With around 10,000 conservation areas in England, knowing what you can and cannot do when installing a new external staircase, balcony or railing on properties located in these areas is the best way to avoid potential problems.

Conservation areas can be:

• Old town or city centres
• Historical hamlets, villages or towns
• Old suburbs of cities or towns
• Historic and significant landmarks
• Country estates

Many conservation areas also have listed buildings – if your building is also listed, then as well as addressing the regulations in a conservation area, you will also need to apply for listed building consent.

This designation of a conservation area is usually up to local planning authorities, and each area will have individual regulations controlled by Article 4 directions. In some cases, local authorities carry out a Conservation Area Appraisal which can be consulted to find out more information, but it’s also a good idea to get building control involved as early as possible.

Getting Building Control involved

Consider using a local private company rather than the local authority building controls as they tend to be much quicker and have much more experienced staff.

There are a few misconceptions of building control, namely:

1. The involvement of building control will prevent you from achieving the design you would like​.
2. The involvement of building control will result in an escalation of construction costs​.

However, we find that the earlier building control is used, the more delays tend to be avoided whilst also keeping costs down. As well as this, the involvement of building control creates awareness of a particular building’s, or area’s, constraints, whilst expanding on local and historical knowledge. This can help to identify what materials and designs you should use for your project.

If you’re working on a property in a conservation area which requires a staircase, railing or balcony, it’s also a great idea to get in touch with us at the earliest possible stage. We can help you with all of the design and planning steps and explore all the design and material options. This can help to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary planning delays or costs.

All planning officers will be looking for high quality design, materials and finish as well as appropriate scale, size, height etc. of the proposed design. For some conservation areas, the choice or design and materials may be determined by the specific planning restrictions in place – but this depends heavily on the local officers. Some original railings, staircases and balconies have historic and architectural value, meaning the same design or material need to be used if they are replaced. Being aware of this early on will help you consider how it will affect costs, project timescales, finishes and design. But in some cases, conservation areas can still enable a flexibility in the type of material specified, so long as it conserves the character of the area – so it may be possible to use cast aluminium to replace cast iron, which can help lower overall costs.

It may also be possible to specify a design based on one from the catalogue of cast iron castings we already have available, as opposed to specifically recreating the original pattern used for a project. This means we don’t need to create a custom pattern mould, which can save on both costs and lead times.

But in the case that the design of the piece needs to match a pre-existing design, there are a few options to consider:

• If possible, we can take a cutting from another part of the property and create a mould from this. If this isn’t possible, we can see if there are any railings or balustrades in the surrounding area that are similar and take photographs of these.
• Alternatively, you may also be able to find archival images of the street scene online, which can be used to replicate the design. For example, councils will often house collections of local archival images.

When it comes to creating pattern moulds from samples, we start by removing all the paint by shot blasting or chemical dipping, and then we cast from that and produce as many new pieces as the project requires.

For some projects, designs may need to be adapted to meet the building regulations or requirements. At British Spirals & Castings, our Victorian and LCC tread patterns are based on the original designs and patterns, but the front fascia has been adapted for regulatory compliance.

Get in touch

If you are interested in having a bespoke spiral staircase, balcony or railing designed and installed in a conservation area, visit our gallery to view some of the options and submit a quote or get in touch via phone or email.

The post Renovating in a conservation area – a guide appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

When ordering a staircase and balcony, there are lots of important questions to consider. In this blog we’ll talk through some of the most important ones. We’d also recommend getting in touch with us at the earliest possible stage, as we can work with you answer many of these with you. This means this can all be factored into the initial design, ensuring a smoother process from design right through to installation.

Key considerations and challenges

The first thing to consider is if there are any specific challenges posed by your project. These could be things that you might not have ordinarily thought of as a challenge until you’re far into the process, and at this point this could led to unexpected delays. These can cover a range of things:

1. Are there any site or planning restrictions? These can vary greatly from project to project, and they can force people to reconsider the dimensions of the staircase or balcony they’ve chosen, the installation process, and the choice of materials – especially relevant in the case of conservation areas.
2. What substrate is being used? If you’re planning to fit the staircase or balcony into an existing structure or substrate i.e., a brick wall, you will need to think about which fixtures and fittings are appropriate. This may impact the design of supporting brackets we use.
3. Does it need to match an existing design? It may be the case in a conservation area that the staircase or balcony needs to match the existing metalwork or style.
4. Are the building walls out of square or plumb? The walls of most buildings are rarely even, and older buildings can undulate. In any project’s design stage, the exact measurements of the building needs to be taken into account early, so there are no surprises when it comes to installing the piece. In addition to a trusty plumb line or level, we can also carry out laser scanning of sites to precisely capture the undulations of your building.
5. Is your project in a seaside location? For balconies and staircases that are external, its always important to factor in the weather. Exposure to saline air can degrade some structures over time. We can work with trusted partners to provide a marine grade finish will offer the best protection and preservation for your project.
6. Who will be using to staircase or balcony? This could impact a number of things, such as the rises of a staircase, the height of railings, or the widths of balconies. For example, public buildings will have more stringent regulations regarding the height of railings and the gaps between balusters – but any building that could be used by children under five will have to adhere to requirements that protect them.
7. Which other Building Regulations apply? Depending on where your project is located and what its end use is, a number of specific Building Regulations may apply.

