Curved Glass Patio Doors

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.

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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01342 410411      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Fax: 01342 410412. Website: www.balconette.co.uk

We have been recording 100% positive feedback from customer that have ordered and received glass balustrades, glass juliets and curved glass doors supplied with our new and very popular self-cleaning glass coating.

"From the moment you touch the glass you can feel the difference" comments one of the clients who goes on to say "The glass feels smooth as silk, I compared it to a regular pane of glass on one of my windows and you can feel the difference straight away"

Cleaning glass on the outside of balconies, curved doors and glass railings is always a problem. Despite the fact that glass looks like a smooth faced product it is actually very porous when viewed under a microscope. These pours get filled in with dirt, dust, oil and other deposits which will obscure the natural clarity of the glass. These will look like stains sometimes.

In the middle of 2010 Balcony Systems launched a new added benefit to its range of products - a nano coating that is silica based and is factory applied. This application creates a sort of "self-cleaning" coating on the glass that makes the glass super smooth and water repellant.

Hundreds of clients have already enjoyed the benefit of this product applied to their order. Balcony regularly contacts customers to get after sales feedback and make sure the client is satisfied with what they have purchased. We are receiving 100% positive feedback on the coating and here are just a few comments:

"By modifying two standard upstairs windows in our 1990s home to create French Doors with glass Juliette balconies, we can take full advantage of glorious countryside views. Whether standing or seated our field of vision now extends from our garden below through to the distant horizon and the sky. This has improved the look and our use of the house tremendously, particularly as our principal reception rooms are on the first floor. We are very pleased with the Balcony System and absolutely delighted with how the new full length windows with their glass Juliette balconies have worked out. We were hoping that the balconies' aluminium top members would not appear obtrusive and any concerns have proved unfounded.

"The self-cleaning glass is a bonus - when a passing bird left a deposit, it was easier to wipe down afterwards! As we were originally planning to have a wrought iron balcony, having seen the excellent result in glass we're very glad we went down that route."

Mr. N.S. Droxford, Hampshire

"The self-cleaning glass does stay very clean. In the four months since the Juliette balcony was installed, I've not had to clean it. This glass was added half-way through the ordering process and I'm glad I've got it.

Living in a woodland situation, the air tends to be damper so the special coating on the glass that makes it resist water will certainly reduce maintenance to keep the balcony looking good."

Mr. P.M. Taunton, Somerset

"We're very happy with and have no complaints at all. We've had a lot of work done on the house and, despite this, the Juliette balcony with self-cleaning glass is keeping very clean."

Mr. N.D. Blaenau Gwent

"Self-cleaning glass was part of the specification for the Juliette balconies, so the fact we were able to source such a product was key for us. They will be installed on new apartments in the early part of 2011."

Mr. C.B. Tyne and Wear

The introduction of a self-cleaning glass coating option is proving popular with Juliette balcony and balustrading customers, especially for those living in coastal or city environments.

This maintenance-reducing benefit was the key reason why Mr. and Mrs. Jones chose the Balcony Systems Juliette balcony for their new-build home at Harlech, North Wales.

"The self-cleaning glass definitely influenced our choice of balustrading as our house is in an elevated position overlooking the sea," comments Rhian. "It's very windy so we often get fine salty and grainy deposits carried in the air. This glass certainly helps to reduce the amount of cleaning we have to do - leaving us more time to enjoy the view."



She adds: "Not only does the Juliette balcony look great from the inside and outside, it's easy to look after too."

"Overall we are very pleases with the results and the market reactions with this introduction" says Mr. Effi Wolff, Managing Director of Balcony Systems. "We believe in always pushing forward and improving our service and products; the introduction of the self-cleaning coating is a substantial milestone in the market of glass railings and glass doors"

The coating is available on every one of Balcony Systems' products - namely custom glass balustrades, glass Juliet balconies and curved sliding patio doors and is applied to both sides of the glass.

Stunning curved patio doors supplied and installed by Balcony Systems transform the appearance and enhance all-year round use of a swimming pool extension at a Hertfordshire home.

Adding tremendous space and light, the doors have three sliding panels that allow Margaret and Andy Demetriou of Broxbourne to 'bring the outside in' during hot summer days. Panoramic views to the garden can be enjoyed when taking a dip or relaxing - whatever the weather.

Curved glass was an essential part of the specification and the couple's decision was firmly sealed after seeing another Balcony curved patio door installation at apartments in Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex.

Installation of the doors - the Balcony Visioglide 100 thermally broken aluminium system - took about one and a half days. Measuring 2.2 metres high and 7.5 metres in curved length, the four doors use curved 28mm low-e toughened double-glazed panels. Three doors slide open and one is fixed. Balcony provided the builder with a curved template to match the brickwork and the doors.

"The curved doors are wonderful; they're so much prettier than conventional options and the smaller frame profiles leave more glass area to enhance the view. Everyone who sees them is stunned by how beautiful they look," says Margaret. "Once you've seen them, you don't want flat glass!"

The project presented a number of challenges, not least in finding a builder who would take on the job. "It was difficult getting someone, but eventually a carpenter/builder friend agreed to help us," says Andy. "It looked an impossible job, but once he'd broken the back of it, everything progressed very well and we're absolutely delighted with the result. Our six grandchildren use the pool the most; they love it!"

Working with their builder, Balcony's team completed the installation process smoothly and on time. The couple have since hosted visits from several potential purchasers of curved patio doors.

Balcony Systems creates complex curves in 'picture-perfect' studio

Balcony Systems created a complex combination of curves in three axes to fulfil the architect's demanding design for a photography enthusiast's home office and studio in rural Yorkshire.

