systems Photo Competition to find out how your balcony, Juliet balcony or even curved patio door, enhances your property and your lifestyle.

We are now encouraging all our customers who have ordered with us in the past to enter this year’s competition and get the chance to win a fantastic prize.

We want to show just how happy our customers are living with their balcony, Juliet balcony or curved patio door. And this time, we’re inviting you to include people in the pictures as well to really bring the concept alive.

All you need to do to participate

1. E-mail us 4 to 8 high resolution photos showing you, your family and/or friends together with your installed product to sales@balconette.co.uk – include in the email your full name and address plus any interesting information you may have about the product or location.
2. Fill in a product review if not already done so, here.

We think great photos are a wonderful way to showcase our products; that’s why we want to hear from you.

The photo competition closes at midnight on November 30th 2012 after which time no further entries will be accepted.

The judging process will then begin and the lucky winners will receive a £1000 in cash.

Please click here to read the competition’s terms and conditions.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing your fabulous photos!

Running up to the Eco Build Show next week we have a very special offer for you.

On orders placed up to 23rd March we are offering:

50% off the self-cleaning glass coating on our Glass Balustrades, Custom Glass Juliet Balconies and our Curved Glass Patio Doors.

In order to take us up on this offer all you need to do is:

1. If you don’t have a quote already, get a price or quote off the website www.Balconette.co.uk
2. Call our sales staff on 01342 410 411

Our self-cleaning glass coating is unique and is applied to both sides of the glass.

Looking forward to hearing from you

The Balcony System team

Glass Juliet Balconies now cost less than traditional steel ones!

Costing from just £178, elegant Glass Juliet balconies from Balcony Systems are one of the most affordable, durable and beautiful balustrading solutions on the market today.

Good-looking and simple to install, the low-maintenance glass and aluminium Juliet balconies are corrosion-resistant and an ideal choice for harsh coastal or city environments. Clear glass panels without unsightly clamps retain views to the outside and maximise light to the inside.

Reduced cleaning cycles

Adding an optional self-cleaning double-sided glass coating option further enhances the low-maintenance benefits by repelling rainwater, dirt or salt deposits faster to keep the balcony looking cleaner for longer. This dramatically reduces cleaning cycles and eliminates the need for use of chemical cleaning agents. An occasional wipe down with a wet cloth does the job.

28 standard models

Balcony Systems’ Juliet balcony range features 28 different standard models in sizes from 1,280mm up to 2,840mm. Handrails are available in four attractive finishes; white, silver, bronze and the shiny Royal Chrome that replicates the look of stainless steel.

Laminated or toughened glass, plus a choice of tinted shades, can also be specified. Bespoke sizes and colours can be supplied for bulk orders to suit any client specification and budget.

“Glass balconies need not be expensive, as shown with our proven system costing under £200,” says Managing Director Effi Wolff. “As there’s no need for regular painting or repairs, they also work out cheaper over their lifetimes compared to alternative balustrading materials.”

For more details on Balcony’s range of Juliette balconies, including online quotations, check out our online shop.

Contact Balcony www.balconette.co.uk on 01342 410411 or email enquiries@balconette.co.uk.

Happy New Year!

We welcome 2012 and looking forward to a year of continued recovery for the construction industry in the UK.

We can report record sales throughout 2011 on our entire range of products; glass balustrading, Juliet balcony and curved patio doors – despite the tough economic times.

Sales volumes across our entire product range by almost 29.2% throughout last year compared to 2010 and reflected consistent growth throughout the 12 months of 2011. End of year sales were particularly strong with November 2011 orders more than double on the same month in 2010.

Since our move to larger premises at Lingfield, Surrey 15 months ago, our workforce has grown by 20% to cope with customer demand and the developing product range.

Managing Director Effi Wolff said the addition of the BalcoNano® unique self-cleaning glass coating option in mid-summer had attracted much interest and contributed to the uplift in business, especially towards the end of the year.

Similarly, the introduction of our Juliet balconies with promotional pricing from under £200, which provide a cost-effective and elegant, low-maintenance balustrading solution, had proved popular with buyers from all sectors. This helped to boost sales of Juliets by a spectacular 70% in 2011.

Effi explained: “Balcony continues to grow, showing consistent 15% year-on-year growth since 2008. We’ve had a tremendous year as more and more architects, builders and self-builders recognised the quality, versatility and affordability of Balcony’s products, as well as their ability to transform properties and add value.

