A balcony is a cantilevered platform on the facade of a building, fitted with a balustrade or railing, that is accessible from a room. It serves as an outdoor living space.
Function and application
A balcony provides residents with an outdoor area without having to leave the building. It is used for sitting, growing plants, or simply enjoying fresh air. Balconies are found on both houses and apartment buildings and are in many cases a valuable addition to the living space.
Types of balconies
There are several types of balconies:
- Cantilevered balcony — the most common form, where the balcony slab projects from the facade as a cantilever and is structurally anchored into the floor of the building.
- Juliet balcony — not a true balcony, but a balustrade or railing placed directly in front of an inward-opening door or window. It provides no walkable outdoor space.
- Supported balcony — a balcony that rests on columns or brackets rather than cantilevering from the facade.
- Loggia — a recessed balcony that sits within the volume of the building.
Construction
The load-bearing structure of a balcony must withstand self-weight, live loads, and wind and snow loads. For cantilevered balconies, a proper connection to the main structure is essential to prevent thermal bridging and moisture problems. Modern balconies often incorporate thermal breaks to reduce heat loss.
The balcony floor is typically constructed from reinforced concrete, steel, or timber, depending on the building type and the desired appearance.
Related terms
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