Glass Balustrade Case Study, Glen farm, Aberdeen

Dyce, Aberdeen, Scotland

Developer: Quality Street Residential Investments

Architect: Douglas Jack

Contractor: Barratt Construction Ltd

With the number of apartments this year totalling half of all new builds, balconies have become an important and aesthetic aspect of domestic architecture.

Increasingly, modern balcony styles now favour glazed balustrading systems, rather than railings, to retain panoramic views of surrounding scenery. At Glen Farm, Dyce in Aberdeen, picturesque views from the 36 luxury apartments across the River Don and beyond have been preserved with a no- maintenance aluminium balustrade and glass panel system supplied and fitted by Balconette, specialists in sophisticated balustrading solutions. Built by Barratt Construction Ltd for developer Quality Street Residential Investments, the one and two-bed apartments feature a combination of Juliet balconies and balconies, measuring up to 5.5 meters wide.

Project Architect Douglas Jack of the Holmes Partnership selected the cost-effective system, manufactured by Balconette, for its clear glass aesthetics to keep the views, and to complement the properties' contemporary exterior appearance.

"Using a glazed balustrading system maximises the picturesque views over the river and farmland, one of the primary features of the site," he explains. "Unlike railings, glass does not obscure the view, and allows residents to take full advantage of their balconies' rural setting."

With over 25 years' experience, Balconette is at the forefront of innovation and value engineering in the design, manufacture and installation of stainless steel, glass and aluminium balustrades and Juliet balconies. In many cases, its glass balustrades require no vertical supports at a fraction of the cost of alternative glazed systems. The company also offers a complete project management service, from concept to completion, to architects, developers and housebuilders.