Archive for the Category ◊ Balustrades ◊

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.”

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.”

A recently completed self build project installed 25 metres of balustrade from Balcony Systems to add a perfect finishing touch to Mr Stuart Wilkie’s five bedroom detached property in a secluded corner of Kent. The rear of the house overlooks a lake and miles of fields and open space. It was ideal for building a large terrace which leads off the lounge and central hallway at the back of the property. Balcony’s stunning and stylish balustrade was specifically chosen for the new terrace.

Mr Wilkie comments: “I looked for a balustrade that would complement the modern look and style of the property but also didn’t obstruct the fantastic views. I went along to Grand Designs Live and there I came across Balcony Systems. Immediately I could see their products were different from competing brands. Visually their balustrade is more appealing. I was particular drawn to the clean, sharp finish of their products and the fact there are no ugly clamps in between each pane of glass. Their balustrade is the perfect finish to the terrace.

“An additional benefit,” Mr Wilkie continues, “is that Balcony’s products are simple, quick and straightforward to install. I completed the installation myself with the help of my carpenter and it was done in no time at all. I’m really pleased with the product and the value it adds to my home.”

Balcony’s complete range of balustrades are now available with self cleaning glass coating on both sides of the glass as an optional extra.

Balcony iPad Photo Competition – Synopsis on six finalists – Jan 11 2011

1: Russell Prince-Wright, Four Marks, Hampshire

Russell installed the 6m x 1.8m balcony himself (during a period of redundancy) on a new self-build extension to create a contemporary ‘Scandinavian-style’ home. It took him two days with help from his son-in-law and the balcony is ‘perfect for having breakfast watching the Koi fishpond and listening to the birds’.

“What I really liked about Balcony Systems was their flexibility, friendliness and approachability, both during the product selection process andafterwards. The after-sales service was great, particularly with technical help on the design and layout.”

2: Alexa Collins, Burnham, Buckinghamshire

Alexa, an interior designer, and her brother Simon own an impressive self-build five-bed property constructed on the site of their parents’ (inherited) old home. House is being featured in a six-minute slot on BBC 1’s To Build or not To Build series end of April/early May 2011.

Glass balustrade forms an internal balcony around a central ‘double-height’ area at the back of the house – ‘wow factor’ of the house. It links the upstairs and downstairs, reflecting the open-plan nature of the house, and also fascinates her brother’s four young children, says Alexa.

Keen to have a glass balustrade, she had thought of structural glass, but thinks the handrail gives a better feeling of security. Likes the Balcony brushed aluminium handrail, which seamlessly links the balustrade with the rest of the interior décor (door handles, light fittings, etc). Also, wide handrail feels ‘safer’ and encourages people to relax and lean over it for a chat.

“The balustrade is much-admired by all who see it and people rush up to it. They feel safe leaning over and having a chat. It’s so solid and well put together.”

On selecting the product, she says: “I just thought Balcony Systems was great – I saw the installation photo gallery on their website and that was it!”  Quite a complex installation as balustrade had to be anchored to three different flooring substrates – concrete, wood and steel. Alexa did all the surveying and measuring for the balustrade herself, adding: “Balcony’s technical guys were marvellous and their technical advice helped to make the installation as smooth as possible.”

3: Jeremy Follett, St Albans, Hertfordshire

3 metre-wide Juliette balcony installed on new two-storey rear extension to accommodate expanding family. Juliette and French Doors are off a master bedroom overlooking the garden.

Says Jeremy: “The Juliette balcony lets in loads of light and is unobtrusive – all you can see is a silver bar and the light reflects off the glass like a mirror. We’re very happy with it. Service and delivery were all very good and on time and we found Balcony very helpful with any queries.

“What I particularly like about the product is the fact that the glass is installed from the inside, so it can’t fall out. I think that’s a really good design feature of the balcony.”

4: Paul and Brenda Reach, Dartmouth, Devon

This installation is being featured in the ‘portfolio’ section of January’s Homebuilding and Renovating magazine. Paul and Brenda are art gallery owners in Dartmouth.

Two 7.38 metre balconies installed one above the other on a three-storey home overlooking Warfleet Creek and beautiful countryside in Dartmouth. Already had a timber balcony off the original lounge/TV room and a second one added above on a new floor extension creating a new open-plan 24 ft square reception area.

Says Paul: “We already had an existing timber balcony, but got such a good deal from Balcony Systems that we did both to match! We wanted a toughened glass balcony and what’s great about Balcony Systems is that we could get an immediate online quote from their website. It worked for us!

“I was really pleased with Balcony’s brilliant service. They sent a sample balustrade section for our builder to test with the steel beams supporting the balcony. He was very impressed with the system and I think he will recommend it to others.”

“The balconies are fantastic, transforming the open views from our home, which is on a 45-degree hill. We now get a full view of the river.”

