Balcony Systems has created a complex combination of curves in three axes to fulfil an architect“s demanding design for a photography enthusiast“s home office and studio in rural Yorkshire, UK.
Ins…
Balcony Systems has created a complex combination of curves in three axes to fulfil an architect“s demanding design for a photography enthusiast“s home office and studio in rural Yorkshire, UK. Installed by Balcony“s sister company VBS, the curved fixed windows and three-pane sliding curved patio doors complement the curves of the circular building, built by contractors William Anelay Ltd. of York. Featuring one fixed and two sliding panels, when fully open, the doors provide a three metre-wide direct access to the garden. Wildblood MacDonald Architects specified the unique design, with its sloping angular roof intersecting a curved face, for their client who wanted space and light to pursue his hobby. The result is a solution combining light-enhancing aesthetics with practical access and taking advantage of expansive countryside views. Balcony Systems“ managing director Effi Wolff personally took on the challenge of designing and producing such non-standard“ and highly-unusual shapes, saying: From a technical perspective, we were initially unsure whether we could achieve this as curving the aluminium frames required a combination of curves in three different axes. It was quite a feat of engineering, so several test sections were made to check this in principle first before committing to the project. After much liaison with the VBS design team to confirm details, such as measurements and shapes, we achieved our ultimate goal. This was certainly no regular piece of aluminium joinery or glass bending! Effi added: We always enjoy a challenge and when architects or designers plan an unconventional shape like this, which has the complexity of combining curved on plan windows with a sloping roof, we feel a great sense of achievement when we are able to fulfil the design envisaged and not revert to the safety of what has always been done. Architects are the ones that push design to its limits and I like to think that we are one of the companies that can realize the architects“ visions. Installation on site went really smoothly thanks to the exactness of the design and manufacture. We are proud to have met this challenge and delivered a truly unique building for the client.