Wintergardens

The concept of enclosing a balcony in retractable glazing is common in Europe. In recent years this idea has taken hold in the design of balconies within the UK.

Alco Glass have probably got the most comprehensive range of wintergarden options available, capable of achieving everything from a part-height slide stack system to a full-height (floor to floor) straight sliding system. Glass thickness can range from 6mm to 25.5mm thick.

There are a number of reasons why a wintergarden would be a desirable feature on any building.

Aesthetics: The addition of wintergarden glazing can dramatically improve the appearance of a building.

Lifestyle: The ability to enclose a balcony and capture the warmth of the sun creates a pleasant, usable space throughout the year.

Added Value: Developers are finding that apart from the selling feature of a wintergarden, it can add considerably more value than it costs to install.

Acoustics: The addition of a wintergarden system can not only reduce noise within the balcony itself by typically 20dB, but can also assist in achieving 50dB in the flat itself with standard double glazing in the connecting door. Many developments within city areas need to meet planning conditions relating to noise reduction.

Windloading: A critical factor in determining the glass specification and subsequently the systems that can be used. The relevant Standard BS6399 Part 2 dictates the net surface pressure windload. Top and bottom, two-edge supported glass will deflect under these loadings. Alco Glass can offer systems that can span a full storey height and comply with Standards.

Security Glass: Alco Glass can offer many of their systems with toughened/laminated glass. This ability is relevant to projects where bomb blast is a concern or where it is desirable for the glass if broken to remain in situ until it can be safely replaced.

Alco Glass recently supplied all of the wintergarden systems to the Olympic Athletes Village.

Both PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) and Ionoplast (SGP) interlayers can be accommodated.

CO2 emissions: Some projects have used the solar gain generated within the wintergardens to reduce CO2 emissions from the building. The design and scope of the wintergarden has a major influence on how effective this is.
 

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Alternatively, call Arthur Crow on 01923 246600 or e-mail our sales team.