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Balconette

Balconette Balustrade boasts spectacular views of the Cairngorms

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johnmonks-selfinstall7-smlLooking smart and boasting spectacular views towards the Cairngorms, this stunning self-installed Balconette balustrade in Ballater, Aberdeenshire has quite rightly made its retired owner, John Monks, very proud.

It took the former Army engineer four months ‘just pottering away each day’ to transform the garden and its old ‘haphazard patio’ with new low-maintenance composite decking and more than 18 metres of Balconette balustrading.

He installed Balconette’s Hybrid® Orbit System, with its circular handrail in a Royal Chrome anodised finish, above the finished decking. The base plate covers, support posts, and end posts, where required, are also finished in Royal Chrome to give a uniform look.

JohnMonks-selfinstall4“I am very proud. I’m not shy of the fact I’m 68 going on 69 and I actually managed to erect this entire balustrade system myself; that actually says something about Balconette’s product. It’s a good product,” says John, who had also worked in the offshore oil industry.

Knowing what he was looking for, John found Balconette via an internet search and liked the look of their website and customer case studies. “There were a couple of competitors, including some in Scotland, but Balconette was very responsive, and I had no complaints.”

Despite some issues due to the pandemic, John praised the company’s efficiency with delivery and helping him with technical advice, saying: “I had 26 big panes of glass delivered and none of them were broken, which is testament to some good packing and good courier services. Only one the last one was the wrong shape, but Balconette was very understanding – and a new one arrived on my doorstep in 10 days.”

JohnMonks-selfinstall2For John, self-installing the balustrade ‘had its frustrations, but Balconette’s instructions and video were good,’ though the system required him to find his own screws and bolts to secure the support posts to the decking.

“That actually works better as I knew exactly the strength of the decking and what I would need in terms of fixings. I’ve got a fine array of power tools, so I wouldn’t say it’s easy to erect,” he continues.

JohnMonks-selfinstall1“But the fact that a pensioner who doesn’t have an engineering degree to his name, but just a bit of common sense and the confidence to go about it, I was able to do it pretty much on my own says a lot…because you look at it and think that must need at least two people.”

In fact, with help from his wife Sue, ‘sometimes holding a piece of glass while I put bits and pieces together, John says he ‘probably handled 99% of it himself’.

“It’s testament to the product more than it is to me,” says John, who admits he was nervous about getting the angles right for the balustrading while he was constructing the decking, helped by his son-in-law.

“I just knew where I wanted the bends in the decking, and then only when I’d finished it and contacted Balconette about the balustrading, I was advised that the measurements had to be exact. We got there eventually, and it works perfectly!”

Asked what he likes best about the Orbit system, John rates its ‘attractive appearance, safety protection, and shelter from the wind.’

He adds: “We wanted glass to keep the view, especially when we’re lying on the sun loungers or in the hot tub, and the glass also provides shelter from the wind. The handrail height is perfect too, as you can lean on it and admire the view.

“As the elevated decking is up to two feet above the lawn, the balustrade creates a secure area so the grandkids can ride their bikes and not fall off. It’s great; we love it!”

‘Balconette’s Aerofoil Balustrade is in keeping with my job’, says Pilot

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JHill-1An airline pilot made excellent use of his time on furlough by completely refurbishing his spacious outdoor deck and self-installing this spectacular multi-level Balconette Glass Balustrade at his home in rural Worcestershire.

With more time on his hands, James Hill, a long-haul pilot with British Airways, decided to tackle the pandemic project himself, although it was not all ‘plane sailing’.

The existing rotten timber deck had to be stripped back to its supporting steel superstructure before new joists and low-maintenance composite decking could be installed.

Having a vague idea of what he wanted for the balustrading, an internet search for glass balustrade images led to the Balconette website where he liked the look of the company’s products.

JHill-2“Glass balustrading was important as we’ve got a beautiful view overlooking the Severn Valley,” explains James. “We wanted to maximise the view, and because I was using the old structure to support the joists and decking, I had to come up with an engineering solution for how to attach the balcony to the steels and retain the rigidity that is needed.

“A frameless balustrade system was not possible, so that’s why I opted for the post and handrail set-up as it is more rigid. I chose the Silver Anodised wing-shaped handrail as I thought it is more interesting than the round profile, and I thought it was amusing because I’m a pilot. So, I felt the Balconette Aerofoil System would be more in keeping with my job.”

