Archive for the Category ◊ Juliete Balconies ◊

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.

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.”

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.

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. ”

Glass balconies from Balcony Systems are such a hit with customers that one has even featured a Juliette on their Christmas cards, as this humorous example from Bill and Yvonne Davies shows.

To celebrate the installation of new French Doors and a 2.5 metre Juliette balcony on their Milton Keynes home in November, the couple created their own contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous play – with a festive twist.

The card shows Bill dressed as a modern-day Romeo braving the elements to serenade his wife at the bedroom balcony, which has added light and maximised views over a nearby nature reserve lake from their 1980s detached property.

The two French Doors and glass Juliette balcony replace poorly-insulated wooden stud bay windows, dramatically increasing both warmth and light into their home, as well as improving its external appearance. Structural alterations required the services of an architect and stress engineer.

Says Bill: “The Christmas card was just a fun idea to mark the fabulous transformation that adding this balcony has made to our home and really brought it into the 21^st century. We have all the spacious benefits of an extension, but without going to that expense.”

He adds: “I adapted the script from the play and our friends and family love the card. We’ve had a lot of feedback – ‘I’m lost for words!’ was the reaction from our stress engineer Stephen Bacon.”

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.

Property developer Paul Nash of Kooks Ltd in Hove, recently chose Juliette balconies from Balcony Systems to enhance his development of three luxury townhouses. The properties, based in East Grinstead, are contemporary and Paul wanted to keep the clean lines and funky feel to the houses while maximising the use of light and space.

Three standard Juliette balconies in a Royal Chrome finish for the master bedrooms to the rear of each house were ordered. Balcony’s products were primarily chosen for the look – clear glass with no vertical posts or clamps and brushed chrome handrails fit perfectly with the contemporary design. But Paul was also looking for high quality, competitive prices and short lead times. Balcony’s products fitted the complete spec.

Paul says: “The Juliette balconies have definitely added value to these developments and gives them an edge when it comes to selling in a tough market.”