5: Ivan Starkey, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

This is a refurbishment project involving replacement of old black wrought iron balcony that was 21 years old and corroding due to rainwater penetration on flat roof. (Uprights went through roof and screwed to joists, eventually balcony started swaying and water penetrated through hairline gaps)

Says Ivan: “Flat roofs in Great Britain are bad news and the old balcony needed constant repairs as it used to let water in.”

New balcony is nearly 20 metres long in total with bronze handrail, off two living rooms taking advantage of sea views. Anchored with special stainless steel brackets and installed by Ivan’s kitchen fitter.

Ivan first saw Balcony Systems at Grand Designs in London four years ago…’Umair was great; he greets you like an old friend!’ He saw the concept and originally designed a glass balcony himself, but using 20mm glass – twice as thick as Balcony’s.

“Then I saw the Balcony System product and that did it for me! I like everything about it, clarity, very light, very nice and very easy to keep clean. And of course, there’s no maintenance, an essential factor when living next to the sea, as the balustrade resists the corrosive effects of salt.”

Ivan adds: “I had absolutely fantastic service from Balcony Systems and would certainly recommend the company.”

6: Stephen and Jo Harwood, Fishbourne, Isle of Wight

Balustrade installed Aug/Sept 2010 on new self-build property built on plot of land which had been owned by the couple for 38 years. Measures almost 20m in total length and features a curve on one return, anodised satin finish handrail. Sits on a galvanised steel structure.

It took Stephen, 73 and Jo, 68 nearly 5 years to make the decision to go ahead with building their own home (late in life) and the project took 2 years to complete.

Says Jo: “We met Umair 3 years ago at Grand Designs and got chatting, ‘yes, we can do anything for you’ he said. We thought the Balcony product would be out of our price range. We were very impressed as it was exactly what we were looking for – with nice clean lines, the curve at the end and it really keeps the views. There are no clips in the middle of your view.

“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. Their fitting team was brilliant, really excellent. Somany people have admired our balcony from which we enjoy wonderful sea views.”

Says Stephen: “The glass balcony was installed right at the end of the build and really makes a feature of the house and transforms its appearance. It also protects us – and the building – from the wind.”

Homeowner Dave Cant recently extended his detached four bedroom property in Aberdeen to create a large open plan living area. The single storey extension was built with a flat, decked roof leading off from the bedrooms and, with the help of a local builder, an elegant balustrade from Balcony Systems Ltd installed around the decking area. With views over a nearby river and countryside, installing the balustrade meant Mr Cant could step out in complete safety and enjoy his surroundings. He came across Balcony via the internet and was bowled over by the product.

“I was looking for strength in the product as well as good looks,” explains Mr Cant. “I found out that the strength of Balcony’s balustrade comes from the handrail rather than the fixings so it was possible to have the maximum amount of glass and the minimum number of metal uprights. The handrail, although it is minimal in size, stops the glass from flexing and makes the installation safe as well as stylish.

“I’m delighted with the balustrade – it means we can enjoy our new extension and it adds value to the house. ”

In 2003 homeowners Reuben Welch and his wife April bought a derelict sandstone house in Leith, Edinburgh, and worked hard to restore it to its former glory. Grand Designs followed the couple as they converted the ruin into a modern open design, with a curved gallery-style first floor overlooking a double-height light well in the living area.

Recently, the couple added an extension to give them another bedroom and maximise the use of the small garden. The extension had a green roof with a glass balcony from Balcony Systems for the finishing touch.

Adding style and value

Reuben found Balcony Systems online and was encouraged by its easy to follow website. Their balustrade was simple to install too, which was a critical factor as he was doing the work himself. Reuben explains: “Balcony’s website made the ordering process very straightforward. Getting an accurate quote was simple and I installed the balustrade myself in one day. All the instructions were clear and the end result is fabulous. The house is in a conservation area, so development is strictly controlled, but the clean lines and bronze handrail add style and value to the home.”

Reuben and April will be starting a new development soon. They aren’t sure what it will be but they know they will use Balcony Systems again.

Jersey based Pallot Windows Ltd has added around £250,000 to its turnover since becoming a dealer for Balcony Systems Ltd. The installer of glazing systems, curtain walling and structural glazing, has been a Balcony dealer for more than five years and the association is working very well.

Director Paul Bourke explains: “The relationship we have with Balcony is mutually beneficial. We sell their complete range which includes Juliette balconies, balustrades and curved glass doors. We generate our own leads with TV and press advertising, and Balcony refers all Jersey based enquiries on to us. A key benefit of Balcony’s products is that they are straightforward to install, add value to the property and customers like the design – the glass to glass corners, lack of intrusive uprights and clamps, and minimal handrails make it an ideal choice for homeowners wanting to make the most of Jersey’s spectacular views – and so the products are easy to sell.

