Prize-Winning Balcony in East Sussex

‘The view wouldn’t be the same with anything other than a glass balustrade’

Boasting stunning views across glorious East Sussex countryside, this extensive Balconette glass balustrade atop a new composite deck is a winning combination - in more ways than one.

The replacement of an old timber deck and balustrading with low-maintenance decking and Balconette’s Hybrid® Aerofoil Glass Balustrade has made the most of the uninterrupted views for homeowner Graeme Jones and his wife Caroline. An additional benefit is that the glass provides additional protection on breezier days.

The extensive Aerofoil system with its distinctive ‘wing-shaped’ handrail provides an elegant, yet essential barrier for the renovated deck, which overlooks a steep slope to the garden below. The revitalised area has also given Graeme extra outdoor space to enjoy the spectacular view.

He says: “I usually like to walk around the garden each evening if I can, and one evening I saw the most amazing sunset after a rainstorm and took a picture on the spur of the moment.”

The fiery summer sunset picture from his balcony earned Graeme the top prize of £1,000 and a bottle of bubbly in Balconette’s Photo Competition 2020-21.

Graeme adds: “I couldn’t believe I had won the overall competition for the year. I feel very lucky. Plus, the balustrade looks fantastic; the view wouldn’t be the same with anything other than a glass balustrade.”

However, the project presented some challenges for installer Paul Frampton of Balconette’s Registered Installer Timbertech Southern Ltd, namely the steep site and removal of the former deck.

“It was tricky, but it was a lovely job, lovely people, lovely site and the weather was good to us. The couple wanted glass to keep the view and a low-maintenance solution that Balconette’s system and the composite deck have certainly delivered. The two products together are just beautiful: it’s the ideal result,” comments Paul.

Caroline had initially picked up balustrading samples from Balconette. Then Paul dealt with the company direct once they had made the decision to use the system.

Having been introduced to Balconette through Graeme’s decision to use their products, Paul is convinced of their quality and appeal, saying: “I visited Balconette’s showroom to see the balustrading, then fitted it and it was absolutely fantastic. I thought ‘this is the way forward’.

“It’s a superb product and although I think it’s a little bit more expensive than other systems, there is a reason for that; and that is pure quality.”

If you are planning to invest in a Balconette glass balustrade, Paul shares some helpful tips:

• Ensure your measurements are accurate – especially for complex projects, such as shaped or sloping glass
• Paying that bit extra for a professional survey gives you peace of mind knowing that the measurements are right and that the balustrade will fit correctly
• While simple balustrades can be installed by a competent DIY-er, for bigger schemes consider using a qualified installer