This Balconette curved balustrade is still stunning after 14 years

Why go ‘square’ when you can build ‘round’? That was Philip Wood’s first thought when he was planning this distinctive semi-circular turreted extension on his detached Surrey home in 2006.

Adding 150% of extra volume, the 1930s Esher property gained a further three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garage and a Balconette curved glass balustrade off the spacious new master bedroom.

Having completed a rear extension on a similar property in Rickmansworth, Philip thought he’d do something different. “Given that the extension would face north, we knew we needed to get light into the room from every angle of the sun. In addition, we wanted the house to look as stunning from the rear as it did from the front, so I decided that the extension would be curved like a large ‘turret’ rather than square,” he explains. “So, while that entailed considerably more work for the poor builder, of course it meant that it wouldn’t be a standard balcony.”

Preferring a glass balustrade to the steel design his builder had proposed, Philip found Balcony Systems (Balconette’s former name) via an internet search. “There were some things the builders couldn’t do, so when they’d finished after 12 months on site there was no balustrade. So, I had to source the balustrade myself.

“I found Balconette very, very helpful and they sent all the instructions I needed to measure up so they could manufacture the balustrade. When it was ready, I went with my trailer to pick it up. It was important to have a glass balustrade with no obstructions to the view down across a field to the banks of the River Mole.”

Philip fitted the Orbit System balustrade himself in 2008 and found it “very easy, very straightforward to install in just a couple of days” in front of the straight sliding patio doors. The circular-shaped handrail is finished in the lustrous Royal Chrome anodised finish.

In 2022, the Woods sold their Esher home and are now embarking on a major property renovation in France. However, their relationship with Balconette and glass balustrades will continue as Philip adds: “We were in the suburbs of London, which is quite a corrosive atmosphere from traffic pollution, yet the balustrade has stood up to the elements over 14 years really well. It looked as good when we left as when I installed it!

“In France, we struggled to find the right kind of glass balcony solution which is why I contacted Balconette again to quote for two glass Juliet balconies and another big seven-metre balcony. It’s a much more competitive price and I know I can install their products myself. I know they last and they’re really good!”