Post-less Curved Glass Balcony, Case Study in Jersey

Jersey, Channel Islands

As inherently strong materials, glass and aluminium open up exciting creative design possibilities for straight andcurved glass balconies.

Featuring here one of the many installations of Balcony Systems' Glass balustrades undertaken by Pallot Windows in the Channel Island of Jersey, a large clear balcony balustrade without any posts was achieved.

Using the Balcony 1 System, a continuous handrail section holding the straight and curved glass sections around the entire balcony, together with the precision curved glass sections, has given the strength and robustness, as well as the beauty to fulfil the clients requirement for a clear and post-less system that can also withstand the weather and climate of the island.

Tom Matthews, Managing Director of Pallot Windows, one of the island's oldest window companies based in St Helier, says the elegance and simplicity of the competitively-priced Balcony System serves their niche market perfectly.

"It's a fantastic product, particularly for the many properties here that overlook the sea," says Tom. "Jersey has some wealthier residents who are selective in what they spend on their homes and lifestyles, preferring products that are a bit different and bespoke. The Balcony system scores highly for its aesthetics and affordability, with the great advantage of keeping the views. Its corrosion-resistance makes it ideal for our coastal climate, and of course, there's no need for painting."

A shortage of homes is keeping Jersey'sbuilders busy, with some 400 new apartments a year being built - many onreclaimed or previously-developed land - to meet demand. Changes in the hotelindustry mean a number of hotels are being converted into luxury apartments,many with large balconies.

For example, the former Seacrest Hotel siteat St Brelade has been transformed into eight apartments with glass balconiesmeasuring up to 20 metres by 10 metres. As well as retaining spectacular seaviews, the clear glass panels also offer protection from sea breezes.

As inherently strong materials, glass andaluminium open up exciting creative design possibilities for straight and curved glass balconies, withminimal need for vertical or corner posts.

The Balcony system allows for greaterdistancing between the vertical uprights than other systems," explainsTom. "So for an eight-metre wide balcony, only three posts would be needed- compared to six or more posts with other systems - enabling the beauty of theglass to shine through."

Handrails are available in a choice of finishes to suit property styles andcolour schemes; powder-coated white or anodised silver, bronze or 'Royal Chrome',which replicates the look of stainless steel, but without the discolourationproblems.

Tom concludes: "Balcony is a very responsive and reactive company with anoriginal, yet practical product that really appeals to the Jersey market. Thecompany's commitment to excellent customer service enables us to offer the sameto our discerning customers."