Balustrades and Glass Balustrades

Curved clear glass balconies from Balcony Systems Ltd make a distinctive architectural statement on luxury apartments at The Picture House, a Grade 2 listed Art Deco former cinema at 7 Streatham High Road, London.

Opening in 1938 as The Regal, it was designed by the architect William R Glen to incorporate Art Deco lines and a spacious, light foyer. Glass was chosen for the balconies, division screens and internal balustrading to complement the unique character and contemporary appearance of the building.

Its striking Grade 2 listed façade, fronting onto Streatham High Road, has been fully retained, sympathetically blending the nostalgia of a bygone age with modern materials and construction techniques.

Balustrading specialists Balcony Systems Ltd worked closely with project architects Hart Associates to devise a cost-effective and elegant balustrading solution for The Picture House, developed by Merc Investments and Construction Ltd.

The use of curved clear glass for balconies on 47 of the 62 apartments creates a striking visual impact on two elevations and allows for unobstructed views to the outside for the occupants. Each balcony spans 7 metres across two apartments with a single central post supporting a full height glass division screen for privacy.

Replacing an original bespoke specification of faceted glass, posts and handrails, the Balcony system met the architect's requirements for an aesthetically-pleasing, yet more competitively-priced solution.

600 metres of glass balustrading in a cream powder-coated finish was used throughout the entire building. This included a glazed balustrade for a spiral staircase access to a fifth-floor penthouse terrace.

Unlike conventional structurally-glazed systems, the Balcony solution is unique in not requiring vertical or corner posts for up to 3.8 metres as the aluminium hand-railing provides all the required strength and support for safety. The system's versatility enables it to be incorporated at any stage of the project specification.

Commenting on the balcony specification requirements, project architect James Baskerville says: "By offering a curved glass, rather than faceted solution, Balcony gave us the stylish, neat appearance we required. Installation was also very straightforward as having only one fixing into the concrete upstand per balcony, this offered both time savings and less scope for error.

"As a balustrading solution, glass was the perfect choice as its clean and neutral appearance complements the contemporary design and exterior of the apartments. Unlike bars or railings which require re-painting, the glazed system has the added advantages of being low-maintenance and corrosion-resistant."

Balcony also supplied a tailored glazing solution for the stepped concrete parapet to maintain even flowing sightlines on balconies to the top floor penthouses, despite a 200mm height difference with a brick cavity wall. Internally, the use of Balcony's staircase balustrades echoes the external glazed theme. Within the development, there is also some affordable housing and commercial use includes a fitness centre.

Clear glass balconies with aluminium handrails enhance the clean contemporary building design of newbuild apartments in Hemel Hempstead. Balcony Ltd supplied external and Juliette balconies for the three and four-storey blocks comprising a total 51 dwellings at Gadebury Heights in Bury Road.

Developers Unicoin Homes Group Plc opted for the cleaner lines of glass balustrading, as opposed to railings, to complement the buildings' modern external appearance.

Versatile and cost-effective, the Balcony system also brings considerable benefits for residents. They benefit from a low-maintenance balustrading solution, together with more natural light inside and a clearer, unobstructed view to the outside.

Balcony's sophisticated balustrading solutions offer an inspirational alternative to conventional structural glazing systems. At around a third to half the cost, the proven system meets all the challenges of beauty, safety and value to retain a clear panoramic scenic outlook.

Strong and simple to install, the maintenance-free system allows greater freedom of design to enhance all property styles as a more aesthetic alternative to bars or railings. It is a uniquely different solution that does not require structural glass or posts as the aluminium hand-railing provides the required strength and support.

Commenting on the Balcony product, Unicoin's Construction Director Mike Taaffe says: "It looks good and complements the style of the building's exterior. Balconies are always an appealing feature as they add another dimension to the accommodation. The use of glass has the added advantages of retaining views and allowing more light into the rooms.