Installed by Balcony's sister company VBS, the curved fixed windows and three-pane sliding curved patio doors complement the curves of the circular building, built by contractors William Anelay Ltd of York.

Featuring one fixed and two sliding panels, the doors when fully open provide a three metre-wide direct access to the garden. Their brown powder-coated frames replicate a bronze anodised finish to match the diamond-shaped pre-oxidised copper roof, supported by Borrowdale slate walls.

Wildblood MacDonald Architects specified the unique design, with its sloping angular roof intersecting a curved face, for their client who wanted space and light to pursue his hobby. The stunning result is a picture-perfect' solution combining light-enhancing aesthetics with practical access, taking advantage of expansive countryside views.

Balcony Systems' Managing Director Effi Wolff personally took on the challenge of designing and producing such 'non-standard' and highly-unusual shapes, saying: "From a technical perspective, we were initially unsure whether we could achieve this as curving the aluminium frames required a combination of curves in three different axes.

"It was quite a feat of engineering, so several test sections were made to check this in principle first before committing to the project. After much liaison with the VBS design team to confirm details, such as measurements and shapes, we achieved our ultimate goal. This was certainly no regular piece of aluminium joinery or glass bending!"

Effi added: "We always enjoy a challenge and when architects or designers plan an unconventional shape like this, which has the complexity of combining curved on plan windows with a sloping roof, we feel a great sense of achievement when we are able to fulfil the design envisaged and not revert to the safety of what has always been done. Architects are the ones that push design to its limits and I like to think that we are one of the companies that can realise the architects' visions.

"Installation on site went really smoothly thanks to the exactness of the design and manufacture. We are proud to have met  this challenge and delivered a truly unique building for the client."

Project architects Philip Wright and James Maclean chose Balcony Systems for the company's unique ability to meet the project's demanding specification. "Balcony was literally the only company that could supply the curved elements, which are used to great effect on this bespoke building. Everyone is very satisfied with the result," commented James.

"Balcony Systems gave us good service, with flexibility and ease of communication throughout the project. It's the first time we have used the company and it's quite likely we will again," he added.

As for the client, he said: "It's exactly what I wanted, giving me more space as a home office yet it evolved into something more splendid with the curves. Installation went very well as everything fitted and the tolerances were all correct. The curved doors open up to bring in the views - it's a lovely place to work from on a summer's day!"

Balcony System's curved patio door complements listed building

Providing a contemporary contrast between the old and new elements of a Grade 2 listed dwelling is this stunning curved patio door supplied by Balcony Systems.

Measuring more than five metres in width, the door allows panoramic views of the garden from a new extension added to a traditional farmhouse near Newark in Nottinghamshire.

It was installed by main contractors Gusto Construction for their clients David and Joy Cosslett as part of refurbishment work to their 300-year-old property. This included the construction of a new kitchen/dining room linking the main property with existing outbuildings.

Featuring two fixed and two sliding panels, the door when fully open provides a wide direct access to the garden. A grey/blue powder-coated finish was specified by conservation officers to match the lead roof above.

For the couple's architect, Balcony's curved patio door was the ideal solution to meet the design brief. He said: "We wanted to create a curve in the building between the old and the new. It just fitted the bill and I'm impressed with how well it blends in. It looks great!"

Creating a seamless curved appearance was a core requirement of the specification, as Gusto Construction Managing Director, Jerome Wright explained: "The plans showed a curved radius for the door; however conservation and planning officers did not want a faceted structure as this sectional approach would obstruct the views.

"Balcony Systems' curved patio door provides a modern, yet sympathetic, contrast linking the historic parts of the property with the new. Installation of the door went very well and we were pleased with how easy it was to fit; a testament to its accuracy and tolerances."

For homeowner David Cosslett the door creates a striking focal point in the building, while opening up direct access to the outside. "It brings in extra light and makes the garden feel part of the kitchen. The door looks fabulous and is a wonderful feature in our home."

David added: "The conservation officer was very supportive. She wanted something that would enhance the property, but would also allow the new to stand out from the old."

House built around curved patio door - Curved door takes centre stage

It was love at first sight for Val and Brian Grinter when they first saw Balcony's spectacular curved sliding patio door at Grand Designs Live. Their passion for the product resulted in their new self-build home being designed around the striking six-panel feature.

"It looks stunning; what we like best is the simplicity of the elegant design and the slim frames that keep the far-reaching views across to Hamworthy Park and the sea beyond," enthused Val, who lives in Poole, Dorset.

"After seeing the curved door on Balcony's stand at the exhibition, we knew it was just what we wanted so we asked our architect Kevin Flack to incorporate this in the plans from the outset. Many people have commented on how beautiful it looks and we also see a lot of walkers admiring the door as they pass by."

Balcony's installer installed the 6.5 metre-wide door, which has two fixed and four sliding panels opening onto the extensive paved terrace. Glazed panels directly above increase light to the interior's open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area.

Val added: "An added benefit is that the door can be opened as much or as little as required, giving ventilation but also protection from the weather on windier days. We absolutely love it!"

Architectural consultant Kevin Flack said: "The clients' instructions and commitment to incorporate such a striking component to the rear façade, being the most dominant aspect of the new dwelling and maximising the fantastic views of the park and bay beyond, create a unique and imposing design."

 "It looks stunning; what we like best is the simplicity of the elegant design that keeps the far-reaching views across to Hamworthy Park and the sea beyond,"

:"An added benefit is that the door can be opened as much or as little as required, giving ventilation but also protection from the weather on windier days. We absolutely love it!"