As mentioned, we can work with you to answer each of the above questions and find the best solution for your project. In addition to these potential challenges, there are a few other key questions that we can work with you to answer.

What materials should you use?

As manufacturers of bespoke pieces made from a range of materials, we’re often surprised when the material selection on a project is treated as an afterthought.

There can often be misconceptions of what material you should specify for your project – such as thinking that wrought iron is the best, or only, choice for railings. While this could be true for conservation areas or when the materials are pre-defined due to planning restrictions, in most cases the material is rarely specified, and defaulting to cast or wrought iron can add unnecessary cost or complication to a project.

Any material options are best to be discussed at the earliest design stage, as the material can impact the types of designs and finishes that are easily achievable, as well as the overall cost.

What design do you want for your project?

There are endless possibilities for how your piece can look, especially when you can opt for a completely bespoke design. You may need to ask yourself how intricate of a design you want for your project; different levels of intricacy can mean different materials such as laser cut steel, or wrought iron, need to be used for the project. It’s worth considering how a highly intricate or bespoke design will be more costly and have a longer lead time than one based on an existing mould. We have a range of beautifully designed moulds to choose from, drawn from thousands of period architectural patterns, that can suit any style or taste – or we can match the design of existing balusters, railings and gratings for your bespoke project.

What type of finish do you want?

Last, but not least, considering the finish you want at the start of your project will give you a piece you’re truly happy with at the end. The finishes may be defined by the material choice, or the planning approach, so should be considered alongside everything else. For cast aluminium pieces, powder coating can give a smooth and even finish on both external and internal jobs. Powder coated pieces are more resistant to fading, corrosion, chips and scratches – so it’s worth considering how a piece might be used in a certain environment.

If you’re wanting a unique coloured finish, it’s worth discussing with a manufacturer how this can be achieved. We offer a wide range of RAL colours for powder coating to suit any project, and our trusted partners can also provide marine grade painted finishes in many colours for the cast or wrought iron pieces.

Working with British Spirals & Castings

The key to achieving the highest quality results for your project is to bring the manufacturer in as early as possible. At British Spirals & Castings, we can collaborate with you to address any challenge and find a solution that works for your project.

Get in touch

If you are interested in having a spiral staircase, balcony or railing designed and installed in your own property, visit our gallery to view some of the options and submit a quote or get in touch via phone or email.

The post What to consider before ordering a staircase or balcony appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

Orangeries were a common feature of larger Georgian and Victorian homes, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean environments homeowners enjoyed on the Grand Tour back to Britain. As part of this fantastic project here in Derbyshire, we created a cast aluminium staircase and mezzanine to add new life to the Georgian orangery.

The property was built in the 18^th Century and was designed to emulate a grand Tudor manor house. The orangery had previously been used to house events and as a wedding venue with a tired looking timber balcony. Below the balcony is a bar area which was previously part of the event space, and now the owners have recreated the bar area and balcony in keeping with the original property.

After coming across our website from an online search and spending some time looking through our gallery, the homeowners decided to visit the showroom in Chapel-en-le-Frith to see some of these pieces in person and meet our managing director, Richard Harding, to discuss their project.

The design process

Having looked at a range of the options, the owners chose a design from our Victorian spiral staircase range. Our dedicated design team, developed 3D CAD designs for the staircase and balcony for the owners to approve. Once these were agreed, we then go to work.

The size of the balcony, which spanned 3800 mm across the orangery, and 2000 mm wide, essentially created a mezzanine, and it’s the homeowners’ intention to furnish it with a piano for their children to enjoy. A singular steel support column with a Victorian base was installed to bolster the installation, ensuring the strength of the balcony. Cast aluminium balconies, unlike cast iron, are incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for these kinds of upper floor applications.

Unusually, the 1000 mm x 500 mm Victorian decorative plates featured on the underside of the balcony floor, with the homeowner’s self-selected oak flooring on the upside. Lighting was then installed in the void between the landing plates and timber to highlight the metalwork. This allowed the intricate beauty of the Victorian style plates to be enjoyed from the lower level bar, whilst also introducing the warmth and richness of the timber to the mezzanine area.