"As a balustrading solution, we're very pleased with the overall effect and a system we would consider using again in the future," he adds.

Sales Director for Unicoin Homes Group, Simon Sturt comments: "As well as enhancing the value and saleability of the apartments, the glass balconies also make them more attractive for the purchaser."

All external and Juliette balconies use 6063 T5 extruded aluminium balustrade, available in bronze, silver satin or any RAL colour finishes.

Maximising sea views from this stunning individually-designed beach house on the South coast are aluminium and glass balustrades supplied by Balcony Systems Ltd. Corrosion-resistant and requiring no-maintenance, the system is the perfect stylish choice for a contemporary property in a marine environment.

Gerald Glover and his partner Laura Turner selected Balcony's glazed balustrading for the two 7.5 metres wide tapering balconies at the Lancing property, which was featured on television in Channel Five's 'Build a New Life in the Country'.

The couple chose the bronze coloured aluminium handrail finish to complement the brown windows and timber cladding at their unique glass-fronted home, which is literally yards from the sea.

"Glass was important to match the external appearance and we chose the Balcony system because it is so simple and looks beautiful. It is so much better than others we considered," explains Laura. "It lets in light and uses minimum posts to maximise the glass area without resorting to the high expense of structural glazing."

She adds: "Balcony also assisted us on design and technical aspects of the project. It's fantastic waking up and all you can see is the sea, without bars to obscure the view."

The Balcony system with a silver handrail finish is also installed on a similar neighbouring house owned by Andrew Clayton, who comments: "The elegant style of the balconies suits the seaside location very well, having clear views through the glass panels and minimal post structures."

Cost-effective with clean lines and no maintenance, Balcony's glazed balustrading systems are a clear choice with housebuilders and homeowners alike who want to preserve views and maximise light to property interiors.

Balcony Systems Ltd specialises in sophisticated balustrading solutions, supplying elegant glass and aluminium balustrades and Juliette balconies to complement all property styles. In many cases, the glass balustrades require no vertical supports to give a clear view to the outside at a fraction of the cost of alternative glazed systems.

An added advantage is that should a glass panel need replacing in the future, this can be done easily and safely from the balcony itself, rather than hiring costly and time-consuming scaffolding or 'cherry pickers'.

Curved patio doors and glass balustrading supplied by Balcony Systems Ltd met the architect's specification to maximise light, satisfy strict aesthetic requirements and enhance the feeling of spaciousness at this luxury apartment complex for the over-55s in Lancashire.

The Renaissance Living development at Sienna Court in Oldham offers stylish and modern retirement accommodation, with a mix of 53 apartments, of these six two-bedroom penthouse apartments.

The complex is built to exacting high standards by contractor Wiggett Construction Ltd and makes extensive use of glass. Glass was specified to maximise residents' views; both internally overlooking a large communal lounge/bistro area and externally from Juliette balconies to a central Piazza within the complex.

According to Renaissance Living, the elegance and simplicity of Balcony's "Balconette" Juliette Balcony system provides the secure 1.1 metre high balustrade to satisfy Building Regulations, but without any 'visually intrusive' bars and "at very reasonable comparative cost."

The company adds: "Balcony's systems have enabled us to make our original vision a reality - particularly as they occupy such highly visible positions, making them a key factor in the overall appearance of the development."

Balcony also provided the technical advice and design criteria for curved balconies and curved sliding patio door access for two large penthouse apartments. "Having discussed the technical aspects with Balcony and learned about the curved sliding door system, which again was very reasonably priced, we had our solution," explains Dave Higgins, Projects Director at Wiggett Construction. "Up to then, we had not been able to find an answer to the structural curves in glass/aluminium on the British market."

Curved glass balustrading supplied by Balcony Systems also fulfilled the safety requirements for a large opening with curved ends in the first floor of the communal area, giving a visual interlink with ground floor lounge below.

