French balcony in a modern design
Content:
- French balcony in modern architecture
- French balcony glazing
- In Khrushchev
- Panoramic balcony
- Types of balustrades
- Benefits
The presence of a balcony in a house or apartment does not always mean that you can spend free time on it. Often, especially in balcony blocks, the space is limited by the presence of a window and a balustrade. These are the so-called French balconies, which are found not only in the old quarters, but also in modern construction. What really attracts people on French balconies? Why are they becoming more popular? Read more about this in this article. Get acquainted with the architectural details that will work on the modern facade of the house.
French balcony - an element of modern architecture
What is a french balcony? The most important distinguishing feature of this architectural detail is that, unlike a traditional serving platform on the upper floors, there is no balcony slab. The balcony window, covered with a balustrade, is an architectural element that fits perfectly into the modern minimalist design of building facades.
The lack of a balcony slab does not make it possible to arrange a functional recreation area. This type of solution will work if the house has extensive intermediate areas, such as terraces. Limited functionality can be an advantage, choosing a French balcony, you do not bear such high costs as finishing turnkey ledge as an additional living area.
French balcony glazing
Today it’s quite fashionable to use French balcony glazing. In this embodiment, the limitations of the traditional balcony with full glazing, that is, from floor to ceiling, are dismantled. Glass is mounted on the lower part of the balcony:
- transparent;
- matte;
- tinted.
As well as plastic sandwich panels.
The advantage of French balcony glazing is not only in improving the aesthetic qualities of the facade of the house. The role is much wider than in the case of typical balconies, opening the room for the environment. Its great advantage is also excellent indoor lighting.
French balcony in Khrushchev
Khrushchev apartments are known for their limited area. However, modern design solutions can expand even the narrowest space. The cramped Khrushchevs are dismantled into fairly spacious studio apartments, decorated with French balconies, which, thanks to full glazing, pour a huge amount of natural light into the room, visually expanding the space.
The French balcony is a detail well known in architecture since the Baroque, but recently it appeared on the facades of domestic houses. Most often these are balconies with window walls, i.e. mounted at a height of about 15 cm above the floor and reaching the ceiling. Windows can function in different ways:
- opening of all wings;
- partial airing;
- deaf glasses.
Regardless of the form of glazing, it is advisable to protect the French balcony in Khrushchev with a balustrade.
French panoramic balcony: on which facades
The question of what is a French balcony is worth exploring if you decide to make modern repairs in the apartment. This is an architectural detail that fits perfectly into the minimalist forms of buildings, very often used in modernist implementations. French balconies are readily used in projects of energy-saving houses, since the absence of balcony slabs reduces the risk of thermal bridges. Due to the vertical shape of the glazing, they visually raise the building and give it a more elegant shape.
The French balcony refers to the rather characteristic elements of the exterior walls.It will be possible to get a compact, architectural image of the facade if you select window profiles that match the composition and fit balustrades to them. Their colors should be in harmony with other details of the facade. Designs are often combined, for example, with the color or material from which the roofing was made or the facade walls were finished. Aluminum profiles or metal profiles are very fashionable, which give the windows a modern, somewhat industrial character, emphasizing the beauty of large-scale glazing. If the house has a more traditional shape, you can use windows with wooden or PVC profiles with a clear design.
Fences of French balconies with balustrade
An important aesthetic function is also played by balustrades. They not only protect against loss, but are also used as mini-gardens, as you can hang flower beds on them. The balustrade of the French balcony, in contrast to the solutions typical of the classical version, is very closely connected with the window, since the proximity of the glazing makes it an integral part in many ways.
The modern character of the building will be emphasized by large panels of 8 mm thick safety glass or high-quality plexiglass. Glass balustrades should be made of laminated safety glass. Even after a strong blow, it remains coupled and does not cause injuries. Stainless steel or aluminum railings are also often used. They can be in the form of simple elements thanks to aluminum or complex designs in the form of wrought iron.
Benefits of French Balconies
Not everyone can afford to have a large spacious balcony on which he puts a clothes dryer, table, chairs or even a solarium. Residents of apartments have a much more limited construction, because the appearance of the facade of the block is designed in advance, in particular you can meet the mentioned French balconies or loggias in old houses. However, more and more people are choosing this solution in single and multi-apartment buildings. Why is this so? Everything is simple - the main advantage of French balconies is their price. French windows usually do not have a platform or balcony slab. Their design is very simple, because they consist of balcony doors or high window frames attached to the facade. Another important advantage, of course, is that they provide much more light in rooms than traditional balconies. For this reason, full glazing is perfect for narrow and large rooms. The French balcony, as well as the traditional one, if properly fixed with balustrades, will be safe for everyone, especially for children.
As you can see, the French balcony can also be beautiful. In addition to the above advantages and the complete absence of defects, a wide range of balustrades for balconies of this type is extremely important. The choice depends only on the taste and needs of the customer.