The Victorian balusters on the balcony added a simple refinement, alternating with a regent ornate infill to create an open, airy feel to the balcony whilst also being aware of health and safety limitations with regards to spacing – as any gaps between balusters need to be less than 100 mm to comply with Building Regulations.

During the design process, the homeowners’ distinguished between the more intricate balusters at the top of the balcony, which they wanted to be more visible, and another style of Victorian baluster and ornate infill for the spiral staircase. Ten treads, each with a baluster and infill, ascended clockwise up to a radius drop landing; as the spiral staircase was installed at the side rather than the front of the balcony, the drop landing ensured the staircase didn’t spiral underneath the balcony, so as not to encroach on the bar area.

All of the pieces were powder coated at our dedicated facility before being transported to site. At this point, the homeowners prepared the space, whilst Richard arranged for fitters to come in to install the piece.

The homeowners were exceedingly happy with the result. “The service was second to none,” they said. “Richard is a class English gentleman, and British Spirals & Castings are the type of company you want to do business with – one you can trust and rely on.”

If you are interested in having a bespoke staircase or balcony installed in your own property, visit our gallery to view some of the options and submit a quote or get in touch via phone or email.

The post A Victorian staircase and balcony for a unique orangery appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

© Derek Phillips

Adding period features back into a home is a passion for many homeowners these days, but Siân and Billy Stewart are taking this one step further, in their aim to transform a virtually derelict, Grade II* listed townhouse into a stunning home. The project included work to shore up the building structure, restore the roof and over 30 windows, and renovate many features. The stunning ground floor apartment is now available as a holiday let – https://glenara.co.uk/ and you can keep up with progress the reset of the property via the Portland House Facebook page). As part of the project, we designed and manufactured a spiral staircase and with large balcony with a unique balustrade based on Billy’s own designs.

The original balcony and staircase.

The couple needed a new balcony as the original (pictured above) had been condemned. Whilst searching for a replacement, they found that many companies only offered off-the-shelf designs or were simply not interested in taking up a project on the west coast of Wales. By working with Siân and Billy, and carrying out a site visit, we were able to create a bespoke design which was adapted to the home’s measurements.

“I was immediately attracted to the service offered by Ben and Richard Harding to work in partnership with them to develop something bespoke.” Siân explained. “Their site visit, which also allowed us to see samples of their work, was important in the process. It gave us and our builder confidence in the company and the product and in addition, the sense that we would enjoy working with them both.”

The design process

In the early design stage, Siân and Billy had looked at incorporating original Victorian railings in the design, but the weight made this impossible. We manufactured the railing and staircase from cast aluminium which is far lighter than cast iron alternatives. The balconies feature a unique wave like panel design which was based on sketches from Billy, as Siân explained:

“We wanted something that reflected that the house is surrounded by water- the sea at the front and river at the side- and also to commemorate that a number of sea captains had lived there between the 1870s and 1950s. Billy came up with an initial design to commemorate that. BS&C had not previously made a wavy stair spindle so we commissioned them to make a bespoke pattern for us. This increased the cost by £650 but was money well spent to achieve an integrated design.”

The final 5-metre-long balcony design combines the unique railings, in 5 sections, with our Victorian style railing panels, capitals and brackets, to create a look that is sympathetic to the 1850s home. The spiral staircase boasts a diameter of 1676mm ascending in a clockwise rotation up to a height of 2750mm, the second floor of the property. 14 rises wrap around a single support pole, with 3 balusters per tread, alternating between straight and wavelike spindles.

Because this was a property of considerable historic value, the plans needed to be approved by CADW, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service which works to ensure the protection of Wales’ historic environment. Grade 2* listed properties are often unique and Portland House was no different.  Sian and Billy worked with a conservation advisor and a heritage architect on their plans. These showed the location and overarching style of the balcony; the design was their own. Discussions with the local building control officer about the final design meant that it met both heritage and safety requirements. Not one of the building’s walls were square, and so a combination of our 3D computer aided designs (CAD), and some old-fashioned tape measuring was essential to the process of making adjustments, as well as the valuable expertise of local blacksmith, Scott Mayes of SM Welding & Fabrication , and builder and site manager, Tom Jenkins. ‘It was this attention to detail that made all the difference,’ Siân says.

The seaside location meant that the structure also needed to be carefully preserved against the saline air. Once the pieces were manufactured, we sent them to Mulberry & Pier to be expertly powder coated with a marine grade finish. Siân selected a vintage green colour for the staircase which matches the painted finish on the home.

A well-travelled structure

Throughout the manufacturing process, we stayed in regular contact with Siân and Billy, sending them pictures as the pieces were crafted.