Due to the complexity of the 25-metre-long design, including bespoke angular panes for the steps to the lawn, James had paid extra for Balconette to measure up. “Unfortunately, there were a couple of sections of handrail and two panes of glass that turned out to be the wrong size, which caused me some frustration when they didn’t meet up properly,” he continues.

JHill-4Having consulted Balconette’s technical team for advice, he was able to identify the wrong pieces and his issues were swiftly rectified, saying “They kindly sent someone up to help me to re-measure and to correct some of the things that were causing me the biggest difficulties. Throughout the whole process, everybody I spoke to when I did have trouble was very accommodating and very good at correcting the issues. Then the actual fitting of the whole system with the correctly measured pieces was brilliant!” He acknowledges that for a project of this complexity Balconette’s measuring service is “well worth doing.”

James says visitors are impressed with the balustrade, adding: “Overall, the final finish is great. What I like best are the clean lines, visibility and the fact that it looks good quality as well. I think the quality of the handrail itself, the glass and everything looks expensive, looks posh and is in keeping with what I wanted.”

‘We love our Balconette balustrade; we are the envy of all our neighbours!’

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20201201_112850_HDRProving you are never too old for DIY in your seventies, proud owner Mr Hazard installed this beautiful 14-metre-long Balconette balustrade on the back of a new kitchen extension with a little help from his wife.

“Everything fitted perfectly. It took a week to install by myself – partly due to the weather – and with a little assistance from my wife. Not bad for a first-time fitter of 70+,” he says.

image1_RT_HDRThe householder’s internet research led them to the Balconette website and the couple chose the company’s Aerofoil Glass Balustrade System with its distinctive wing-shaped handrail and base track in a Silver anodised finish to protect the 22-inch drop from the new decking area.

Mrs Hazard comments: “We liked the product and our son, who is in the building trade, approved.”

 

mms_img151844973_RT_HDRThe reason for their Balconette balustrade choice over other products was because Mr H preferred ‘the fact that each pane of glass did not need a separate post fixing and posts were not required at the corners’.

“We wanted as seamless a balcony as possible and the Aerofoil balustrade certainly achieves that,” he continues having always been a keen DIY-er, taking time to carefully think each job through before starting.

image0_RT_HDRHe found the installation was ‘relatively simple’, following the instructions at each step and emphasises how Balconette’s technical advice and drawings regarding fitting the fixing posts were ‘key’ to success.

“Balconette assisted by supplying detailed drawings of where each post plate needed to be fitted after we sent a detailed measurement plan to their engineer. Every measurement was absolutely perfect, and fitting was trouble-free.”

Barry Hazard - 1_RT_HDRAlthough the cost was ‘a little more expensive’ than they first budgeted for, the couple say on examining the product and viewing the completed installation, ‘it was worth it’. The balustrade worked out as half the total cost of the build.

Visitors are ‘extremely impressed’ with the balustrade, says Mrs Hazard, adding: “We love our Balconette balustrade, which hopefully will provide some shelter from the westerly winds. Over last winter we have had lovely patterns on the glass and pretty reflections from the outdoor lights.

“We are the envy of all our neighbours. We now have a fully accessible outdoor space with minimum steps to our large garden…just the place to enjoy a coffee and evening meal in the summer. We certainly recommend Balconette!”

Balconette Balustrade Opens up New Vistas and a Space to Socialise, all year round.

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Keeping beautiful views over three counties from the patio decking at this Herefordshire home was of paramount importance – and this smart Balconette balustrade fits the bill perfectly.

With the advent of better weather and easing of restrictions, this Balconette Aerofoil Glass Balustrade System creates a social space on patios where guests can lean on the slim but sturdy wing-shaped handrail, chat and admire the view.

Webb-herfd_RT1-webThe patio, complete with table and chairs, flows around a recently built orangery and is accessed via two sets of bi-fold doors.

“We needed a balustrade to protect the five-foot drop to the garden below, but didn’t want bannister rails or spindles as these would spoil the nice view. We wanted something that would blend in, but wouldn’t obstruct the view, which is why the Aerofoil System is absolutely perfect,” said owners Mr & Mrs Webb, who discovered Balconette browsing the internet and are now Balconette Ambassadors.

