The popularity of panoramic glazing systems is growing rapidly. This type of design of balconies and loggias radically transforms not only a separate architectural element, but also the room in which it is located, giving the apartment a modern, respectable look. The advantages of full glazing are undeniable. In order to emphasize the advantages and take full advantage of the advantages of glazing, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing the design of a panoramic balcony and find the best design option.
Panoramic glazing, types and features
Panoramic glazing is called glazing that occupies the entire area of the fencing of the architectural protrusion. The main advantage of this design is the perfect overview. But this feature in some cases makes the installation of glass systems impractical. If the balcony overlooks an industrial zone, parking lot, or area for garbage containers, the opening panorama will not provide the desired aesthetic effect. Full glazing is performed if it provides the opportunity to admire beautiful natural, urban landscapes.
Panoramic glazing of the balcony provides an ideal view
When choosing the design of a panoramic balcony, many important factors are taken into account:
- glazing type;
- dimensions of the architectural structure;
- purpose of the zone;
- room decoration style.
If, after conversion, the balcony becomes an extension of the room or its year-round operation is planned, plastic and metal-plastic systems are used in the glazing to ensure a comfortable temperature. Installation of cold frameless structures or with aluminum profiles is advisable when using the zone in the warm season.
Panoramic glazing visually expands the balcony. With the help of a competent choice of finishing and interior elements, you can complement this effect and provide a feeling of spaciousness even in a small area.
Panoramic glazing will provide a feeling of spaciousness
The purpose of this zone plays an important role in choosing a design. It should provide comfortable conditions for rest or work. A glazed balcony is part of the living room, bedroom or kitchen. When designing it, a harmonious combination with the room is ensured. One style or similar design trends are selected, a combination of shades and materials is taken into account. Numerous photos of balcony designs with panoramic glazing posted on the Internet will help you find the best option.
The design of the panoramic balcony should be in harmony with the interior of the apartment
Insulation
Beauty, as they say, requires sacrifice. Including money. And you have to decide: how to insulate a panoramic balcony? Yes, more light comes in, even excessively, if you are forced to close the curtains on the French windows in the summer. And in winter, the consumption of electrical energy for heating such a balcony or loggia increases.
We have to vary materials to reduce energy costs in the off-season. And here the single-chamber double-glazed window is the worst. Multi-chamber, naturally, is more expensive, but will reduce heat loss by three times. In addition, street noise in the apartment will be reduced
Pros and cons of panoramic glazing
Before deciding to radically change the design of your balcony, you need to carefully consider all the pros and cons of panoramic glazing. Not only the attractiveness of the opening view is taken into account. There are other factors that cannot be ignored.
The advantages of installing glass systems include:
- the ability to visually increase the area of a small balcony;
- the prospect of combining with the room, increasing its area;
- saving energy costs due to maximum natural light;
- creating a comfortable area for work or relaxation;
- giving housing respectability and compliance with modern standards.
Comfortable place to relax on the balcony
Panoramic glazing also has disadvantages:
- this restructuring requires obtaining permission from the relevant authorities;
- full insulation will reduce the area of the balcony;
- From time to time you will have to use the services of cleaning companies to wash external glass surfaces.
It should be taken into account that the architectural department may not issue permission to glaze a balcony in a multi-storey building if the object belongs to the category of historical monuments, since the design affects the design of the facade. The use of glazing systems may not correspond to the design features of the building; the BTI may prohibit their installation.
Permission is required for panoramic glazing
Cold glazing does not affect the area of the balcony. But one-, two-, three-chamber structures used in warm decorations will reduce it. In addition, to create a comfortable atmosphere, you will have to create multi-layer protection for the ceiling and floor. For small balconies, this design may be unacceptable.
It will not be possible to wash external glass on the upper floors without the help of industrial climbers. From time to time you will need to call these specialists to maintain proper cleanliness.
Decoration of a glazed balcony
If the glazed balcony becomes an extension of the room, the wall with the window and doorway system is removed, and the same material is chosen as the floor covering as for the entire room. In such designs it is necessary to make changes to the design of the heating system. Traditional radiators can be installed. But the best option is convectors. These can be compact floor-standing models or devices that are mounted in niches in the floor.