“It was exciting to receive photos of the structure in the workshop.” Siân explained. “This really increased our sense of ownership in the work.”

As the build took shape in one of the most remote parts of the country, we didn’t shy away from the challenge of transporting the structure over 500 miles. It was manufactured in Lancashire, before being delivered to Mulberry & Pier’s facility in Southend on Sea for the marine grade painting and then transported from the easternmost part of England to the westernmost part of Wales.

The installation was carried out by Scott and Tom. The initial sense of excitement at seeing the arrival of the structure also contained ‘an element of trepidation’ when the couple realised, they would be ‘dealing with a 110-piece jigsaw puzzle.’ However, despite the significant size of the balcony, and the challenges posed by the uneven walls of the property (which required a number of modifications from Scott and Tom) the team were able to get the structure fitted in a couple of days aided by close communication from all parties. Painter, Gethin Thomas-Jones, then spent a couple more days adding finishing touches to the paintwork. Siân and Billy were incredibly happy with the final look.

Siân says of the process:

“We are absolutely delighted with our bespoke balcony and spiral stairs. The quality and detail in the metalwork is superb. This was a very complex project involving a unique design on a grade 2* listed building without a single square wall. Richard, Ben and team were responsive and helpful throughout the process. Working in collaboration with them we achieved something we are really proud of, and which invariably gets a “WOW” when people first see it.”

Everyone who worked on the project were hugely impressed with the metal work. Our blacksmith said it was the best quality structure he has ever worked on. Richard and Ben were absolutely focussed on ensuring we would get something of which we could be very proud. It was a pleasure to work with them both.”

Don’t forget, the garden floor apartment is now available as a holiday lease which can be booked via their website or through Tripadviser, Air BnB or Vrrbo.

© Derek Phillips

Get in touch

If you are interested in having a bespoke spiral staircase or balcony installed in your own property, visit our gallery to view some of the options and submit a quote or get in touch via phone or email.

The post New balcony for a Grade II* listed home appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

Balconies provide a versatile space for you home, allowing you to relax in the sun, entertain friends, dry clothes and even grow your own veg. With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that balconies have been added to numerous UK homes over time. Often, these balconies were made from wood. Unlike the modern timber balconies, which have to be built to high standards with properly treated materials, many older balconies were constructed from cheaper materials which have a more limited lifespan and could pose a safety risk.

In this blog, we’ll look at some of the points to check if you have an older timber balcony, and why it can make sense to replace it with a metal alternative.

Is my timber balcony safe?

The most obvious concern, particularly on a raised balcony, is whether it is structurally sound and strong enough to take your weight. The National House Building Council (NHBC) has created a quick reference guide regarding timber balconies and terraces. This sets out all the requirements that a deck should meet, including treating all of the structural elements to ensure they have a service life of 60 years.

It is generally recommended that if timber supports are used, these should be pillars rather than wall fixed brackets. The NHBC guidance also clearly states that if the deck of the balcony is more than 2.4 m from ground level, timber should not be used for brackets, columns or guardrails on the balcony. Additionally, in all cases, the railing around the balcony should be at least 1100 mm tall with no gaps large enough for a 100 mm sphere to pass through.

It’s also important to look at the condition of the structure as even treated timber can be vulnerable to rot if it isn’t properly maintained over time. Take a look at the structure from above and below for any obvious signs of damp or rot such as dark patches or flaking timber – particularly near joints. If you spot these, you should not use the balcony until it has been properly assessed.

If you have concerns, it is a good idea to ask a structural engineer to check the space is safe.

Are timber balconies a fire risk?

All timber balconies are combustible meaning they could act as the source of a fire, or help to spread it. On typical family homes, you can minimise this risk by taking sensible precautions. This includes never using a barbeque either on, or on the ground below the balcony, and avoiding smoking or lighting candles on it.

Here in the UK, there are stricter requirements for multi-occupancy buildings such as flats which limit the use of combustible materials as part of “specified attachments” to the building. This includes balconies. This is because they can potentially act as a route for fire to move quickly up the building. This may mean that if timber balconies are present on these buildings, they will need to be replaced with non-combustible alternatives. Guidance for these buildings is contained in Part B of the Building Regulations in England and Wales and Section 2 of the Building Standards in Scotland. You should be able to get specific guidance from your local building control office.

What are the benefits of metal balconies?

We’ve replaced many existing timber balconies with metal alternatives over the years.  All our balconies are designed bespoke to your home or building and manufactured from cast aluminium which is cast at our specialist foundry in Staffordshire before being finished by our experienced workshop team here in Derbyshire.