Although at first undecided whether to have a frameless balustrade system or one with a handrail, they are glad they opted for the latter. “With the rail on top, we do find that people tend to lean on it, look at the view and have a chat. It’s more social; so, I’m pleased we went with the handrail option.”

Glass Balustrade - Herefordshire_RT_webHaving spoken to the Balconette team about their requirements, the couple ordered the Aerofoil glass balustrade, which was fitted by their local builder. They also specified Balconette’s BalcoNano® self-cleaning glass coating, which ‘makes it pretty much maintenance free, it stays clean and tidy for quite a while’.

The 12 metres of glass balustrade features obtuse angles that follow the irregular shape of the patio, amply demonstrating the system’s versatility. The handrail and base track are in Balconette’s resplendent Royal Chrome finish.

“The balustrade generates a lot of interest. A nearby neighbour who came to see it has also ordered from Balconette.”

Webb-herfd_RT3_web“The balustrade does look nice and gives a good finish to the whole project. As we are quite high up, we get a great view across Herefordshire. If we have people here on New Year’s Eve, we all go out on the decking, lean against the balustrade and watch the fireworks. It is perfect viewing for New Year’s Eve!

“We’ve got the security, it’s safe but we’ve also not lost the view, which was the main thing we needed more than anything really.”

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Balconette balustrades frame sea views with a famous connection

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Ocean Drive - BPI 1aTantalising sea views are delivered through 171 metres of Balconette’s clear glass balustrading at these luxury modern apartments – with a famous connection – located on the prestigious North Foreland estate, one of the most desirable areas in East Kent.

Residents of the two contemporary apartment blocks at Ocean Drive, Broadstairs have private access to a secluded beach below via the famous ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps’ from John Buchan’s renowned novel of the same name, first published in 1915.

Ocean Drive was constructed on the site of a former cliff-top villa by developer Blueberry Homes, a company with a reputation for excellence in building quality new homes throughout Kent and the South East.

The top specification three-bedroomed apartments ranging in size up to 2,525 sq. ft, are split across two four-storey buildings, Sea Breeze and Sunrise, set in private gated grounds.

Ocean Drive - BPI 2Spacious balconies enhance each of the east facing apartments, making the most of outdoor space, Kent’s warm sunny summers and, of course, those fabulous unspoilt views to the water. Each balcony features Balconette’s Hybrid® Orbit Glass Balustrade System with its anodised aluminium circular handrail and base track – in Balconette’s proprietary Royal Chrome finish – together with 10mm Clear Toughened Glass.

Due to their size and run of glass, some balconies required posts. However, these were minimal as the Orbit System allows up to 3.3m balustrade runs without the need for posts. Where required, these posts were supplied in the Royal Chrome finish to match the handrails.

A popular choice, and particularly for homeowners and property developers in coastal areas, Balconette’s system is robust and designed to withstand the elements thanks to the use of corrosion-resistant materials, such as toughened glass and anodised aluminium profiles.

The balustrading specification also called for privacy screens, also supplied by Balconette. Required as part of the building regulations, the 1.8-metre-high Privacy Screens were specified with opaque glass, ensuring private outdoor spaces are not overlooked.

Ocean Drive - BPI 3Emphasising the exclusive design and providing effortless access to outside space for ground floor and upper floor apartments are eight inward curving Curvaglide® Curved Glass Sliding door systems. Making a clear statement and providing a stylish focal point to the interiors, these unique Balconette full-height doors, with frames finished in RAL7016 Anthracite Grey, create a contrasting gently curving shape within the building’s angular lines.

Commenting on their choice of balustrading supplier for one of Kent’s most prestigious newbuild residential developments, a Blueberry Homes spokesman said, “As a property developer of luxury apartments, we were seeking a high-quality glass balustrading solution for our project at Ocean Drive, Broadstairs.

“We came into contact with Balconette in summer 2018 and instantly saw that the quality and aesthetics of the Hybrid Orbit Glass Balustrade system fitted into our specifications. We were also impressed with the level of service and technical support that Balconette also had to offer.

“The all-round service of site-surveying, designing, manufacturing, and installing tailor-made glass balustrade systems for our project is reassuring and this delivered a result that met our client’s expectations. We see Balconette as a proficient and reliable partner that delivers a great-looking aspect to our properties.”

He added: “The glazed balconies allow the owners to perfectly view, enjoy and magnify the beauty of the morning sunrise.”