“We are also starting to see the resurrection of larger projects, plus signs of confidence returning to the market; something we have not seen for three years,” he continued. “Business picked up considerably in the final quarter of 2011 and we worked right through the Christmas period in order to fulfil orders for our customers.”

As for 2012, We are predicting another buoyant year with our appearances at both Grand Design Live exhibitions (London & Birmingham) and an Ecobuild debut for our sister company, VBS, in March.

Effi added: “Alongside rising demand from builders and developers, trends show that people are still willing to invest in their homes with many choosing to improve, rather than move house. That’s why we’re experiencing a lot of interest in our products, for both newbuild projects and refurbishment schemes.”

Balcony Systems reports best-ever Grand Designs Live 2011

Balcony Systems has reported its best-ever Grand Designs Live 2011 with record levels of enquiries and increased orders from more visitors attending the October consumer home show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Refurbishment projects featured strongly in many quotations for the company’s market-leading range of beautiful glass and aluminium balustrades, affordable Juliette balconies from under £200 and spectacular curved patio doors that transform all types of properties.

“There was very strong interest in both our balustrading and Juliet balcony products, with many serious enquirers ready to go ahead,” commented Balcony Director Lesley Farrow. “Our unique self-cleaning glass coating also attracted much attention, with staff being asked to explain how the smooth surface it creates on the glass keeps the balustrading looking cleaner for longer to reduce maintenance.”

Lesley added: “Overall, it was a tremendously busy and successful three days and we are absolutely delighted with the level of enquiries to follow up, including those for future new build projects and developments.”

Balcony’s self cleaning glass coating featured on “Refurb & renew” magazine:

The subject of self-cleaning glass in the building industry and on balconies in particular has become a most interesting topic for self builders and architects alike.

Mr. Effi Wolff, Balcony’s MD was asked to bring some like on this topic by the editor of Refurb & Renew magazine.

This article is featured on page 20 and 21 of  the March/April edition of Refurb & Renew magazine.

This can be viewed online at: http://www.wavcoms.co.uk/emags/RRmagazine/2011/RR8926_2011MAR/pageflip.html

Refurb & Renew magazine  is printed with a circulation of 10,900 and it also appears on-line and is emailed to 22,000 named on-line specifiers.

Visitors to Balcony Systems’ stand at Grand Designs were so impressed with the transformative effect of the company’s stunning curved patio doors, elegant glass and aluminium balustrades and affordable Juliette balconies that several upgraded their orders as a result of the show.

Speaking after the popular Excel 2011 event, General Manager Lesley Woodcraft said: “We had a great response to our stand, securing new orders and closing a number of deals at the show. These included some visitors who purchased more products from us while they were on the stand.”

Property developers, architects and prospective customers thronged the stand, along with current private customers who gave feedback and expressed their satisfaction with existing installations.

“One customer who had ordered one curved patio door and a fixed curved window wanted a quote for three curved patio doors instead. Inquiries also included a Scottish builder wishing to become a Balcony Systems dealer and an architect seeking balustrading. It was a very positive show for us,” added Lesley.

Balcony Systems’ products are innovative and simple to install, opening up limitless design possibilities for all types of new build and refurbishment projects. An optional self-cleaning glass coating is also available across the entire product range of curved patio doors, glass balustrading and Juliette balconies to greatly reduce maintenance.

Renew, replace and refurbish are the three Rs in the UKs self build market. With house prices stangnant refurbishing your home is the trend.

Replacing an old wrought iron balcony with a glass and aluminium one from Balcony Systems has not only given Ivan Starkey clear sea views with much lower maintenance; it’s also helped to cure his leaking flat roof.

Fixed down with stainless steel brackets and with no clamps to spoil the view, the new 20 metre-long balcony at his Leigh-on-Sea home makes the most of coastal vistas from two living rooms.

Mr. Starkey says: “The old wrought iron balcony’s upright supports were screwed to the roof joists and eventually caused water penetration through hairline gaps. Installing a new balcony has solved this problem.

Ivan adds: “I like everything about the Balcony Systems product; clarity, very light, very nice and so easy to keep clean. There’s no maintenance – an essential factor when living next to the sea – as the balustrade resists the corrosive effects of salt. The service was absolutely fantastic too; I would certainly recommend the company.”