Our custom-built cast aluminium balconies offer a range of benefits:

• Lower weight than cast iron – One of the draw backs with cast iron is its considerable weight. This means there can be a lot of structural considerations when adding these to an existing building. Our cast aluminium balconies recreate the look and feel of cast iron but are much lighter. This means the foundation or structural support requirements are far lower. We can also assist with the structural calculations to help deliver the best solution for you.
• Improved aesthetics – Cast metal balconies are generally much more in keeping with the style of period homes here in the UK. We can work with you to develop a design which really matches the aesthetics of your property with a finished result which looks like it has always been there. For example, on a recent project at a Victorian mansion we replaced a tired timber and metal balcony, which had been added to the structure in the late 90s with a larger and more decorative balcony featuring intricate railing panels to reflect the original architecture of the building.
• Range of support options – we work flexibly with existing structures, developing supports which match your desired look and feel as well as the requirements of the project. The available options include gallows brackets (you can see a specially customised version of these in the image below) and pillars.
• Reduced maintenance – All our balconies are finished to the highest standard to ensure they not only look beautiful, but also need minimal maintenance over time. We offer a dedicated powder coating service in-house and also work with trusted partners who can provide specialist finishes for staircases and balconies located near the coast – protecting them from the sea air.
• Improved light and drainage – we offer a range of different perforated patterns for our treads and decking plates. These provide a high quality look and feel and ensure the balcony quickly drains after any rain or snow. They also help light to pass through into the rooms below, ensuring they are still bright and well lit.
• Custom designs – In addition to our standard patterns, we can also create entirely bespoke designs based off your own drawings or those supplied by your architect. We will typically laser cut these from steel which provides an exceptional look and finish. These panels can be especially useful if your planning application requires that the balcony does not over look the neighbours such as the custom example below.

If you are interested in having a bespoke staircase or balcony installed in your own property, visit our gallery to view some of the options and submit a quote or get in touch via phone or email.

The post Should I replace my wooden balcony? appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

When creating pieces for period properties, capturing the original spirit of the building is often a key part of the design process. That was certainly the case when we were approached by a homeowner looking to replace the balcony on their early 20th century costal property. We worked with the owners to create a bespoke balustrade profile which brought the home closer to the original design intent.

The home featured a timber balcony which wasn’t part of the original design and required considerable upkeep in the challenging costal environment. The owners began looking at metal as a more robust option and it was at this point that they came across our range. The homeowner explained:

“British Spirals and Casting’s work looked impressive, and they had excellent range of cast options to choose from, like a big meccano kit. Richard from BS&C, on his first visit, brought a Victorian pattern railing and various floor plate patterns to show us. When discussing the designs, Richard mentioned that the steel railing panels were CNC cut and that, ‘If it can be drawn, it can be cut’.”

“The options available when working in metal are different from that of timber; for instance, steel can be cut to a much finer pattern due to its strength, and the process of CNC means curves are simple. It is easy to create a laciness that is not easy with timber, and I wanted to explore this more.”

The design process

Armed with this new design freedom, the homeowners began researching design trends from the early 20th Century (when the house was built) in more detail – and specifically the Art Nouveau style. Victor Horta’s house in Brussels, Hector Guimard’s Parisian metro entrances and the balconies that adorn the French Quarter of New Orleans all formed the mood board for the project.

“It became clear that a softer, curved pattern would suit our house.” The homeowner explained. “After much doodling, we settled on an interlocking stadium pattern, which can be found throughout this period of design.”

Whilst throwing a wide net for design inspiration, the owners were also keen to ensure the finished balcony looked like it had always been part of the home. To achieve this, they included references to the tear drop motif from the stained-glass windows within the patterns at the head and foot of the railing.

We took these initial designs and developed them into full CAD designs (shown below). This not only helped to show clearly how the original drawings could be developed into an actual design, but also to plan for the unusual balcony fixing, which sees the bottom of the balustrade drop down below the height of the decking plate. This was something the owners had seen in both local Edwardian architecture, and in the balconies of buildings in New Orleans.

The deck plates were designed with a perforated, floral design which sits naturally with the design of the home and the balcony railing. The final part of the design process involved our discussion with the homeowner about hooks that could be installed to incorporate hanging benches, lights and plants to personalise the feature even more. For this, we positioned several fixing points all over the underside of the deck and four along the length of the perimeter PFC to hold the cables.

Not just a pretty face

The balcony spans 2000mm by 8900mm across the front of the property, held up by three steel support columns. Character is added to the structure with lamppost style bottoms; however, the balcony was not simply a decorative feature, but also forms part of the structure for the property as the homeowner explained:

“This structure is not standalone, it supports the roof of the house, and we worked with British Spirals & Casting’s structural engineer to size the foundations and steels.”

“We have heavy clay soil here, and the ground moved a lot. On site I was keen to remove as much redundant timber from the façade and structure of the frontage as possible, so by carefully setting the height of the PFC’s, we were able to remove timber beams and joists from the roof, along with timber lintels above the ground floor windows and doors.