Convectors are the best option for heating a balcony
When decorating a balcony that is not combined with a room, the choice of finishing materials largely depends on the purpose of the area and the specifics of its use. Most often it is used as:
- winter garden;
- places of rest;
- work office.
Full natural light creates high-quality conditions for growing plants. Exotic flora can be placed on the insulated balcony. It is possible to choose flowers and green spaces taking into account the design style. Photos of designs for panoramic balconies that serve as a winter garden can be viewed on the Internet. To equip an area with cold glazing, annuals are selected that will provide the interior with attractiveness from spring to autumn.
Design of a panoramic balcony with a winter garden
On the balcony you can create a comfortable place for relaxation, family tea parties, and pleasant conversations. With the help of a competent choice of finishing materials, furniture, and textile decor, maximum comfort and an environment conducive to relaxation are created.
If the apartment does not allow you to allocate a separate place for work or hobbies, a balcony can become an ideal office. Even in a small area, you can equip a comfortable area for working on a computer, painting, handicrafts, modeling, etc.
Comfortable work area on a small balcony
Features of sheathing installation
PVC panels, wood and vinyl lining are attached using similar technology:
- The walls of the balcony are being prepared for finishing;
- A wooden sheathing is installed, which will become a leveling frame for the sheathing;
- Insulation (mineral wool, polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam) is laid between the beams;
- A vapor-permeable membrane is placed on top of the thermal insulation, which will protect the insulation from moisture;
- The final stage is the installation of facing panels;
- At the client's request, the finishing can be done with a decorative corner made of PVC (for plastic) or wood (for natural lining).
Balcony finishing done by specialists is a professional approach to the selection of materials and installation of cladding.
Finishing materials in the design of balconies
The modern range of finishing products makes it possible to create a comfortable environment on the balcony, regardless of the type of glazing, size and purpose of the area. Their choice depends on personal preferences and capabilities.
In finishing the ceiling you can use:
- whitewash,
- paint,
- clapboard,
- tiles
White color will visually raise the ceiling and increase the area of a small room. If cold systems are used in the glazing, the ceiling can be painted and trimmed with clapboard intended for outdoor use. A good option is plastic ceiling panels or tiles.
White color will visually increase the height of the ceiling
Floor coverings are selected taking into account the design style. A popular option in the design of cold balconies are materials that imitate natural wood. They have decent technological characteristics and create an atmosphere of comfort. You can use tiles, porcelain stoneware. These coatings retain their quality under the influence of low temperature, high humidity, and direct sunlight.
Tile maintains quality under low temperature
Walls play an important role in any interior. You don’t have to deal with finishing them if the balcony is designed in a loft style. Brick and concrete fit well into this design. To create a classic interior, you can use natural wood finishes or imitation. You can use vinyl, non-woven wallpaper, polyvinyl chloride panels, etc. in the decoration. On Internet sites there are photos of designs of balconies with panoramic glazing in different styles. It is possible to choose the optimal solution.
Design of a panoramic balcony in loft style
Material
For the construction of balcony structures, materials with high strength are used.
Wooden balcony
In decorative terms, a wooden balcony is significantly superior to structures made from other materials. Thanks to natural wood, a cozy and warm atmosphere is formed on the loggia. In addition, wood combines well with various finishes.
To ensure the strength and durability of a wooden balcony extension, the surface of the handrails and all elements is carefully sanded, oiled and coated with water-repellent, frost-resistant varnish and hydrophobic paint. To cover the floor, it is better to use boards with a thickness of at least 4 centimeters.
To make the structure more stable, the beams are attached to the walls using metal bolts or angles. The cantilever balcony is equipped with vertical column supports.
The photo shows a private house with a long loggia made of wood.
Brick balcony
When creating a brick loggia project, you need to calculate the load on the slab, and, if necessary, strengthen the concrete base with brackets.
Brickwork, even without additional cladding, has a beautiful appearance and is an excellent base for creating any interior.
Concrete balcony
Such a loggia requires a special approach. Since the concrete base is heavy and puts a large load on the walls of the cottage, the balcony is equipped with additional supports.
The structure on a concrete base should have a depth and protrusion of no more than one meter and have a slope angle of about 2%. The top level of the slab is set five or eight centimeters below the floor level. The concrete base is equipped with a water-repellent coating and covered with a cement screed. The fence is securely attached to the floor and load-bearing wall of the house. The height of the parapet should be at least 1 m.
