The confidence to experiment

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.

The upsurge in demand

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.

The project

The project is a luxury gated development of three mews houses in the centre of the town. Set back from the main street in a secluded position, each three bedroom house has a large (2.84m) standard Juliette balcony on the master bedroom at the rear of the property and a bespoke 15sq metre balcony with hand rails at the front to the second bedroom, which could also be used as a study or dining room.

Keeping the clean lines and modern look

The houses are a contemporary design, described by Paul Nash as ‘modern and funky’. Local planners praised the development, as they are ‘a bit different’ from the norm. The properties look out onto the local church and Paul wanted to take advantage of the views in safety while keeping the clean lines and modern look. He found the Juliette balcony met his requirements and added to the appeal. Using clear glass with no vertical posts or clamps gives an uninterrupted view from the patio doors.  Most importantly for this project the un-cluttered glass balcony looks good from inside and out.

The commercial angle

The development is nearing completion and installations have gone smoothly. The first house is already sold, for £325,000. Although Paul chose Juliette balconies primarily for the look he also had to consider the commercial angle, looking for high quality, a competitive price and a short lead time. Balcony’s products fitted into this criteria and Paul feels they have added value to his development. Pleased with the service and products from Balcony, he will use them again in future projects.

It is important to note and be prepared for the following when dealing with curved balustrades:

1. On some radii the removal of the glazing bead from the handrail is not possible and the balustrade will need to be installed with the top glazing bead in place. This may require an adaption to the standard installation procedure to accommodate for this; this procedure can be obtained from us upon request.
2. On the handrail the glazing gap may become smaller than on straight runs and a smaller glazing rubber may need to be supplied, it may also become necessary as part of the changed procedure to remove the external fixed rubber and replace it with a different kind that can be inserted line the internal rubber.
3. It is important to realize that the tolerance on curved toughened glass is great and the curved glass panels will have “straight” ends of approximately 100mm on each side. This will be more noticeable on small radii. Curved glass may therefore require more manipulation, experience and patience in installation.
4. It is important to note that all bending of profile sections is performed after any anodizing or painting process, therefore surface cracking, whether visible or not, will always be present on curved sections, stretch marks may also be present and will depend on tightness of the radius. These cracking and stretch marks in addition to any other results from the bending are not considered defects.
5. Manufacturing limitations with respect to curved glass and balustrades exist and on occasion new limitations are realized that were previously unbeknownst.

If it isn’t convenient to do that, full-length windows in the bedrooms add space and light. Of course they should be energy efficient and secure but they need to look good too. What could be better than to sit gazing at the beautiful view, basking in sunshine and enjoying the gentle breeze? Okay, the last two might be hard to come by in the UK but at least it is easy to make the most of the view.

Enhancing buildings

Floor to ceiling patio, French  doors are an increasingly popular fixture in both old and new properties. But doors are meant to open and offering safe enjoyment of the view on the first floor and above, the light and fresh air, Balcony’s versatile clear glass Juliette balconies are the perfect solution for self-builders, developers and home-improvers.  Whether it’s one balcony in a private house or apartment or a combination of balconies, balustrades and patio doors in a new development, Balcony’s easy to fit products enhance buildings.

1930s style

Nigel was initially attracted by Balcony’s stunning curved windows and curved patio doors. “They were the only company to offer exactly what we were looking for”, he says. “I wanted curves, in keeping with the 1930s style of the building and its setting on the coast.”

In the end Nigel ordered two sets of curved patio doors, two sets of curved windows, curved curtain walling and curved balustrades. The patio doors are fitted in the living room and dining room on the ground floor, with the curved windows going in the master bedroom and bedroom three.

Excellent service

Nigel appreciated the excellent service from Balcony: “My architect and I could tell from the website we were ordering a high quality product, but we didn’t know what service to expect. Balcony’s regular phone calls and a site visit meant the local builder I used had no difficulty with the installation and the house was completed in fifteen months.”

Nigel is delighted with the end result. Pleased that the products lived up to his expectations, he will recommend Balcony and will use them again for future developments.

The property

The property, a large, modern five bedroom house in Meliden, near Prestatyn, North Wales sold for £1.2 million. It is situated on the side of a cliff with fantastic views so Balcony’s products were the ideal choice. The Juliette balcony, six metre wide curved patio doors and nine metre wide balustrade ensured that the property’s perfect views were not obstructed.

Adding class

Mr Davies explains: “I first came across Balcony at Glassex and then went on to their website. I was impressed with the range and quality of products, with the modern curves and lines that definitely add to the look and value of a house. Their Juliette balconies and balustrades don’t have metal posts and clamps so the homeowner gets a clear view from the windows. And their curved patio doors are just stunning and add real class to the home.

Easy installation

“Balcony’s service was excellent,” continues Mr Davies. “The whole installation was very easy and progressed without a hitch. Their website is also helpful with a video that guides you through installing the products, which is easy to follow and understand. I would definitely recommend Balcony’s range to others.”

Next: 80 metres of balustrade

Mr Davies has since started a new project involving approximately 80 metres of balustrade for a large four bedroom house on the foreshore of the Menai Straits in Anglesey. The property is to be glass fronted to take advantage of the lovely views.

It seems since the decline of new housing projects that public doing up their own house rather than moving has created a demand in the market for innovative door solutions.

It looks like architects have taken a particular liking to  the curved patio doors that Balcony supply.  Balcony’s managing director comments that Balcony have been thoroughly promoting the curved glass doors product in over thirty consumer and proffesional shows and exibitions over the last seven years. This, he continues, has been a key factor in getting the architects, specifiers and designers to learn about the availability of curved glass doors. Coupled with the affordability of Balcony’s glass doors this he believes has created this surge in interest.

In 2009 Balcony had an increase in sales of curved doors and forcasts a further 30% increase this year.

Curved glass sliding patio doors are available in many options of sliding and fixed combinations with virtually no limit on radii.