The balcony is clamping and supporting the front of the house, like a set of dental braces, preventing any adverse movement. It’s working hard and doing several important things in one, as well as providing a lovely place to sit and a new front elevation that we are very happy with.”

When developing the drop-down feature, we altered the typical way of attaching the newel posts to the web of the perimeter preformed channel, so that they could sail down past the deck and hold a singular railing module in front of the deck, allowing a portion to hang down. This provides a provides a sense of enclosure, and a lace like frill to the bottom of the deck.

The floral perforate design for the decking panels provides traction and allows for rainwater to fall through the gaps rather than pool as in solid decking. This also accentuated the daylighting of the bottom rooms, and the homeowner described how the “mottled light that comes through transforms the feel of the front rooms.”

The coastal location meant that the structure also needed to be carefully preserved against the saline air. Once the pieces were manufactured in our workshop, Mulberry & Pier were responsible for giving them a marine grade finish. This involves several coats of zinc rich resin followed by a spray paint finish, to ensure the colour does not degrade or discolour over time. In keeping with the rest of the property, the homeowner chose a clean white colour, to match the existing window frames and allow a neutral base for the house’s colour scheme.

If you are interested in having a bespoke staircase or balcony installed in your own property, visit our gallery to view some of the options and submit a quote or get in touch via phone or email.

The post A bespoke Art Nouveau inspired balcony appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

Whilst the initial property included some features which referenced Georgian design, it had undergone a number of piecemeal extensions over time. The result was a rather jumbled affair with undersized bedrooms and a convoluted layout requiring a long walk to get from the kitchen to the dining room.

The owners decided to demolish much of these extensions and start from scratch, rationalising the layout and developing a finished, 6 bedroom design which convincingly resembled an original Georgian building which had been faithfully developed and added to over time. Having high quality metalwork was essential for the project, as Fenella explained:

“The architectural ironwork can really make a project such as this. It can also let down a project badly if it is not designed and executed properly so it was key to choose a company with the knowledge and experience that Antonia and the British Spirals & Castings team can offer.” 

Railings, Gate and Juliet Balcony

Alex Maguire Photography

The external railings surround key elements in the property, including the spacious roof terrace, and it was vital that they really embody the spirit of the refurbished home, communicating both the quality and the overall aesthetic for the property. We explored a range of different options with Fenella and the owners, eventually selecting a design which combines simple decorative spindles, ornamental panels with an intricate central crest, and circular newel posts topped with a ball finial.

“We loved Antonia’s input and ideas throughout the entire project. The clients was so impressed with the British Spirals & Castings pieces that we even redesigned a large sliding gate at the front of the property (with Antonia’s input) so that is matched the rest of her ironwork.”

-Fenella Pledger

The gate design adopts elements from the railings, including internal ball finials, but provides a more decorative aesthetic with flowing patterns and spear finials which deliver a real ‘wow factor’ when you arrive at the property.

Alex Maguire Photography

As a finishing touch, we also crafted a Juliet balcony with spindles which match those of the railings and low-level curved metalwork referencing the external gates.  The balcony sits outside the large French windows for the master bedroom, flooding the room with light and allowing the owners to open the room out during the summer months.

Alex Maguire Photography

Spiral Staircase

The external spiral staircase provides access to and from the raised roof terrace above the garages. With its narrow diameter and compact footprint, the spiral design was ideal for the space, providing easy access without obstructing the path into the garage or blocking light from the nearby household windows.

The cast aluminium staircase comes from our Victorian spiral staircase range. As with all our spiral staircase designs, the tread and landing plate designs from the range can be matched with a huge range of spindle options create the desired aesthetic for the project. In this case, we used a decorative spindle which matches those within the railings.

Alex Maguire Photography

Balustrade

On entering the home, you are immediately greeted with the stunning helical staircase which rises to the top story and encircles a beautiful, pendant glass chandelier.

The wrought iron balustrading uses simple, slender spindles which complement the flow of  the centrepiece staircase. Rather than fixing directly into the face of the mahogany treads, we created a design which instead uses intricate side fixings. These add a further stylistic flourish to the staircase whilst also maximising the available tread width – allowing two people to comfortably cross on the staircase, or walk up and down together.

We collaborated with the handrailing manufacturers to communicate the precise dimensions for the handrail plate. This ensured the mahogany handrail perfectly matches up with the balustrading, providing a seamless finished effect. The end result is a stunning one-of-a-kind piece which sets the tone for the beautiful interior design throughout this home.