Metal balcony in a private house
Due to its originality, it turns into a real decoration of the facade. A forged balcony can have a straight, radius, blown, arcuate or mixed configuration. Metal fencing is mainly made using natural, geometric shapes or openwork weaves, which look exclusive, stylish and respectable.
Special anti-corrosion agents will help make the structure resistant to precipitation and high humidity.
The photo shows a balcony structure with a forged metal fence on the exterior of the house.
Furniture in balcony design
When choosing furniture for decorating a balcony, several criteria are taken into account. The comfort of the area directly depends on these items. The main factor is the purpose of the area. If it serves as a place to relax, you need cozy chairs. You will need a table that can be served for tea drinking and used to place the necessary items. If the balcony is small, a folding table top is installed and folding furniture is installed. A universal design with a computer desk and shelves is suitable for equipping a workplace.
Upholstered furniture for a comfortable relaxation area
Glass surfaces occupying the entire space of the fence are the main advantage of panoramic systems. Do not block them with furniture. Items are placed near the walls or in the center, if space allows. For a small balcony you need to choose compact models that provide the opportunity to rationally use the space. Wall and corner shelves are used to place the necessary things.
For small balconies, use compact furniture
Design of glazing systems
You can do without curtains in the design of a panoramic balcony. This technique allows you to demonstrate all the benefits of full glazing. But it must be borne in mind that intense sunlight is not always a positive factor. In the summer, it can create discomfort and significantly increase the air temperature not only on the balcony, but throughout the apartment. In addition, proper design of glazing can make the interior more comfortable and attractive. You can choose an option from the photo of designs of panoramic balconies.
Curtains will make the design of a panoramic balcony more attractive
Depending on the area of the zone, the style can be used in decor:
- blinds,
- tulle,
- thick curtains,
- combined designs.
In small areas, compact models are used that do not require additional space. Plastic or textile blinds are ideal. They allow you to adjust the intensity of light fluxes and their direction. You can install Roman blinds, roller blinds, pleated blinds. These structures also do not affect the area and provide the opportunity to change the degree of natural lighting. A good option are Japanese panels that move horizontally.
Blinds allow you to adjust the light intensity
On balconies located on the north and east sides, there is no need to provide sun protection. Light tulle will provide comfort to the design and will not affect the intensity of lighting. On a spacious balcony you can use combined designs with thick curtains and openwork tulle.
Light tulle will provide comfort to the design
Design safety
Balcony with narrow bars
Small children love to spend time on balconies, playing a variety of games. In order not to worry about them, you should anticipate some dangerous situations in advance. For example, the most common problem is that children like to stick their heads through the railings. To reduce such situations to a minimum, the gaps between the fencing rods should be no more than 10 cm, while their finishing and decorative elements should not be traumatic.
The platform itself must be positioned at a slight outward slope (just like the porch platform). Due to this, rain moisture will not accumulate, and the walls of the house will be in perfect order.
Plants in balcony design
Plants can play an important role in creating comfortable conditions for relaxation. Varieties and types of flora representatives are selected in accordance with the conditions and design style.
Any representatives of the flora can be placed on a warm balcony. The intensity of natural light allows even tropical plants to be grown. The following designs are used in the designs:
- floor,
- wall,
- hanging,
- trellis.
Even tropical plants can be grown on an insulated balcony
The choice depends on the size of the balcony. In spacious areas, tubs with large plants are installed. Wall-mounted flower pots and hanging structures with hanging flowers can also be placed on a small balcony. Trellis will help you decorate the wall with vines. In the design of a cold balcony, you can include artificial, canned greenery, which does not require the creation of optimal climatic conditions.
The range of indoor plants is huge. It is possible to choose pets by size, shape and shades of foliage and flowers. You can view photos of designs of balconies with panoramic glazing and choose the ideal landscaping for a specific interior.
Flaws
Firstly, panoramic windows on the balcony at any height of the home feel a layer of outside dust. It also settles on the windows. Call a washer? It is impossible to independently clean the entire outer surface of such windows.
Secondly, in summer the balcony will be simply hot from the scorching rays of the sun.
