T-shaped Glass Juliet Balcony in Cumbria

Shawn Reed - Brampton, Cumbria

‘Balconette’s technical team helped me to achieve the design’

Assistance from Balconette’s technical team on the design and installation of this distinctive T-shaped Glass Juliet balcony enabled Shawn Reed to fit it himself and maximise enjoyment of countryside views from his home near Brampton, Cumbria.

The custom Orbit Mirror style Juliet balcony protects the first-floor French Doors in a new extension with stunning views towards Scotland. This unique Mirror system utilises a 70mm diameter circular handrail which is side-fixed with brackets top and bottom, either side of the opening. Due to the windows on either side, the top rail measures 3.15m spanning the aperture, while the bottom rail is a shorter 1.91m in width. Both rails are finished in a corrosion-resistant white powder-coating.

When designing the extension, the couple wanted French Doors and windows either side to make the most of the views and increase natural light. Keen to avoid a ‘traditional wrought iron type balcony’ that would obstruct the view, Shawn researched glass balcony options that also offered the benefit of lower maintenance in the future.

He says: “I liked the Balconette product, and it was reasonably-priced. There were also lots of pictures that helped guide my decision, although there was nothing that looked like what I was planning. So, aware of the unusual shape, and being an engineer, I thought I would have to modify the Balconette product to suit my own needs.”

Shawn need not have worried. His Balconette ‘journey’ began in 2013 to obtain quotes when the new extension was underway. “They were more than happy to accommodate my needs, that impressed me. The two supporting rails could be different lengths; as long as the glass covers the door area, that is fine,” he continues.

On completing exterior painting - that took longer than anticipated - it was time to take measurements. With the help of son Joshua, the pair carefully measured up, including the exact positioning for the wall brackets, and were assured to find that their calculations were correct.

Shawn praised Balconette’s advice, saying: “I wanted to get it right, so their team helped me with understanding the dimensions of the bracket on the rail. They sent me all the details, I measured it, they drew the plans and once all agreed, I placed my order.”

The long-awaited installation (once all the painting had been done) was straightforward and Shawn is ‘really happy’ with the Juliet balcony. “It looks good, and when I put a spirit level on it, I can’t ask for it to be any more level than it is – bearing in mind it’s the first time I’ve done this. We were well chuffed with the finished result!”

For added low maintenance, Shawn specified Balconette’s self-cleaning glass coating – BalcoNano® - that repels rainwater faster and reduces cleaning. “I just wash the glass now and again, it’s so easy to wipe down. The Juliet balcony looks fantastic, and the big bonus is my wife Ruth likes it!