‘Attention to detail is critical and that’s where Balconette stood out’

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FH2From dilapidated office block to modern luxury apartments, Farringdon House in the centre of East Grinstead, Sussex has been totally transformed with Balconette’s products adding that all-important ‘Wow’ factor.

Working with developer Whitehall Homes, Balconette supplied and installed 185 metres of its popular Aerofoil Balustrade System with its wing-shaped handrail in a Royal Chrome finish. More than 40 apartments on five floors were ‘dressed’ with Balconette products offering a consistent aesthetic, which also included Aerofoil glass Juliet Balconies, four custom sized Juliets, and Aerofoil Infinity Privacy Screens to give the fully refurbished building a smart new appearance.

Balustrade-PrivacyScreen BPI OctoberThe consultation process led to the Aerofoil Balustrade System being selected for its technical capability as it needed to cater for the existing building’s shape that included recesses. The installation was designed with a combination of wall fixings and end posts.

Required as part of the building regulations, the 1.8-metre-high Aerofoil Infinity Privacy Screens were used for the fourth-floor roof terrace, dividing 53 metres of balustrade. Specified with opaque glass, the screens ensure private outdoor spaces are not overlooked.

Juliet Balconies BPI OctoberDesigned to fit specific size openings, the four custom Aerofoil Juliet balconies required fixings within a recess. One side of the balcony was fixed normally with a wall fixing into the façade and the other was secured directly into the side of the recess.

Having stood empty for several years, the structure was completely stripped back to bare concrete and brickwork to allow it to be refitted into 42 contemporary apartments and terraced penthouses.

Whitehall Homes Quantity Surveyor, Andrew Lake explained how Balconette had won the contract in a ‘competitive and thorough’ tendering process. “Our MD knew of the firm via an acquaintance and after meeting the team, it was apparent that they could offer the products and service to meet our needs.

“The service provided by Balconette in terms of surveys, measurements, design and manufacture meant that the intricacies of a complex refurbishment could be met. Together with aesthetically pleasing products and a choice of finishes, this meant that all our requirements would be met.”

Andrew praised Balconette’s ability to ‘perform’ throughout the varying stages of the design, supply and fit order, saying: “Being a refurbishment project meant that all areas had to be measured and checked prior to manufacture as you are fitting within an existing building. This means that attention to detail is critical and that’s where Balconette stood out.”

Balconette’s ‘proactive and helpful team’ impressed too, as Andrew pointed out: “Communication was always excellent and the operatives’ ‘can-do’ attitude was apparent and greatly appreciated.”

Commenting on what Balconette’s products bring to the overall project, Andrew said they provide one of the ‘main finishing touches’ to the building. “It is important that these provide a smart and contemporary look as the façade is the first thing potential customers see. If the outside has a bit of ‘Wow’ factor, customers walk into the building with a positive mindset. The building does look good.”

Would he recommend Balconette? “Absolutely. It was a pleasure working with them!”

Find out more about Balconette’s range of product and commercial project capabilities, download our Balcony Views Brochure now.

City living gets ‘ahead of the curve’

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BPI July - 1More than 600 metres of Balconette’s Aerofoil Glass Balustrade system and six Curvaglide® Curved Glass Sliding Doors all manufactured and installed by Balconette, perfectly complement this flagship project in Birmingham city centre.

Located a stone’s throw from the National Indoor Arena, the Embankment Apartment complex is the first housing project to be developed for the private rental sector by Birmingham City Council’s wholly owned company – Inreach Birmingham Limited.

The £14 million purpose-built market rent scheme project was completed two years ago comprising of 92 furnished apartments, all designed to a high specification.

Balconette worked with architect BM3 and the contractor to survey, manufacture and install a range of products specified for this project.

BPI July - 3The six Curvaglide® Curved Glass doors feature prominently on the building’s distinctive street-facing curved façade and allow easy access onto the external balconies. The Curvaglide® door system comes with Low-E double glazing as standard, with ten configurations to choose from. The W4F system was selected for this development incorporating four curved glass doors with two fixed either side of the two opening doors.

 

BPI July - 5The Embankment’s terraces are dressed with the elegant, wing-shaped profile of the Aerofoil Glass Balustrade in a stylish Silver Anodised finish. Balconette guarantees longevity with a 10-year product warranty on paint finishes, shape and impact strength retention and joint strength.