Get in touch

Whether you’re looking for a complete package of metalwork across a townhouse, or to add an individual bespoke staircase or balcony for your home, we’re here to help. With our friendly, dedicated service, we can create beautiful pieces which perfectly meet your expectations. Visit our gallery to find more examples of our work and to send in a quote request so we can begin on your dream project.

The post Recreating Georgian Beauty appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

‘False balcony’ is another name for a Juliet balcony or balconet. Despite their many names, these features are actually relatively simple. Unlike a full balcony which projects out from the structure, false balconies have no flooring deck and are just a railing which sit across the outer face of a window.

Why install a false balcony?

The idea of a balcony you cannot actually step out onto may not seem to make much sense at first, however, these features do serve some useful purposes.

The first is aesthetic. False balconies can add decorative charm and interest to the outer appearance of both new and existing buildings, providing the illusion of full balconies to passers-by. In some cases, these features can be installed without planning permission (it is always worth confirming this with your local planning officer in the first instance as they may still require you to apply) making it a cheaper and lower effort alternative to a full balcony.

Another advantage of these features is the option to have full sized opening windows or patio doors on an upstairs room. When these are open, the balcony railing provides a barrier ensuring you and your family are safe from the risk of falls. In the summer months this can help to provide ventilation for your room, cooling your home down more quickly in the evening. Alternatively during the darker winter months it can help you to maximise the amount of natural light within the room, potentially reducing the amount of time you need to keep electric lights on and providing you with an added boost of vitamin D.

Design options

As with all of our balcony ranges, we can offer false balconies in a wide range of designs, from simple designs with plain spindles, to more decorative Victorian or Edwardian patterns. Many of the cast iron and cast aluminium balusters can be used as part of a false balcony with the addition of top and bottom railing for support.

In addition to the standard flat profile spindles, we also offer a variety of bowed balusters, adding depth to the balconies’ appearances.

What are the safety requirements for false balconies?

Here in the UK, there are a few design requirements for Juliet balconies which are covered within the Building Regulations. The balconies’ railings must be at least 1100 mm taller than the inner floor height and have no gaps large enough to allow a 100 mm sphere to pass through. In addition, they should be designed to prevent children from easily climbing them (in practice this means it is best to avoid horizontal rails.

When is it worth opting for a full balcony?

Juliet balconies offer a compact, cheap and relatively straightforward option for some homeowners, however, it is always worth carefully considering whether they meet all of your needs or whether you might be better off opting for a full balcony.

Whilst full balconies will almost always require owners to seek full planning permission, the extra space can be invaluable, particularly if you live in a major city, with research showing they can add as much as 25% to the value of a home in some of the most desirable areas of London and an average of 12% for many other homes.

Full balconies are a great place to sit out and relax and they are also a worthwhile investment if you are planning to stay in your home over the long-term – providing an outdoor space which is low maintenance and can be easily accessed from the bedroom ensuring you can always get some outside air.

We offer balconies in a wide range of designs and patterns to suit your particular needs and can even incorporate a staircase allowing you to directly access the garden from the balcony or to provide access to a self-contained first floor flat.

Take a look at our gallery and then send a quote request and we’ll get to work creating a beautiful false or full balcony for your property.

The post What is a false balcony? appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

When you’re dealing with a period property, any alterations to the building exterior can  present a challenge, not least to obtain planning permission. British Spirals & Castings have a great deal of experience designing and manufacturing staircases, balconies and other metalwork to exacting heritage requirements, ensuring they fit beautifully within your property and receive planning approval.

Recently, we helped to secure planning permission for a replacement balcony on a Victorian period property which had had previous applications turned down.

To the Manor

The beautiful manor building was constructed in 1892 and 20 years ago a simple timber and metal framed balcony was installed outside of the master bedroom. With this structure reaching the end of its serviceable life, the owner – Diane Scott – was eager to add a replacement which was both larger and more in keeping with the building’s decorative façade. As this was not a like-for-like replacement, planning permission was required. Having had a submission from a previous supplier rejected, Diane found our website and got in touch.

The previous timber balcony was beginning to show its age.

“The website was intuitive to navigate and I could easily find panels, balusters, and floor gratings suitable for my Victorian property” Diane said. “The gallery allowed me to visualise how the final structure would look and helped me make informed design choices. They responded quickly to my initial enquiry, issuing quotes based on the options I presented and were able to confirm that they could also provide a fitting service – exactly what I was looking for.”

Whilst we are typically able to design pieces based on measurements supplied by customers, we are able to carry out site visits where needed and in this case carried out structural surveys to guide the design process. We then modelled the new balcony using 3D CAD,  providing an accurate visualisation of the finished structure and helping to quickly reach planning approval with no objections.

For the balcony railing, Diane selected decorative spindles along with simple newel posts with spherical caps. The section of the balcony directly in front of the bedroom doors projects out and to identify this area, Diane chose an alternating pattern of intricate infill panels and spindles.