Thirdly, winter frost causes the glass to fog up, and even ice forms on them. Therefore, it is necessary to install special floor (slot) glass heating by warm convection throughout their entire height.
Design styles in decoration
The choice of style for decorating a balcony largely depends on personal preferences. The size of the area and the purpose of the zone are also taken into account. Thanks to a wide range of finishes and furniture, you can create comfortable conditions for relaxation, work, and turn your balcony into a worthy decoration for your apartment or house.
When choosing a style, you need to take into account its character and features. The result should be a comfortable environment that matches the purpose of the room. If you need to give it sophistication, elegance, the classical styles of Empire, Baroque, and English style will help achieve the desired effect. In such an interior you can have tea parties and meetings with friends; it is well suited for a solid office.
Classic panoramic balcony design
Designs in fashionable modern styles are a good solution for a small balcony. Laconicism and the absence of unnecessary decorative elements allow for the most efficient use of space and avoid the feeling of overload. In the photo of panoramic balcony designs there are excellent options for styles:
- high tech;
- minimalism;
- loft;
- rustic.
Modern style is ideal for small balconies
These directions, despite a certain simplicity and rigor, are able to provide proper comfort due to functionality.
Romantic Provence creates excellent conditions for relaxation and recreation. Delicate pastel colors, light, airy textiles give the atmosphere a special charm, envelop it in bliss, stimulate dreaminess and peace.
Romantic design of a panoramic balcony in Provence style
What types of balconies are there?
There are two types of structures.
Open balcony in a private house
This loggia represents a decorative element of the facade. Therefore, its finishing, decoration and choice of materials deserve special attention. For open balconies, metal fencing is often used. The width between the bars of the grill should be no more than 10 centimeters.
The photo shows a project of a modern private house with an open balcony.
Closed balcony
Due to the glazing, the closed loggia is protected from wind, rain and other precipitation, and also has good sound insulation. Such a balcony will be an excellent place for growing plants that need plenty of sunlight. Thanks to partial, panoramic or stained glass type glazing, it is possible to turn the extension into an original and aesthetically attractive element of the facade of the house.
The photo shows a panoramic glass loggia in a country house.
Types of glass in panoramic systems
The strength of the frames plays an important role in the reliability of panoramic systems. But the main function is performed by glass, which occupies a large area. This design became possible only thanks to the advent of durable materials that can withstand significant loads, ensuring safety for users.
Tempered glass, which has a large thickness, is used in the manufacture of systems. This is a reliable, durable material. It is difficult to break such glass. But even if it is damaged, there is no danger of injury, since the canvas crumbles into small pieces.
Tempered glass is used in panoramic glazing
In panoramic glazing, you can use not only standard options. Systems can be equipped with glass:
- tinted;
- energy saving;
- with additional protection.
It is advisable to use tinted glass for balconies on lower floors. Such canvases provide privacy and do not allow strangers to observe what is happening from the street. These glasses reduce the intensity of natural light, which may be required in the design of a balcony located on the south side. Gluing a film with a mirror effect allows you to eliminate viewing on the first floors.
Tinted glass is used for balconies on lower floors
Energy-saving systems are very popular. They cost more than standard analogues. But the costs quickly pay off due to a significant reduction in heat loss. It is advisable to glue films to the glass of panoramic systems on the lower floor, providing reliable protection from mechanical influences.
What is important to consider when choosing a balcony design for your cottage?
As a rule, balconies are built over the already made projections of the house: porch, terraces, garage, etc. This solution seems reasonable, since you do not shade the windows of the lower floors and, at the same time, you do not need to worry about the thermal insulation of the balcony (unless of course We are talking about unheated structures).
When choosing a balcony project, it is important that you consciously choose specific construction and architectural solutions. It's not just about arranging the room to which the balcony will be added or choosing materials, but also about how building a balcony will change the appearance of your home. As practice shows, many homeowners often forget about this. Meanwhile, such a mistake can be very expensive and your beautiful appearance of the cottage can be ruined forever.
Balconies can be attached to a house in different ways. As a rule, for these purposes a concrete slab is attached, which protrudes 1-3 meters from the wall of the house. Although the base of the balcony does not have to be concrete. You can use wood and steel to create this space. However, reinforced concrete remains the most popular solution, thanks to which both you and the architect can afford to implement slightly more complex architectural ideas.