"Minimum visual interference, minimum structural supports and curved glass were again the defining factors. Balcony's solution is both aesthetically satisfying and achieved considerable economies on other quoted systems - none of which could deal with the curves. Balcony's installation teams also integrated well with the contract programme and we are extremely satisfied with the company's contribution to this successful project," adds Dave.

Aluminium and glass balconies supplied by Balcony Systems Ltd complement the clean lines and contemporary appearance of a new luxury residential development situated at the 'gateway' to Hereford.

Developer IE Developments Ltd selected Balcony's new 'Royal Chrome' aluminium handrail finish for the 88 metres of balustrading at The Point, which comprises 12 apartments, two penthouses and two townhouses on a prominent 1.25-acre site at the top of Aylestone Hill.

According to Managing Director Tim Evans, the elegance and simplicity of the Balcony system perfectly matches the ethos behind the project's specification to offer a practical, stylish and high quality living environment with minimal maintenance requirements.

"The finesse and clean lines of the system made it the ideal choice to enhance the angular architecture of the development," he explains. "Unlike alternative glazed balustrading products, the Balcony system does not use corner posts or glass clamps that spoil the clear aesthetics. It is also very cost-effective.

"Balcony also advised us on some of the technical aspects and the whole system was very straightforward to install. The result is visually stunning. With the added benefit of no maintenance, the balustrading fits perfectly with our philosophy to deliver quality homes that offer the ability to 'lock and go' with confidence," says Tim.

From a developer's point of view, Tim highlights the significant advantage of fixing the glass panels from the inside. If a panel should need replacing in the future, this can be done easily and safely from the balcony itself, rather than hiring costly and time-consuming scaffolding or 'cherry pickers'.

Tim adds: "Recent changes to the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 put the onus on builders and designers to incorporate greater health and safety considerations into what they build.

"The Balcony system addresses the long-term practicalities and maintenance issues to ensure compliance with the regulations, providing peace of mind for all from the outset. This is a real plus, as no one wants to go back to a job if things go wrong!"

A clear glass balcony extension has transformed the way John and Julie Tunnicliffe use their 1960's 'upside-down' Winchester home. At over five metres wide and between two and three metres deep, the tapered balcony is another room large enough to host a dinner party for six in comfort - achieved for the cost of a small family car.

Preserving uninterrupted views over the countryside was of paramount importance. Having dismissed alternatives such as wood or iron spindles, the couple chose a low-maintenance glass and aluminium balustrade system from Balcony Systems Ltd. "A great design at a reasonable price," says John. "Wood and iron are self-defeating as the view is obscured by the spindles, so glass is a great alternative."

"As the kitchen and living rooms are upstairs, a two-storey extension was required to enlarge our galley-style kitchen. Adding the balcony to the extended kitchen provides us with another area to dine, relax and have fun, while taking advantage of the hillside views."

Comprising a galvanised steel structure supporting timber floor joists and decking, the £6,000 balcony was constructed in just four days. A 'lightweight' solution with a thin profile, as opposed to traditional bulky brick pillars, was chosen to preserve light to the new master bedroom below.

John and the carpenter installed the balcony balustrade in a single day. "Installation was very straightforward, even for two 'inexperienced novices', but the results are wonderful," enthuses John.

At around a third to half the cost of structural glazing, the Balcony balustrading system is a cost-effective and aesthetic alternative. Instead of posts and structural glass, the aluminium hand-railing provides all the required strength and support, meeting all the relevant Building Regulations.

"With easy access from the kitchen, it is just as easy to serve a meal outside as it is inside," concludes Julie. "The balcony has utterly changed the way we use our house, as well as giving us a completely new perspective on the garden. Drinks on the balcony, watching the sunset has now become a standard feature of our life."

Self-installed at this detached house overlooking Poole Bay, glass balconies from Balcony Systems Ltd provide the perfect no-maintenance, corrosion-resistant balustrading solution for a harsh coastal environment and clear views to the ocean.

