Different Types of Balconies: Which One Should You Choose for Your Home?
If you're considering adding a new balcony to your home or upgrading an existing one, you've come to the right place. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the different types of balconies suitable for your home or flat, along with an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of installing one through Arc Metal Design.
The Different Types of Balconies
Stay tuned in for the rest of this article to discover the wide range of balcony options available for your home or flat, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. From classic Juliet balconies to modern cantilevered, hung, loggia, mezzanine, and stacked balconies, we've got you covered. Our guide provides detailed insights into the features and benefits of each style, helping you determine which option is most suitable for your home.
Juliet Balconies
The Juliet balcony gets its name from the famous Shakespeare play. The balconies range in size and functionality, but they tend to have similar features. This type of balcony consists of large windows or doors that tend to open inwards. A Juliet balcony is not for standing on. Its primary function is to provide a safety barrier.
Although Juliet balconies sound luxurious, they are not expensive or elaborate. Juliet balconies can be found in homes and flats and are popular in the UK. Along with being elegant and functional, Juliet balconies don’t need any planning permission to install in the UK.
There are several reasons why you might invest in a Juliet balcony. Firstly, Juliet balconies don’t require any planning permission in the UK, making them easy to install. They are also very functional, allowing fresh air into upper rooms and offering additional drying space in urban flats.
Here at Arc Metal Design we design and install bespoke glass and steel Juliet balconies for a wide range of buildings.
Cantilevered Balconies
Cantilever balconies are balcony platforms that extend from the wall of the building and appear to be a continuation of the interior floor. As the name suggests, this type of balcony is cantilevered to the main wall; cantilevering is a way of securing a protruding wall structure.
There are several ways to secure a balcony to the side of a building; one of them is with a cantilever. Other types of balconies use suspension wires (hung balcony) or an external structure (stacked balcony). Cantilever balconies benefit from a free-standing balcony structure
Hung Balconies
Suspension systems have been popular for centuries, ever since the first suspension bridge in 1816. Hung balconies are said to date from the same period. A hung balcony has a platform that extends from the wall of the building, but it is secured in place by two suspension wires.
A hung balcony sits perpendicular to the wall. The balcony is secured to the wall, but it is supported from above by two steel wires connected to plates that affix to the wall. The wall plate and bolts are particularly important for the safety and integrity of a hung balcony structure.
When you compare hung balconies to Juliet balconies, you'll quickly notice that hung balconies offer a fantastic range of designs. They can have two or three-sided balustrades, and they truly showcase their versatility. These balconies are not just visually appealing, but they're also incredibly functional, effortlessly combining style with practicality. However, it's important to keep in mind that installing hung balconies requires careful consideration due to their specific requirements. And one thing to note is that you might see some visible wires as part of the design.
Loggia Balconies
Loggia balconies are popular in flats and urban homes. A loggia balcony is a large outdoor space that is covered from above - sometimes with another loggia balcony - and sheltered from the elements with glass. They are often internal balcony spaces.
Loggia balconies are similar to verandas, but loggias are part of the architecture of the building, while verandas are add-on elements. A loggia balcony will already be part of the building structure; were you to install one, it would likely be classified as a veranda.
Loggia balconies are popular due to their enclosed nature. Unlike a Juliet balcony that must be closed when it rains, a loggia balcony can be used in any weather. Loggia balconies are covered over, but they still have windows that can open for the air.
Mezzanine Balconies
Mezzanine balconies can be inside or outside the home. A mezzanine is an additional level between the floor and ceiling of a building - this is an internal balcony - but they exist outside the building, too, supported from below with architectural structures that form part of the building.
A mezzanine balcony is safe, functional, and accessible; it is one of the best ways to make use of the space in a home, especially larger homes and buildings. Mezzanine balconies tend to be larger and can be used for entertaining guests, having family meals, or for design purposes.
Mezzanine balconies create more space in a property and increase its utility. In homes, mezzanines tend to be used for storage, drying, and socialising. The downside of mezzanine balconies is the space that is taken up on the ground floor, and the pillars can get in the way
Stacked Balconies
Stacked balconies are a popular balcony option in new build homes and flats. Unlike most of the balcony’s above, stacked balconies don’t form part of the architectural structure; instead, they are external structures that bolt onto the side of the building and transfer weight into the beams.
Stacked balconies are designed in a vertical arrangement, creating a visually striking and dynamic appearance. Stacked balconies often offer residents the luxury of multiple outdoor spaces, allowing them to enjoy stunning views from different levels. With each balcony stacked on top of the other, they maximise usable space while adding a touch of architectural elegance. Whether used for relaxation, gardening, or socialising, stacked balconies provide a versatile and inviting extension to living spaces.
On the downside, stacked balconies might be unsightly from the outside. A stacked balcony structure tends to be bulky and covers the entire side of the building, so while they are functional, desirable spaces, residents might have to compromise on the building's aesthetics.
Which Balcony Should You Choose For Your Home
While you might want to install the balcony you imagine for your home, some buildings have limitations. It's always best to discuss your balcony project with a professional. At Arc Metal Design, we take the complexity out of choosing a balcony and help you choose the right one.
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