Archive for the Category ◊ Curved glass ◊

Balcony Systems’ curved patio doors are part of an award winning project. A recent timber frame construction completed by property developer Princeton Homes has won Best Individual Dwelling in the West of England Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Excellence Awards. The award ceremony took place in Bristol at the Royal Marriott Hotel on 9^th July. The judges were impressed by the high standard of design, construction and workmanship of the build, which is based in Lacock, Wiltshire.

Balcony’s curved patio doors are a key feature

Managing Director of Princeton Homes, Andy Turner says: “We are extremely pleased with this award. The brief was to build a high spec, modern property that made the most of the spectacular 180° views over the Wiltshire countryside. So installing curved patio doors to one whole side of the house, top to bottom, seemed the answer. The finished design, which combines traditional building methods with the latest energy saving techniques such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, makes for an amazing looking property.”

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.”

Innovation has always been the back bone of this industry. At times of great stress when the economy takes a turn for the worse or new regulations force significant changes, companies have innovated, both commercially and technically, to come up with new solutions that attract new customers and new possibilities that extend the market. Right now, system companies, hardware and component companies and fabricators have been active in improving and developing their product range to help their customers maintain their competitive edge. Homeowners have a much wider choice of window styles and colours, a choice of energy efficient windows and a wider choice in doors.

Experimenting with the shape, size and look

TV programmes such as Grand Designs have also encouraged homeowners to be more creative and adventurous. They encouraged people to look at the possibilities in properties, and to look for products that add value, style and uniqueness. These programmes and their counterparts in printed media have opened homeowners’ eyes and imagination. They’ve given homeowners the confidence to look for products that can make their property stand out from the rest, and for products that are able to transform a building. They are more confident about experimenting with the shape, size and look of their property. Suppliers and installers – enablers – that can help homeowners achieve their vision and transform their properties will be the winners.

Transforming the building

Since the start of the year we have been pedalling fast to keep up with the demand for our balconies, balustrades and curved patio doors. The upsurge in demand in the midst of a deep recession may surprise some, but architects, developers, self builders and homeowners want to make properties look different, better and more stylish, and when offered the means to do so are quick to find a way to do it. A stylish balustrade, or stunning curved patio doors really do transform a building and you don’t need to be an architect to see their potential.

Many window and door companies are discovering they have the skills and experience that can help them take advantage of this opportunity. A number have already been selected to become Balcony dealers and distributors and are helping transform their customers’ properties and their own prospects.

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, outlines the challenge of installing high-tech curved glass doors into a home within the constraints of Conservation Area planning.

Delivering the ‘wow’ factor

The brief for housebuilder Princeton Homes was to build a high–spec timber-framed stone finish detached home using the latest eco-friendly technology and materials. The property, which is located in a conservation area, overlooks National Trust land in the picture-postcard village of Lacock, Wiltshire. Situated on top of a hill, it is visible for miles. The build had to be acceptable to planners while making the most of spectacular views and delivering the ‘wow’ factor to the client.

The solution: to build a traditional stone cottage with natural slate roof at the front and large futuristic curved glass bays at the rear, to take advantage of the 180° views over the Wiltshire countryside.

Mastering the challenge

Andrew Turner, Managing Director of Princeton Homes, turned initially to the internet and put his requirements to eight companies. Balcony Systems Ltd was the only company to respond, presumably because of the complexity of Andrew’s design. I was confident that working together we could master the challenge.

Once planning permission was granted for the concept design we sat down together to work out the exact specification. The design called for curved glass doors in the living room/kitchen and snug, with matching doors and Juliette balconies above in the master and second bedrooms. We agreed on two curved 10 metre and two curved 5.8 metre VisioGlide 100 glass doors, with two Juliette balconies for the bedrooms, all using our own Royal Chrome anodised aluminium handrails. The doors are 28mm double-glazed toughened Low-E glass, with a high weather rating (essential in this exposed location), and energy efficient in keeping with the eco-friendly ethos of the project. The living room/kitchen door has six curved panels, four sliding and two fixed, while each of the others has two sliding and two fixed curved panels. The master bedroom has a 2.74m curved Juliette balcony and the second bedroom a 2.00m Juliette, so the doors can be opened safely. Balcony’s system means there are no vertical posts or intrusive clamps in the Juliette balconies, leaving a clear expanse of glass from handrail to floor so there is nothing to interrupt the view. Although they are unobtrusive they have a permitted load factor of 0.74 kN/m uniformly distributed on the handrail and use 10mm clear toughened glass.