“By using decorative infill panels in the central section, this made a ‘feature’ of the main balcony area” Diane explained. ”The refined balusters forming the railings on either side gives the overall structure a balanced look.”

The perforated decking plates not only add to the charm of the balcony areas, but also provide drainage and grip on the balcony surface.

Dealing with Challenges

One of the most significant challenges on this project was the projecting bay window which sits directly below the master bedroom. As the balcony deck sits a short distance above this, we initially looked to use two large brackets which connect to the walls on either side of this feature to provide support. During the work, however, it became clear that additional support would be needed for the projecting section of the balcony.

To achieve this, we designed and manufactured small, bespoke brackets which fix into the brickwork of the bay window – providing additional support  and decoration.

“This was a complex project with a number of structural challenges that BS&C surmounted with ease.” Diane said “I was also very impressed with the dedication of the fitting team who worked in all weathers to ensure the installation was completed within the agreed timescales. They were able to overcome the potential issue of the bay window with a solution that not only fixed the problem but actually enhanced the overall structure.

I am delighted with the service I received from start to finish, particularly as BS&C were able to provide a complete package for my project. I was consulted during every stage of the process and comms were frequent and easy. The end result is a durable yet aesthetically pleasing balcony constructed from materials that are clearly of high quality. Neighbours and passers-by have commented on how elegant the balcony looks. It is a pleasure to throw open the French doors and walk out onto it each day!

My overall impression of BS&C is that they are a family ran business clearly priding itself in a high level of professionalism. I had no doubts about placing my trust in Richard and his team to deliver my project: a beautiful yet functional balcony sympathetic to a period property that can be enjoyed for years to come.”

If you have a project of your own, whether it be a balcony, staircase or railing, take a look at our gallery and get in touch. Our friendly team will help you to create design which surpasses your expectations and gives you enjoyment for years.

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When working with period homes, you must be able to handle the occasional obstacle. Quirky building features and tougher planning requirements are common issues. We had to deal with both on a recent external staircase and balcony order which included a decorative metal side-screen.

Restoration

The staircase was manufactured for a 19^th Century villa located within a conservation zone in the West Midlands. The three-storey property had been extensively refurbished in the past with a double storey extension constructed at the rear and a top storey conversion to create a separate apartment.  To provide dedicated access to the apartment, an industrial style metal staircase had also been fitted.

In 2016, owners Kathy and Martin Gomberg decided to sensitively refurbish the rear elevation, fitting traditional style sash windows and replacing the extension with a single storey, pitched roof design that echoes the main body of the house. To complete the refreshed aesthetic, the couple also chose to replace the functional external staircase.

A Bespoke Solution

“We wanted an attractive, space efficient replacement that suited our house’s style better,” Kathy Gomberg explained. “We came across British Spirals & Castings on a web search and their Victorian range staircases seemed ideal. ”

Once the Gombergs got in touch, our design team discussed the particular project requirements and showed them some of the available options. The final design featured an 1830 mm diameter cast aluminium Victorian spiral staircase with decorative spindles. The balcony was also cast aluminium and included perforated metal landing plates. This allowed easy drainage and improved daylight in the space below.

One of the conditions of the planning application was that a 1.8 metre tall privacy screen was fitted on the side of the balcony facing a neighbouring property. We created a bespoke design for this application. As with all our cast aluminium staircases and railings, the design was then crafted by our specialist foundry in Staffordshire. All of the items were then sent to our workshop for tooling and to be powder coated black.

“We feel the sensitive design of the staircase and balcony helped us to gain planning approval for our alterations and the assent of the council’s conservation officer to the details,” Kathy Gomberg said.

Onsite Challenges

Once we had manufactured the pieces, they were carefully packed up and delivered to site ready to be fitted. This would normally be the end of the manufacturing process for us but damage to the original building wall meant that a “false wall” one brick thick had to be constructed over the original rear façade. As a result, the landing ended up being slightly more than 10 cm out from the doorway on the first floor.

“British Spirals & Castings were quick to respond to our request for a further baluster and an extra newel post to fill the gap,” Kathy Gomberg said. “This ensured the landing is safe and satisfies building regulations.

“In fact, the staircase looks stunning in situ and really enhances the building’s period feel. I’d also like to mention how extremely helpful and friendly Ben Harding and the rest of his team have been at every step of the project. Their customer service is outstanding!”

British Spirals & Castings offer staircases, balconies and railings in a wide range of traditional and modern designs. Whatever your requirements, we can supply a bespoke solution backed up with friendly customer service. Take a look at the design on our website or come visit our showroom here in Derbyshire and we’ll help you find your perfect match.

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