What is guillotine glass?
Guillotine glass is a façade system in which glass panels arranged one above the other open by sliding upwards with the help of a motor and close by lowering. Unlike classic folding glass systems, the panels do not stack to the side and do not block the view when open. The main applications:
- Fully opening systems: The panels stack on top of each other to create a wide opening.
- Systems with a fixed panel at balustrade height: The bottom panel stays fixed and the upper part opens, forming a safe balustrade.
- Use with pergolas and awnings: Combined with overhead cover systems, a fully enclosed winter garden is achieved.
Guillotine glass systems can be planned with different numbers of panels depending on the space. More panels allow more flexible use of the opening, while also changing the look when closed. During the site survey we clarify together whether your priority is the view, ventilation or full protection.
Why are they popular in North Cyprus?
Cyprus has a strong outdoor culture; however, wind and rain in winter and the salty breeze on the coast in summer can limit the use of terraces. Restaurants in Kyrenia (Girne) overlooking the harbour and mountains, seaside cafés in Iskele and Famagusta (Gazimağusa), garden venues in Nicosia (Lefkoşa) and villa terraces are where guillotine glass stands out. When open the system does not obstruct the view; when closed it protects the terrace from wind and dust.
In villas, guillotine glass makes the terrace part of the home, extending the usable living space. In winter you can sit on the enclosed terrace on sunny days, and in summer you can open the glass fully to enjoy the cool evening breeze. The terrace can then be used for most of the year, not just a few months.
What to consider when choosing
- Glass type: Tempered or laminated glass is preferred for safety; double glazing options can be considered for thermal control.
- Wind load: On exposed façades with open sea views, profile and fixing details should be chosen accordingly.
- Motor and control: Remote control, wall switch or smart home integration.
- Safety: Obstacle detection and controlled lowering of the panels are important where there are children.
- Architectural fit: Profile colour and details should suit the building's façade.
- Power cuts: Consider which position the system will stay in during a Kıb-Tek power cut and, if needed, battery backup.
In restaurants and cafés, service flow should also be taken into account. The position of the system and door openings should be planned so waiters can move easily between the terrace and the interior, and locking the system at closing time should be considered. These details make daily operation much easier.
Options and accessories
- Remote control and group control
- Automatic closing with wind and rain sensors
- Various profile colours
- Complementary solutions with awnings, pergolas and motorised shutters
- LED lighting integration
If you would also like to automate your business's main entrance, see our automatic sliding door solutions.
A wind and rain sensor is an important accessory that protects your terrace, especially when you are not at home. When sudden rain starts or the wind picks up, the system can close the panels automatically, preventing damage to your terrace furniture and flooring.
Installation process
- Site survey: We inspect the terrace or balcony opening, the floor and ceiling structure and wind exposure.
- Quote: We prepare the glass, profile, motor and accessory options in writing.
- Manufacture and installation: The made-to-measure system is installed on site and the motor is connected.
- Handover: Panel movement and safety features are tested and you are shown how to use the system.
You can find our workflow on our how it works page.
Because guillotine glass systems are made to measure, accurate measurements at the survey are very important. Details such as level differences in the floor and ceiling, how straight the walls are and any existing balustrade are noted at this stage, and manufacture is planned accordingly.
Maintenance and warranty
With guillotine glass systems, the runners should be cleaned, the seals checked and the motor adjusted regularly. In coastal areas we recommend more frequent cleaning because of salt build-up. For the systems we install: 3-year warranty; if periodic maintenance is carried out without interruption, the warranty can be extended to up to 5 years. If a panel gets stuck or the motor won't work, you can reach our 24/7 breakdown service.
Cleaning the glass is easy with guillotine systems, as both surfaces can be reached by opening and closing the panels. Even so, dust and sand building up in the runners can affect quiet, smooth operation, so we pay particular attention to cleaning the mechanism at maintenance visits.
Why REKA?
- Over 20 years of experience with motorised systems
- Motor, automation and glass planned together
- Free site survey across North Cyprus
- We work with all brands and supply parts
Call us on +90 539 102 13 13 about your terrace project or request a free site survey.
