Project Portfolio: Bespoke Art-Glass Walkout Balcony (Walkley)

Project Overview

Client: Katharine (Local Artist/Designer) Location: Walkley, Sheffield

System: Structural Walkout Balcony with Integrated Art-Glass Privacy Screens

Scope: Design, manufacture, and installation of a first-floor balcony featuring a frameless glass front and bespoke artistic infill panels.

The Challenge: Merging Structural Engineering with Fine Art

The client required a "non-standard" walkout balcony solution that functioned as both a structural outdoor space and a gallery for her own stained-glass artwork. The primary engineering challenge was to create a secure, compliant framing system that could house delicate art glass without compromising the safety requirements of a first-floor balustrade.

• Frameless Aesthetics: The front elevation utilizes a frameless base-channel glass balustrade system, providing an uninterrupted view of the Sheffield landscape while maintaining high load-bearing capacity.

• Hybrid Structural Frame: A galvanized and powder-coated steel frame provides the core strength, finished with premium non-slip composite decking for long-term durability.

• Bespoke Infill System: We engineered a custom metal molding system that securely sandwiches the client's hand-painted glass panels between structural safety glass. This ensures the artwork is protected from the elements and remains fully compliant with building regulations, specifically BS6180.

Technical Expert Insight: Framing Non-Standard Glass Infills

In a standard privacy screen, we usually use uniform sandblasted or tinted glass. However, for this Walkley project, we had to account for varying glass thicknesses and the delicate nature of the client's painted artwork. To solve this, we designed a dual-glazing internal molding system. This allowed us to mount a structural 10mm toughened glass panel as the primary safety barrier, with a secondary internal rebate designed to house the art glass. By using high-grade EPDM rubber gaskets and a custom-machined steel frame, we eliminated "chatter" and vibration, ensuring the decorative glass remains under zero structural stress while the main balcony remains fully UKCA certified to BS EN 1090-2.

The Dio-Met Installation Guarantee

Unlike many online balustrade suppliers who rely on third-party subcontractors, every project we undertake—from this bespoke Walkley installation to our large-scale industrial works—is handled by our own full-time, in-house installation team.

• Consistency: Our fitters are trained specifically in our manufacturing processes and safety standards.

• Accountability: Because we don't use subcontractors, we maintain total control over the quality and finish of the final install.

• Expertise: Our team is intimately familiar with the structural requirements of UKCA-certified steelwork, ensuring your balcony is as safe as it is beautiful.

Get a Quote for Your Unique Project

Do you have a "non-standard" balcony idea? At Dio-Met, we specialize in turning complex architectural visions into safe, compliant realities using our own expert craftsmen from start to finish.

• See More Balconies: Explore our Walkout Balcony Range

• Design Inspiration: View our Frameless Glass Systems

• Contact our Sheffield Workshop: Call 0114 243 9009 or email sales@diometonline.co.uk.