Balcony Systems was selected from a shortlist of five companies to complete a major balustrading refurbishment project at The Leys, an apartment complex between Hersham and Esher in Surrey.
The original timber-slatted balconies on the 1960s building were replaced with Balcony’s low-maintenance clear glass balustrades as part of an extensive programme of external works. The project was completed in summer 2014.
Property management company Wallakers, managing agents for The Leys, chose Balcony Systems based on its competitive tender, references and recommendations. It was the first time they had worked with Balcony and the company’s ability to deliver on time and to budget impressed them.
Before the refurbishment
Robert Heald, Wallakers’ Principle, cited their ‘product, ease of working with the team and ability to perform’. These were just some of the key reasons for choosing Balcony Systems as a company.
They chose the Balcony 1 System, the traditional rounded handrail with Balcony’s proprietary Royal Chrome Aodised Aluminium finish. A total of 122 metres of balustrading was installed on 18 upper-floor apartments. The 24-apartment complex is set in communal gardens that extend down to the River Mole at Walton-on-Thames.
Robert, a Chartered Surveyor, commented: “What I particularly like about the circular handrail system is its simplicity and how it suits the external appearance of the apartments, which have lovely views to the river and farmland beyond.
He added: “It has given the whole building a lift and made a big difference. I think the residents are very happy with their new balconies.”
After the refurbishment, beautiful farm views are increased by having Glass Balustrades
Balcony Systems’ Managing Director Effi Wolff commented: “We particularly enjoy being involved with balcony refurbishment projects; these projects are very different from the new build balconies.
“There are challenges, both in removal of the old balustrades and incorporating details of the new into a variety of different build types dating back over the decades.
“But above all, we love the transformative effect that refurbishing balconies has on the building. One could almost call it ‘construction plastic surgery’ – giving old balconies and buildings a facelift while making them safer and compliant with current regulations,” he added.
Other Refurbishment Projects
Weymouth Apartments
Upgraded Balcony, Surrey
Replacing Rusty Rails, Wales