A guillotine glass balcony closes the open side of a balcony with glass panels that move up and down on a motor. Open, the lower glass becomes a balustrade; closed, the balcony is protected from noise, heat and water. We cover 2- and 3-panel, single and insulated models, and blind and insect-screen options.
What is a guillotine glass balcony?
A guillotine glass balcony closes the open side of a balcony with vertically moving glass panels. The panels move up and down on a motor; when open they stack at the bottom and the lower glass acts as a balustrade. Closed, the balcony is protected from noise, heat and water. With no horizontal profile in the middle, the view stays clear.
How does it work?
The panels run on 8 stainless steel bearings in the side channels; depending on the system, the motor lifts the glass with a rope-reinforced belt or a chain. It works by button or remote, and the glass stops at any height. Leave a small gap at the top to ventilate without draughts.
Guillotine glass balcony models
| Option | Choices | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Number of panels | 2 or 3 glass panels | With 3 panels the open part is higher (about two-thirds); with 2, about half |
| Glass type | 8–10 mm single tempered or 4+12+4 insulated glass | Insulated glass if the balcony will be used as a room in winter |
| Control | Button and/or remote | With several modules, one remote runs them individually or together |
| Modules | Side-by-side modules on wide balconies | Depending on the frontage |
Blinds and insect screens
- Insect screen and sun control: a zip screen can be fitted outside the glass. With its edges locked into the rails it also works as an insect screen; in summer, with the glass open, insects stay out and the sun is blocked.
- Indoor curtains: if curtains are fitted inside, the curtain and rail must stay out of the glass's path. Curtains or objects hanging in front of the glass can disrupt panel movement; on chain systems they can make the chain jump off.
Is it practical?
Guillotine glass is one of the most trouble-free glass systems; motor faults are almost never seen. It works at one touch, takes no space and becomes a balustrade when open, which makes it very practical on balconies with a view. Bear in mind that it needs power and that the full opening does not open. More in: pros and cons.
Is a guillotine glass balcony allowed?
The product itself is not prohibited; but because enclosing a balcony changes the building's façade, in apartment buildings check the management plan and get owners' consent where needed. Rules vary by municipality, so consult them before installation: permit guide.
Cleaning and price
With the panels lowered, the inner surfaces are cleaned from inside, and the outer surfaces by lowering the panels step by step: cleaning and insulated glass guide. The price depends on size, number of panels, glass type and modules: what determines guillotine glass prices?
As an authorised Albert Genau manufacturing dealer, SkyArt Group makes guillotine glass systems in our Istanbul facility and installs them with our own team. Request a free site survey.
