How to Close a Balcony or Terrace with Sliding and Folding Glass Panels: the BALCONY Solution.
A terrace or balcony that can only be used in fine weather is space used only halfway. Closing it with glass panels creates a solar greenhouse that is bright and liveable even on winter days, while allowing it to be fully reopened in summer.
Balcony, the new system from Metalglas Bonomi, turns terraces and balconies into spaces that can be enjoyed all year round. The sliding glass sashes, resting on a masonry or glass balustrade, protect against cold, rain and wind. In the Solar Greenhouse version the system also acts as a thermal buffer, creating an air cushion that functions as natural insulation and therefore reduces heat loss.
Where Balcony can be installed
Balcony is installed on existing balconies and terraces, whether they have a masonry parapet or glass balustrades. It is therefore suitable for both refurbishments and new projects. The system includes a dedicated solution for corner closures.
Total closure, partial closure or full opening
The sashes slide with great fluidity and the system offers three modes of use:
- Fully closed: the terrace becomes a solar greenhouse that can be used even in winter.
- Partially closed: useful when full closure is not needed, for example to limit draughts inside the home.
- Fully open: the sashes stack away and the terrace returns to being an open space to enjoy in summer.
Opening with patented minimal lock
Balcony incorporates a patented minimal lock that is very small: simply press the lever and the sash opens. A detail that keeps the aesthetics of the glass panels clean.
Protection against driving rain
One of the design priorities concerns driving rain. The system features a gasket at the base of the track, one in the upper part and one between the glass panes to protect the profile and limit water infiltration. The side end-caps of the profiles use a male/female system for better sealing between the sashes.
The technology: the patented sickle, carriages and track
The value of Balcony lies in its mechanics.
Sickle is one of Metalglas Bonomi’s international patents and takes its name from its shape – a small curved hook “like a sickle”. It inserts into the upper profile of the track and is used to engage and disengage the sashes. It works in pair with a 4-bearing carriage to guarantee incredibly smooth sliding. The sickle is positioned on the outer side of the track so that installation and maintenance of the track itself can be carried out without dismantling the entire system.
In addition, the sashes can be removed for any maintenance work without having to dismantle any part of the track.
Track with compensator and adjusters.
The track consists of a compensator, adjusters and the profile in which the sashes run. The adjusters can be moved to the points where they are needed to position each sash optimally; adjustment is performed from the front of the track. If the sashes do not meet evenly, the compensator is used. Once all adjustments have been completed, the adjuster seats are closed by a convenient cover strip fixed with our clips.
The advantages in brief
For glaziers and window installers
- Precise and simple front adjustment
- Cover strip closing the adjustment seats for a finished installation
- Easy maintenance because intervention is possible without removing the track
- Four-bearing carriages
- Male/female end-caps for rigidity and sealing
- Different profile types for installation inside, on top of or outside the balustrade
For architects and designers
- Suitable for both masonry and glass balustrades
- Specific solution for corners
- Clean, minimal aesthetics in structure and details
Frequently asked questions
Can Balcony be installed on an existing terrace?
Yes, on existing balconies and terraces with masonry parapets or glass balustrades.
Can only part of the terrace be closed?
Yes, the system can be closed partially or fully and, depending on the chosen configuration, some sections can remain independently usable.
How are the sashes adjusted?
With the compensators: an 8 mm key to raise or lower the track and a 16 mm key to lock it.
How is it protected against water?
With a gasket at the base of the track and one in the upper part, designed for driving rain. There is also a gasket between the glass panes and male/female side end-caps on the profiles.
Request the catalogue and technical support
Metalglas Bonomi makes the Balcony catalogue and dedicated support available to glaziers, window installers and designers.