This project represented a leap of faith for everyone – Andrew hadn’t built anything like this design before and this certainly wasn’t an everyday design for Balcony either. A standard feature of Balcony products is their ease of installation – many homeowners have successfully ‘done it themselves’ – but this project was not so straightforward.

Bringing curved glass doors together with a squared roof

One of the main challenges was to fit the curved bays into the square slate roof. Our sister company VBS Ltd, installation specialists, working closely with the timber frame company and the roofers, had the necessary steelwork cut and fitted into the wooden frame. The roofers brought together the curves of the glass doors with the square traditional slate roof and the result is stunning.

The result: the curved glass doors allow uninterrupted panoramic views from the house for miles ahead. Curved Juliette balconies fitted on the first floor mean that the glass doors in the bedrooms can be opened and the views enjoyed in safety. The minimal hand rail, with glass reaching from top to bottom and no clamps between panes mean there is nothing to distract the eye. The overall effect is one of light and space and integration into the landscape. Careful planning and co-operation between the contractors and Balcony meant the project came in within budget and on schedule. The property is valued at around £1.5 million.

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.

New opportunities for growth

Not surprisingly Window Energy Ratings (WER), U-values and the recent changes to Part L of building regulations have received a huge amount of attention in the window press recently. Not so long ago WERs were a niche market – and a nice little earner for switched-on installers. WERs enabled installers (and still do) to distinguish themselves from their rivals by offering the choice of a better, more advanced product to homeowners who want and are prepared to pay for the best. But WERs are now becoming increasingly mainstream. Now the same switched-on installers are looking for new innovations to open untapped markets.

Targeting the margins

One such opportunity lies in glass balconies, balustrades and curved patio doors. Demand in this sector has been fuelled by the huge popularity of shows such as Grand Designs which consistently bang home the message that great design adds personality and significant value to a home. Balcony’s range has been designed to meet the demands of customers who want more than ‘ordinary’ and better than ‘standard’. Margins at this end of the market are better than anywhere else – and with Balcony’s products installers can start to target them.

Easy to install, backed by comprehensive support, Balcony Systems’ stunning and innovative range of balconies, balustrades and curved patio doors are a fantastic opportunity to increase high value sales. Balcony is currently looking for quality window and conservatory companies to join its national network of dealers and to serve this exciting growth market.

Balcony’s sales team have just returned from the NEC in Birmingham where Balcony exhibited for the 4th year running at the Grand Designs Live exhibition.

Balcony’s Managing Director Effi Wolff says “We have just had another fantastic show. We always find that Grand Designs is the right show for us and puts us and our products in front of the right sort of public. There is no doubt that this was one of our best shows ever with hundreds of new enquiries and new sales taken at the show”

Balcony exhibited their proprietary glass railing systems, Juliet balconies and their stunning curved doors.

“There was a great increase in interest in our curved sliding doors” continues Effi Wolff “We see the interest grow from show to show as architects become aware of the ability to have curved glass sliding doors and send their customer to feel the product first hand.”

Balcony exhibited a set of doors that is 2.6m high creating a stunning reaction from the public.

All the glass railings and juliets on the stand of course had Balcoiny’s new double sided self clean coating that is prooving to be a giant success.

Balcony Systems’ curved patio doors are part of an award winning project. A recent timber frame construction completed by property developer Princeton Homes has won Best Individual Dwelling in the West of England Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Excellence Awards. The award ceremony took place in Bristol at the Royal Marriott Hotel on 9^th July. The judges were impressed by the high standard of design, construction and workmanship of the build. Balcony’s curved patio doors are a key feature. The project, which is based in Lacock, Wiltshire, is also up for a national award later this year.

Managing Director of Princeton Homes, Andy Turner says: “We are extremely pleased with this award. The brief was to build a high spec, modern property that made the most of the spectacular 180° views over the Wiltshire countryside. So installing curved patio doors to one whole side of the house, top to bottom, seemed the answer. The finished design, which combines traditional building methods with the latest energy saving techniques such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, makes for an amazing looking property.”