Isle of Man Glass Balconies and Doors, Case Study

Port Erin, Isle of Man

Architect: Marshall Cryer Architects

Contractor: Hamilton Project Management Ltd

Fantastic panoramic views of the southern tip of the Isle of Man from a luxurious bed and breakfast property are fully exploited using every product from UK balustrading specialist Balcony Systems' wide range of low-maintenance clear glass balustrading and curved sliding patio doors.

Measuring 5.2 metres across and maximising the 180-degree views, the curved door has double glazed units with Low E glass and a 16mm air space that achieve a 1.8W/m2K U-value. It opens onto a square terrace with a structural glazed balustrade, also supplied by Balcony Systems. This balustrading style was chosen specifically to fulfil safety requirements with low-maintenance minimum visual impact, plus the added benefit of protection from prevailing winds.Owners Philip and Jillian Routledge specified Balcony's four-panel curved patio door, with two sliding panels, that forms the stunning centrepiece of the domed guest lounge at The Arches overlooking Port Erin. Either side of the curved white aluminium powder-coated doors are two further straight patio doors allowing additional access to the outside space.

The curved patio doors and balustrading elements were installed by Chris Wedgwood, Managing Director of Jurby-based Hamilton Project Management Ltd and incorporated as part of extensive remodelling to the substantial 920s building, perched on a steep site in Tower Road.

Five years of construction work included rebuilding and extending the southern elevation and roofing over what was an outdoor swimming pool.

Following the shape of a second lower terrace next to the swimming pool are nearly 40 metres of Balcony's curved and straight balustrading, topped with an anodised silver handrail. Above this terrace, three glass Juliet balconies supplied by Balcony Systems maintain clear views from guest rooms on two upper floors.

Having holidayed on the Isle of Man for many years, the couple moved there from the UK in 2006 having fallen in love with The Arches' spectacular coastal location. The B&B opened for business in 2011.

Philip, from Liverpool, explained: "The incredible views inspired all the glass as the whole point was to maximise the pleasure from them. It's unusual to have 180 degrees of such splendour - and the curved patio door from Balcony Systems really does it justice. Everyone is stunned when they see it and it adds so much to the value and enjoyment of the property.

He added: "As the house is located near to the sea, that's great for the views but a real challenge to the materials used to enable us to enjoy them to the full. After four or five years of installation, the finishes on our Balcony products are like new.

"The curved patio door performs well; it's thermally-efficient, air and watertight, even during the wild weather we get sometimes. It's so central to what we wanted to achieve. There's no product like it and it really brings the outside in!"

Project architect John Cryer, of Marshall Cryer Architects said an initial triangular design for the lounge was adapted into a more space-efficient curve after consultation with Balcony Systems.

He said: "The curved door is a remarkable product, making the most of the space and views while turning an ordinary room into something much better. This site is so suited to this product. So many sites on the island have good views that would benefit from products like those from Balcony Systems. I would definitely use their products again."

According to Chris Wedgwood, it's the combination of Balcony's three different products that work really well at The Arches. "The curved patio door undoubtedly gives the house its 'Wow' factor and makes the most of the views. The structural glass balustrade is a fantastic answer for uninterrupted views. They're all good quality, well-thought out products."

Balcony Systems is a specialist in sophisticated glass and aluminium balustrading solutions and stunning curved patio doors, supplying straight or curved external and Juliet balconies to exact client specifications.