Pensioner Clive Crossley chose the easy-to-install aluminium balustrade and glass panel system to replace wrought iron railings that not only required regular painting, but obscured panoramic scenic views over the bay and beyond.

Clive, a 75-year-old retired chartered engineer, said installation of the 3m by 1.5m rectangular balcony and a larger angular design, both adjoining bedrooms, was simple and straight-forward. He completed the job in a total of 42 hours.

He explained: "The complexity of angles in the larger balcony measuring 2m by 3m and 4m presented more of a challenge. However, design assistance from Balcony's technical team helped to ensure the whole job went smoothly.

"The secure balustrading structure meant it easily withstood the worst of the January storms when wind speeds gusted up to 100mph! The system is ideal for a coastal environment as being aluminium and glass, no painting is required. And of course, we have a much clearer view of the sea."

Clive added: "We are really delighted. I think we have the best balconies in the area. The simplicity of the system is its beauty."

The Channel Island of Jersey has enthusiastically embraced the arrival of a low-maintenance glass balcony system that offers safety and security, while keeping clear views to the outside.

Tom Matthews is Managing Director of Pallot Windows, one of the island’s oldest window companies and now Balcony’s distributor based in St Helier. He says the elegance and simplicity of the competitively-priced Balcony System serves their niche market perfectly.

"It’s a fantastic product, particularly for the many properties here that overlook the sea," says Tom. "Jersey has some wealthier residents who are selective in what they spend on their homes and lifestyles, preferring products that are a bit different and bespoke. The Balcony system scores highly for its aesthetics and affordability, with the great advantage of keeping the views. Its corrosion-resistance makes it ideal for our coastal climate, and of course, there’s no need for painting."

A shortage of homes is keeping Jersey’s builders busy, with some 400 new apartments a year being built - many on reclaimed or previously-developed land - to meet demand. Changes in the hotel industry mean a number of hotels are being converted into luxury apartments, many with large balconies.

For example, the former Seacrest Hotel site at St Brelade has been transformed into eight apartments with glass balconies measuring up to 20 metres by 10 metres. As well as retaining spectacular sea views, the clear glass panels also offer protection from sea breezes.

As inherently strong materials, glass and aluminium open up exciting creative design possibilities for straight and curved glass balconies, with minimal need for vertical or corner posts.

The Balcony system allows for greater distancing between the vertical uprights than other systems," explains Tom. "So for an eight-metre wide balcony, only three posts would be needed - compared to six or more posts with other systems - enabling the beauty of the glass to shine through."

Handrails are available in a choice of finishes to suit property styles and colour schemes; powder-coated white or anodized silver, bronze or ‘Royal Chrome’, which replicates the look of stainless steel, but without the discolouration problems.

Tom concludes: "Balcony is a very responsive and reactive company with an original, yet practical product that really appeals to the Jersey market. The company’s commitment to excellent customer service enables us to offer the same to our discerning customers."

Designed to make the most of its beautiful countryside setting, this luxury five-bedroomed house incorporates extensive glass balustrading and a distinctive three-pane curved sliding patio door supplied by Balcony Systems Ltd.

Owners Greg Freiberg and his wife Lindsey Russel selected Balcony’s products to realise their vision of maximising views and natural light at the stunning, spacious property they built on the site of a former 1960s bungalow at Soulbury, Buckinghamshire.

The couple, who run their own construction company GPF Brickwork & Scaffolding Ltd, lived in their adjacent office/garage block during the two year build programme. They moved in just before last Christmas.

Situated on the first floor of the 'upside-down' house, the open-plan kitchen features a dramatic full-height curved sliding patio door opening onto a corner dining terrace, taking full advantage of the far-reaching views. From the terrace, the glass ‘wraparound’ balcony spans two sunny elevations overlooking the garden and fields beyond. A glass Juliette balcony across a full-height French Window provides the necessary safety, while enhancing interior light into the first-floor galleried landing above the front entrance.