 

 

 

BPI July - 4The project also included twenty eight Infinity Screens creating tasteful partitions between each apartment. These screens are fitted easily through the Aerofoil Balustrade System offering a consistent and smart look.

 

 

 

BPI July - 2Commenting on the scheme, a spokesman for the main contractor said: “Glass balustrading was specified by the client, and together with the curved glass doors, makes a very modern and aesthetically-pleasing statement on this contemporary urban development.”

According to the architects, Birmingham-based BM3 Architecture Ltd, the environment around this area ‘is very urban and the development is intended to attract people that enjoy city living’. The design concept ‘set out to provide high quality, contemporary city living that is contextual to the local surroundings.’

To find out more, contact Balconette’s commercial team to discuss your project on 01342 410411.

Curved Glass Balustrades Give Luxury Apartments That Wow Factor

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Balconette Headline Seaton BeachBalustrade specialist Balconette supplied and fitted its Orbit System on eight luxury apartments at this award-winning, five-storey development on Seaton seafront in East Devon.

The stylish installation took advantage of Orbit’s bespoke curved balustrading capabilities to give this amazing project that extra attractive edge.

Over 63 metres of balustrading for penthouse with curves and straight sections to provide 360-degree views.

Read about the full project here

Balconette Seaton Beach 2Balconette’s Orbit balustrade system is an excellent choice for architects and developers, providing clear uninterrupted views. This unique Hybrid® system sits between a “post- supported” and “frameless system” and is easy to install.

Orbit is easy to specify too for a variety of projects, from standard straight runs with 90-degree formations to more bespoke curved requirements.

Balconette Seaton Beach 3The Orbit system comes in three aesthetic anodised aluminium finishes and one powder coated finish, enhancing any balcony. It is a bespoke, made-to-measure balustrading system, which is manufactured in 30-working days from sign off of technical drawings. Installation of the Orbit system is also straightforward coming with comprehensive instructions for the contractor, or alternatively you can contact Balconette to discuss your installation options.

Quality assurance of the Orbit system is likewise unequalled with a 10-year guarantee for paint finishes, shape retention, impact strength and joint strength.

To find out more, contact Balconette’s commercial team to discuss your project on 01342 410411, email sales@balconette.co.uk or, simply request a quote online.

Curvaglide® Curved Glass Sliding Doors open everybody’s eyes…

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We have re-engineered sliding curved glass from the ground up to create an open view that is simply not possible with flat glass.

[document: File]Like no other system on the market, Curvaglide® Curved Glass sliding doors range from a 2-door system through to much larger configurations, with up to 4 slideable doors and unlimited fixed panels. Curvaglide® doors also feature high-specification energy efficient glass, previously unavailable for curves, which significantly reduces heat transference. With installations of up to 19 metres already completed, our fully customisable options mean the doors can be overlapped in a variety of different configurations.

• Almost limitless design options

• High-weather rating

• Thermally broken sections

• Multipoint locking mechanism

• 28mm high performance “soft coat” Low-E Double Glazing

• Toughened safety glass on both sides

 Made to measure

IMG_2443All Curvaglide® doors are bespoke built with the curved glass and matched frames made to measure in-house, so you can be assured of a smooth movement of the doors and a ‘hand in glove’ fit. Curvaglide’s® structural system has likewise been designed and engineered to support the physical stresses, yet remain smooth, quiet and strong. Quite simply, Curvaglide® doors will complement, highlight and harmonise with the lines and features of your building design.

[document: File] If you have a wonderful view and want to really make the most of it, nothing else comes close.

Balconette’s unique Aerofoil Infinity Screen

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True advances in balconies and balustrading are rare, but Balconette’s Aerofoil Infinity Screen is one such advance which represents a unique innovation.

Balconette 1 copy

 

Balconette 2 finalFor too long, customers have had to compromise their designs for the sake of privacy and safety. Adding a privacy screen or extra height to regular glass balustrading had meant relinquishing that perfect design. But Balconette’s team of design engineers have worked to create a pass-through privacy screen that effortlessly complements regular glass balustrading.

 

balconette 3 copyDespite its ground-breaking appearance, this unique pass-through glass balustrade system works very simply. Instead of being supported by a network of angled rails and posts, it cuts straight through the Aerofoil handrail, providing privacy and protection from the elements without compromise of design.

 

 

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