Orbit Glass Balustrades and Curved Doors in East Kent

Sheridan’s Cliff - Broadstairs, East Kent

Balconette balustrades frame sea views with a famous connection

Tantalising sea views are delivered through 171 metres of Balconette’s clear glass balustrading at these luxury modern apartments – with a famous connection - located on the prestigious North Foreland estate, one of the most desirable areas in East Kent.

Residents of the two contemporary apartment blocks at Ocean Drive, Broadstairs have private access to a secluded beach below via the famous ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps’ from John Buchan’s renowned novel of the same name, first published in 1915.

The Scottish author, who was staying in the area while recovering from illness, took inspiration from the set of steps cut into the chalk, which zig-zagged through two shafts and three tunnel sections.

While the original wooden steps were replaced in the 1940s with concrete ones, the upper entrance is still surrounded by bushes that hide it from view as depicted in the novel. Adapted for film three times, in 1935 Alfred Hitchcock directed the first – and arguably most memorable - of the ‘man-on-the-run’ thriller.

Ocean Drive was constructed on the site of a former cliff-top villa by developer Blueberry Homes, a company with a reputation for excellence in building quality new homes throughout Kent and the South East.

The top specification three-bedroomed apartments ranging in size up to 2,525 sq. ft, are split across two four-storey buildings, Sea Breeze and Sunrise, set in private gated grounds.

Spacious balconies enhance each of the east facing apartments, making the most of outdoor space, Kent’s warm sunny summers and, of course, those fabulous unspoilt views to the water. Each balcony features Balconette’s Hybrid® Orbit Glass Balustrade System with its anodised aluminium circular handrail and base track - in Balconette’s proprietary Royal Chrome finish – together with 10mm Clear Toughened Glass.

Due to their size and run of glass, some balconies required posts. However, these were minimal as the Orbit System allows up to 3.3m balustrade runs without the need for posts. Where required, these posts were supplied in the Royal Chrome finish to match the handrails.

A popular choice, and particularly for homeowners and property developers in coastal areas, Balconette’s system is robust and designed to withstand the elements thanks to the use of corrosion-resistant materials, such as toughened glass and anodised aluminium profiles.

The balustrading specification also called for privacy screens, also supplied by Balconette. Required as part of the building regulations, the 1.8-metre-high Privacy Screens were specified with opaque glass, ensuring private outdoor spaces are not overlooked.

Emphasising the exclusive design and providing effortless access to outside space for ground floor and upper floor apartments are eight inward curving Curvaglide® Curved Glass Sliding door systems. Making a clear statement and providing a stylish focal point to the interiors, these unique Balconette full-height doors, with frames finished in RAL7016 Anthracite Grey, create a contrasting gently curving shape within the building’s angular lines.

Commenting on their choice of balustrading supplier for one of Kent’s most prestigious newbuild residential developments, a Blueberry Homes spokesman said, “As a property developer of luxury apartments, we were seeking a high-quality glass balustrading solution for our project at Ocean Drive, Broadstairs.

“We came into contact with Balconette in summer 2018 and instantly saw that the quality and aesthetics of the Hybrid Orbit Glass Balustrade system fitted into our specifications. We were also impressed with the level of service and technical support that Balconette also had to offer.

“The all-round service of site-surveying, designing, manufacturing, and installing tailor-made glass balustrade systems for our project is reassuring and this delivered a result that met our client’s expectations. We see Balconette as a proficient and reliable partner that delivers a great-looking aspect to our properties.”

He added: “The glazed balconies allow the owners to perfectly view, enjoy and magnify the beauty of the morning sunrise.”