Installation of the patio door and balcony was straightforward and completed by Greg and his brother Jason in just a few days. "We wanted minimum visual interference so that when you enter the room, you are drawn straight through to the view outside," explains Lindsey. "We were going to have a stone-pillared balcony to match the ground floor one, but that would have spoiled the views. The Balcony system appealed to us as it is unobtrusive and literally appears to ‘brings the outside in’."

As a niche product for the UK market, Balcony’s curved patio door range is creating a lot of interest from homeowners seeking an original, inspiring and different solution. Using curved glass, instead of segmented or straight glass adds extra beauty, space and light to any property.

Lindsey continues: "The patio door is quite a talking point. A couple considering a curved door travelled from Devon to look at ours, having discussed some options with Balcony. Our neighbour who has seen it also wants one!"

She adds: "Balcony was extremely helpful, with plenty of ideas and technical advice - right down to the positioning of posts to maximise the clear outlook. It was 100% exactly what we wanted; the bronze handrail and tinted glass complements the property perfectly."

All aspects of an innovative curved glass solution from Balcony Systems Ltd have been used to enhance the unique appearance of a contemporary Art Deco-influenced property on the South Coast.

The system's ability to achieve smooth curved glass doors and windows perfectly met the challenging 'grand piano' double-curve design of the four-bedroomed luxury seafront home overlooking Langstone Harbour at Hayling Island.

Two curved sliding glass and aluminium patio doors provide direct access from the living room and kitchen to the outside. Both sets of doors measure 3.3 metres across by 2.4 metres high, with one set curving inwards and the other set outwards to follow the sinuous shape of the building's southern elevation.

Complementing the doors are curved windows to two bedrooms above, again following the wall's curving line. Completing the theme is a curved glass balcony off the master bedroom. No-maintenance clear glass keeps the harbour views beyond.

The contemporary interpretation of original 1930s styling, seen in some of the neighbouring homes in the area, also features a dramatic curved glass entrance and hallway that spans the full two-storey height of the house. This 'entrance drum' comprises a quarter-circle of curved glass curtain walling, also supplied by Balcony Systems. All the low-maintenance extruded aluminium polyester powder-coated profiles are finished in a RAL 7000 shade of grey.

Homeowner and property developer, Nigel Slydell says: "The Balcony system attracted my interest because it is the only one in the UK that could supply exactly what I was looking for. It has certainly exceeded my expectations in delivering the aesthetics for the house. In addition, the curved glass provides some really interesting reflections of the outside scenery that change with the varying light levels."

Achieving smooth curves, rather than using a 'traditional' alternative such as a faceted design, was a crucial factor in the specification of the Balcony system, according to architect Jeffrey Douglas, of Jeffrey Douglas Chartered Architect.

"Curved glass is a major feature of this stunning house and what the Balcony system has brought is absolutely key to the overall design and aesthetics. Before we discovered Balcony, we were unable to find anything comparable on the UK market. We are absolutely delighted with the result," says Jeffrey.

"Curved glass doors and windows lend a much more refined and elegant appearance as they follow the flowing lines of the southern elevation and entrance. The effect would not have been the same using a faceted method," he adds.

The Balcony Visio Glide 100 system with curved glazed units was specified for the doors. It is manufactured to exacting tolerances for straightforward installation, durability and ease of use.

Balcony's technologically-advanced, yet affordable patio door system suits curved openings of virtually any size and radius, making it ideal for newbuild and renovation projects. Available in any colour, the system allows for configurations of two, three, four and six panels in various sliding and fixed combinations, offering myriad creative opportunities.

Balcony also offers full technical advice and a back-up service, along with a step-by-step installation guide on the website at www.balconette.co.uk. Email: enquiries@balconette.co.uk. Tel: 01342 410411, Fax: 01342 410412. Website: www.balconette.co.uk