“Balcony’s products represent a valuable new dimension to our business. Balcony is also straightforward to deal with – the staff are always helpful and ordering is simple and fast.”

If you are looking to grow and interested in joining Balcony’s dealer network send us the new dealer form.

Effi Wolff, Managing Director of Balcony Systems Ltd, says curved patio doors, balustrades and Juliette balconies transform properties. They’re the next big selling opportunity for installers.

For most of its history the window market has been driven by need, the need to replace rotting, rattling, draughty, often unsightly windows. But once most of the windows that could be replaced had been replaced with more modern windows that did the job and better, the focus has been on wants rather than needs. No one is going to replace existing windows that perform unless what they are offered is a whole lot better in a more enticing way.

But this is part of a much bigger change in the market, and part of a long term shift. With the focus firmly on the sort of improvements that people desire and dream about, a whole new generation of desirable products has emerged. Energy saving and security are still vitally important, but they don’t get the pulse racing in quite the same the way a great conservatory, or a bi-folding door will do.

Selling products that people dream about and drool over is very different from selling products that satisfy a basic need. And it’s a lot more fun talking about people’s dreams than ticking the utility boxes of need. This change has given the market, or those installers who have jumped at the opportunity, another lease of life and a means to increase sales and margins.

Satisfy the ‘want’, win sales

Real growth potential is in products that homeowners want because they can see the possibility of transforming their property, and releasing the value within. For example, conservatories add living space and value to the home with the potential to change homeowners’ lives by adding a dining room, a study or a playroom for the kids for example. The real benefit of course is in being able to entertain more and properly, in being able to work at home or keep the kids happy and safe without impinging on the rest of the family. Bi-fold doors are an emerging niche market that expands the potential of conservatories and transforms ordinary rooms into living spaces with an edge, creating both the look and the lifestyle that homeowners want.

That’s what we see people doing with our balustrades, curved glass doors and Juliette balconies. They transform ordinary houses into buildings with a ‘wow’ factor. At a time where most companies have to pedal faster just to stay in the same spot, Balcony is growing fast. Why? Because homeowners, architects and developers can see what our products have done to both new and existing properties and they want to transform their properties too. Our Juliette balconies, for example, give homeowners the opportunity to install a patio or French door above the ground floor to flood their rooms with light and create an unimpeded view from the home in complete safety. Either curved or straight, they come with a minimal hand rail for a modern look. Available in seven standard sizes from stock and competitively priced, our Juliette balconies are an attractive and popular choice for consumers wishing to make their home stand out and create a different ambience in their home.

But why stop there? Installing balustrades around the home, in the home or even in the garden to enclose a paved patio or decking area, adds a really high-end, classy look to a building inside and out. Custom made to suit the style and size of property and available in a curved, straight or stepped design, balustrades add character and fantastic style to homes. And with our systems there are no clamps between each pane of glass to distract the eye, and the glass reaches top to bottom to give a neater and clearer view.

Selling the ‘Wow’ factor

If balustrades add class, then curved patio doors take it to another level. Balcony is the UK’s leading supplier of curved patio doors and homeowners, builders, installers and architects say our stunning range is breathtaking. Most just say they give properties the ‘wow’ factor. Curved patio doors add space to a room because of the outward curve and they create real kerb appeal. More than that though, they transform a building. Most products, however attractive, simply add to what’s there. Curved patio doors transform a property because they are the first thing people notice and they extend its capabilities.

Each of our products expands the potential of a home, and adds considerable value to what installers can sell to homeowners. They transform new and existing buildings and instil a touch of magic to houses and apartments so they stand out with a unique style and look. Our complete range is easy and straight forward to install and comes with a 10 year guarantee. The material is anodised aluminium as opposed to stainless steal so it is harder wearing, durable and doesn’t corrode – a key consideration in coastal areas or marine environments.

Our products are a hit with homeowners and a hit with installers, and we’re expanding nationwide and looking for new dealers and registered installers. So, if you are looking for your next big sales opportunity, think ‘wants’, have a look at the possibilities at www.balconette.co.uk or give us a call on 01342 410 411.

LSI Architects based in Norwich has been commissioned to design a home in the Norfolk Broads National Park. The design is contemporary, with a curving roof, a three storey entrance atrium, cinema and swimming pool. The house will take advantage of the beautiful views with terraces adjacent to the living areas. LSI Architects turned to the internet to find large curved glass panels for the pool area and discovered Balcony Systems.

Impressed by Balcony’s range, LSI Architects went on to specify 22 metres of curved balustrade, 18 metres of straight balustrade and 9 metres of curved patio doors with custom- made Juliette balconies. The small profile used for the doors means that the metal frame is unobtrusive and the product is effectively all glass. Minimal handrails and the absence of ugly clamps and posts on the Juliette balconies and balustrades give clean lines, uninterrupted views and a stylish finish to the home.

The total value of the project is £2 million plus and is due to be completed in May 2011.