Stunning New Glass Balustrade in Sussex

Added on: 19/09/14

Brighton, Sussex

Balcony's balustrading is Brighton garden's 'crowning glory'

Glass balustrading from Balcony Systems makes a smart statement in this Brighton garden that underwent complete refurbishment in 2013, ending the days of 'extreme lawn-mowing' for its owner.

Views over four terraces with Cotswold stone chippings can be enjoyed from a top timber deck enclosed by 12.42 metres of the Balcony 2 system with the aerofoil-shaped handrail in Balcony's proprietary Royal Chrome anodised finish. 

Thrilled with the final result, Hugo, a retired art gallery owner, and his wife Zeena can finally enjoy their new low-maintenance outdoor space in safety. "It was mostly grass and always a challenge," he admitted."With a 45-degree slope, I'd end up sliding down on my back behind the hover mower!"

Out with the old in with the new

The story goes back to 2009 when the couple purchased a glass balustrade from Balcony Systems to replace a rotten timber balcony at their 1970s 'upside-down' home. Hugo praised Balcony's help and technical advice that enabled him to install it himself." The installation of this top balcony balustrade was not straightforward. Because the balcony deck was timber and covered with felt, the balustrade could not be fixed directly to the deck. 

It required a custom-fabricated steel supporting sub-frame which I designed - this has proved to be very successful and we were most grateful for Balcony's help and advice."The complete refurbishment of the south-facing rear garden was 'a very major achievement' as Hugo explained: "The design, on a steeply-sloping site, required 320 oak sleepers to create the terracing and took seven months to complete.

"The garden refurbishment was carried out by Adrian Standen, owner of the landscapers Standen's of Ditchling Ltd. Although the original conception was mine, it is his creation; the terracing grew as the work progressed rather than as a result of apre-conceived plan. We owe a tremendous amount to his experience and vision in creating the end result.

"The new Balcony Systems balustrade finishes it off perfectly, closely matching the one previously installed on the top balcony. It is the crowning glory of our new back garden and visitors are amazed by it. It really is quite unique."

He continued: "Again we were most impressed by Balcony's high level of technical support that enabled me to install the balustrade successfully -indeed it withstood hurricane-force winds last December!"

Balcony products exceed couple's expectations

The couple chose the Balcony Systems' products to keep the far-reaching views over the South Downs and achieve a very 'modernist and minimalist' appearance.

"We're very pleased with the superb standard of the products and the finish is brilliant," stated Hugo. "Balcony's technical support guided me through both installations perfectly. The technical drawings and videos were so useful and I loved the fact I could get an instant quote from their website."

Since developing his inspired balcony sub-frame solution, Hugo has advised several other homeowners referred to him via Balcony Systems.That's not the end of the story. Hugo is preparing designs for the refurbishment of their front garden, which will include a further matching balustrade leading to the front entrance of the property. Thankfully, this part is level.