The balcony is a magical part of the home. It’s like a secret hideaway, where you can go to get away from it all and find your zen. But it’s not just a place for rest and relaxation – it can be a source of inspiration, creativity and fresh air. With some creative decorating and plenty of imagination, your balcony can be transformed into a beautiful outdoor oasis – perfect for entertaining, unwinding and taking in the beauty of nature.
The majority of the residential dwellings come with compromises. Space is the one of the most premium aspects of the residential dwelling and a private or an exclusive use outdoor space is becoming more and more of a luxury. No matter what kind of space you have, from small city balconies to large country porches, each one has the potential to be something special. Balconies and terraces provide additional living space and let residents enjoy the outdoors from the comforts of their home. This article provides some insight on the differences between balcony types, terraces and how they fit into the architecture.
Terraces
By definition, a terrace is a flat area next to a building where people can sit and relax (see Britannica. com). In North America the meaning of terrace has become somewhat more specific. The terrace is an outdoor area located above a living space. Typically the terraces can be either on the side of the building or on the roof top.
A complete roofing system, including water drainage, must be installed for the terrace to avoid any damage to the living space below. The roof build-up usually consists of a layer of waterproofing, insulation, ballast (stones), and pavers. To make use of all available amenities, terraces are also fitted with hose bibs and gas connections for BBQs. In comparison to balconies, terraces are typically more finished and luxurious outdoor spaces that often include fireplaces and planters.
Balconies
Balconies have long been a popular exterior feature for homes, as they provide an efficient and easily accessible outdoor space. In addition to their functionality, balconies also add aesthetic value to the exterior of a house. Balconies can be used as additional gathering spaces for friends and family or simply enjoyed alone while taking in the fresh air.
This article will cover a few types of balconies that are commonly used in the modern architecture.
Cantilever Balcony
A cantilevered balcony is an extension of the horizontal slab of a building. Such balconies rely on the cantilever structure to hold them afloat. This structure is typically made of concrete but some shorter buildings may use timber or steel. No pillars are holding the balcony underneath. The reason for the widespread popularity of cantilevered balconies is their aesthetics from the outside. Without any visible supports, the balconies appear clean and minimalist. This feature adds to the visual appeal of a building, making it seem less messy structurally.
Stacked Balcony
A very popular type of balcony structure, mainly due to the ease of construction and the minimal stress on the building. It may even be a separate structure from the building with minimal or no connection whatsoever. The balconies are stacked one on top of another and are supported using vertical posts or pillars. The weight of the balcony or balconies is supported by these pillars and transferred to the footing in the ground below. The weight, size and number of balconies stacked on top affect the size of these pillars. This solution has an aesthetic compromise of seeing vertical pillars, but it is usually chosen for structural simplicity and ease of implementation.
Hung Balcony
The hung balcony is a type of structure that consists of cables and steel. They usually hang off the side of a home or building structure. This type of balcony is often used as an architectural feature that adds a unique and eye-catching touch to the exterior of a house or building. They can also provide homeowners with extra outdoor space and great views, while still being easy to maintain. With their low-maintenance design and modern aesthetic, it’s no wonder why hanging balconies are so popular. So if you’re looking for a way to spruce up your home and create an extra outdoor living space, then a hanging balcony could be the perfect solution!
Mezzanine Balcony
Unlike an external balcony, a mezzanine is built on the inside of the house, offering homeowners more space to sit and enjoy the indoor view. It could be a great place to put an extra sofa, armchair, or even a swing. Or maybe you’d like to give it some style and turn it into a reading corner with your favourite books and a comfy chair. Either way, a mezzanine is sure to be the perfect addition to any home! Plus, when you’re done getting cozy, it can keep all of your extra stuff out of sight. Now that’s what we call a win-win situation!
And the best part? A mezzanine doesn’t take up too much space, so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding your home.
Inset from the building, a loggia balcony has side walls and is topped with a ceiling and parapet. Because it’s hidden by arches or columns as well as a parapet, the view isn’t completely unobstructed. However, being indoors offers better protection from precipitation and bad weather overall. So the loggia balcony offers both privacy and a chance to enjoy the outdoors, no matter what kind of weather comes your way! With plenty of room to stretch out and take in the views, this kind of balcony can be a great place to relax after a long day.
There is one more type of balcony that people often forget – Juliet balconies. While they still have a door and railing, there isn’t any usable outdoor space. Juliet balconies are usually small platforms with railings that extend out from the wall of a building. The point of this balcony is to let in more fresh air and light than a normal window would allow. This space outdoors exists to make you feel like you’re bringing the outdoors inside.
