Set in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park, Lower Mill Estate in Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire at the well known Cotswold Water Park. Fitted to one of the contemporary homes are Solarlux Balcony Enclosures and Balustrades. Also fitted are our highly insulated Internorm sliding doors, glazed doors and Studio windows.
This modern home demands the best in insulated comfort as well as being able to enjoy the outside surroundings, nature and surrounding architecture and design-led living overlooking one of the estate’s many tranquil lakes.
The home’s modern design and elevated structure made it an ideal application for Solarlux’s slide-and-turn balcony glazing systems—offering unobtrusive weather protection, improved comfort, and year-round usability. All systems were supplied and installed by CBP.
Slide-and-Turn Glazing: Proline T System Solarlux Balcony Enclosures
The design of these houses on the Lower Mill Estate are designed to enjoy the water and lakeside setting, however, the homes are also used in the winter time and some are purchased outright as permanent homes, rather than used as holiday lets. Solarlux balcony enclosures are therefore ideal for completely sealing off a balcony area and creating an all year round useable space.
The upper-level balconies on this property are enclosed using the Solarlux Proline T system—a German-engineered, single-glazed, all-glass slide-and-turn enclosure. Unlike standard patio glazing, this system is designed specifically for balcony applications, providing protection from wind, rain and airborne dirt without interrupting the visual openness of the architecture.
Fitted with 12mm toughened heat-soak tested safety glass for the enclosure, the glass is also strong and safe for the demands of family living. All aluminium profiles are expertly colour coated in RAL 7004 Matt, to the international Qualicoat standard for paint on aluminium surfaces. RAL 7004 is a very popular shade of grey that has a softer tone to it. As such it coordinates with the building’s exterior materials, comprising cotswold stone and grey cedar cladding alongside the oak structural posts.
With minimal framing and no visible tracks or thresholds at foot level, the system offers a seamless look to the balcony areas of the house, whether open or closed.
The Solarlux Proline T system is arguably the finest quality balcony enclosure product in the UK, because of the international reputation of Solarlux as a pioneer in premium architectural glazing solutions. Widely used in apartments, offices and also available as full-height slide and turn enclosures for patio areas.
Benefits of Solarlux Balcony Enclosures
This installation demonstrates several of the core advantages of using Solarlux Balcony Enclosures in both new builds and renovation projects:
• Maximum transparency with fully glazed slide-and-turn panels
• Acoustic insulation up to 30 dB
• Improved weather protection and reduced heat loss in any outside area
• Balconies can be closed off in bad weather and opened fully for spring and summer
• Flush finish with clean lines and no visible hardware
• Designed to withstand wind and rain
• Creates additional space in any home with a balcony or terrace.
All-Glass Balustrade: SL Plus from Solarlux
Complementing the Proline T balcony enclosure and situated directly underneath is the Solarlux SL Plus system. system was used to form a flush-mounted glass balustrade behind the sliding glass panels. This combination provides both protection and uninterrupted views. The balcony system is designed to sit directly beneath the balcony enclosure and to give the appearance of an all-in-one design.
We’ve also added structual wind-bearing posts to provide protection against strong winds, and any potential deflection that may put stress on the glass. The glass itself is 10mm laminated glass for the fixed lower section. Vertical wind posts provide structural rigidity and ensure the system can handle the exposure typical of elevated, open water-facing balconies.
The SL Plus balustrade is designed without the need for wall brackets and features concealed drainage. The flexibility of the balustrade system is such that it can be created and virtually any size and with glass up to 20mm thick. Therefore it is not just intended for barriers. It can also act as an acoustic barrier in certain applications.
Together, the Proline T and SL Plus systems form a complete Solarlux balcony enclosure. When fully closed, the homeowners can continue to enjoy the surroundings of this incredible Gloucestershire development whilst enjoying weather protection, better acoustics and creating a funtional outside space when needed. And such is the frameless aesthetic that the Solarlux balcony enclosure and balustrade look like an all glass facade from the outside and doesn’t alter the architecture of the building.
wind posts.
Internorm Triple Glazed Widnows and Sliding Doors
While the Solarlux balcony enclosures are the focus of this installation, the property also features a complete Internorm triple glazed window and door package.
• Internorm HS330 lift-and-slide doors provide large glazed openings with outstanding thermal and acoustic performance.
• Internorm HF410 Studio windows offer a clean, flush interior design with a real timber/aluminium composite structure.
• Internorm HT400 entrance door completes the front elevation with a solid, secure, and thermally insulated front door solution.
All Internorm products were specified in RAL 7016 Matt externally, with a clear lacquer spruce timber finish internally, supporting both the aesthetic of the architecture and the thermal requirements of a modern, energy-efficient home.
A Seamless Blend of Function, Comfort and Architecture
This project at Lower Mill Estate demonstrates how Solarlux Balcony Enclosures can transform outdoor spaces—turning open balconies into functional, flexible zones that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Combined with Internorm’s triple glazed systems, the home benefits from high-specification products throughout, installed with care and precision by CBP.
To learn more about the Solarlux balcony glazing range, or to see similar products designed to create additional covered space in your home, visit our Corsham showroom or get in touch to discuss your project.