The standard of living is determined, among other things, by the quality of housing. This concept, in addition to the number of square meters, location and layout, also includes the view from the window. Therefore, panoramic glazing of balconies, as the most open, is considered the most prestigious.
Huge full-wall windows, giving the impression of a virtually completely transparent wall, create an unforgettable impression. However, the list of requirements for them is somewhat wider than for conventional balcony frames.
This balcony glazing looks very impressive
Installation in a private house
● Anchors are screwed into the walls at the places where supporting elements are attached. The base plate is attached to them by welding. It should be installed with an inclination from the load-bearing wall and be 6-8 cm below the floor in the room.
● Carry out waterproofing work on the floor slab.
● Installation of frames, sashes and double-glazed windows is carried out.
● Fencing structures are being installed. They must be welded to the floor slab or reinforced in the load-bearing wall of the house.
Decor and arrangement
The main function of floor-to-ceiling glazing is aesthetic, so the design does not imply on-site storage systems. Most often, a small place for relaxation and a home greenhouse are set up on a French balcony. On the outside you can install laconic wrought iron railings, and on the inside you can protect yourself from the sun and the gaze of passers-by with stylish curtains.
Forged elements
Forging is a defining feature of the “Juliet’s balcony.” The railings perform not only a decorative function, but also serve as a safe barrier that minimizes the risks associated with the design of the balcony block. Floor-to-ceiling glazing is a modern interpretation, which can be complemented with forged elements (small and large curls, sculptural compositions, flower buds and butterflies) at the request of customers.
Forged elements perform a decorative function.
Curtains
Panoramic glazing implies a feeling of free space, but the complete absence of curtains is not the best option. Curtains that match the interior of the room will provide privacy and protection from the scorching rays of the sun. In order for the balcony to remain functional, you need to maintain access to each section. These tasks are best handled by roller and Roman blinds, Japanese panels, and horizontal blinds.
Thin curtains look good on French windows, which, if necessary, can be moved to one side and tied in a knot. It is better to choose plain models made of organza, tulle, veil or thin fabrics with an unobtrusive print. Thread curtains (muslin), Austrian curtains that cover only the upper third of the window, are also suitable for large windows.
Boxes and pots with flowers
It will not be possible to equip a non-standard balcony as a place to store out-of-season items, but you can create an entire greenhouse. Floral compositions create a good mood even in cloudy weather. If you have a wrought iron fence, you can additionally install hanging flower pots with climbing plants.
You can install boxes and flower pots on the balcony.
If the windows face north, you should choose shade-loving plants for planting: begonia with large flowers and reddish leaves, Chinese rose, fuchsia with bright lantern flowers, unpretentious chlorophytum, climbing ivy, lemongrass, hops or honeysuckle. And if the balcony faces south or southwest, light-loving chrysanthemum, phlox, roses, and dwarf dahlia are suitable.
Heating for French windows: how to choose?
The peculiarity of such window designs imposes certain restrictions on the choice of heating devices: classic models, which are usually installed under the window sill, are inappropriate here. What options should be considered in this case?
Vertical radiators are suitable for heating an apartment with French windows.
1. Wall radiators on the side of the window. This model is not suitable for every room: firstly, there must be a heating pipe next to the wall and a place on it (which is not always possible in apartment buildings), and secondly, the wall must be thick enough to support the weight of the device. And yet this is the simplest and most accessible way out of the situation, which does not require drastic costs.
To heat this room with a French window, a side radiator on the wall is used
2. Trench convectors. The most modern and most suitable solution is a radiator built under the floor. This model does not obstruct the view at all: only a minimalistic grille remains outside, the design of which can be pre-selected to suit your interior. Another advantage is that underfloor heating is located directly under the opening, directly heating cold air from the street, which ensures rapid heating of the room and prevents fogging. However, this solution takes away the height of the room since it requires raising the floor level.
The best solution for heating French windows are in-floor convectors
Trench convectors have a relatively low power, which may not be enough in cold climates: in this case, it is worthwhile to provide additional electric wall radiators or a heated floor system.
This apartment with French windows combines underfloor and wall heating
Who is a glass balcony suitable for?
The described type of glazing is almost ideal for almost any building. The fragility of glass is an excellent solution for completely covering the loggia of a private country house, opening up an ideal view of nature.
A glass “wall” up to the ceiling looks impressive in combination with the concrete of office buildings, shopping centers, and other commercial new buildings. This tandem of materials will add a special charm to modern high-rise buildings.
City apartments with large panoramic windows and balconies are the choice of those who love the sun and a beautiful view outside the window.
Registration of permission
Before carrying out glazing work, you must obtain permission from the relevant authorities. The procedure for this is as follows.
- Receive a registration certificate for housing from the BTI, which contains information about its original condition. This information is needed to develop a glazing project based on it.
- Obtain permission for glazing from the organization that at one time developed the building project.
- Order the development of a panoramic balcony project from the appropriate organization.
- Coordinate the project with the company that manages the house.
- Obtain a sanitary and hygienic conclusion on compliance with standards from Rospotrebnadzor.
- Obtain a conclusion on compliance with fire regulations from the State Fire Inspectorate.
- Agree on the conformity of the balcony or loggia design with the appearance of the building (and if the house is an architectural monument, then additional approval is required from the appropriate authority).
- All received documents must be submitted to the housing inspection, which will ultimately issue a work permit.
- After the floor-to-ceiling window on the balcony has been installed, it is necessary to invite representatives of the management company and the housing inspection, who will write an act on the redevelopment (but only if no deviations from the project are found)
- Invite a BTI inspector who will make changes to the apartment registration certificate.
Glass types
It is clear that French glazing of balconies and loggias with floor-to-ceiling windows carries a potential danger. Therefore, it is carried out using special glasses. Specialists have developed various types of glass with certain characteristics specifically for these purposes. Which ones? We'll find out now.
- Tinted. Designed to protect from exposure to sunlight, as well as to diversify the design of the panoramic loggia.
- Electrochromic. The most expensive option. You can adjust the degree of darkness using the remote control.
- Emalit. It has a mirror surface on one side.
- Low emission. Capable of creating a barrier to infrared radiation.
- Energy saving. They have a high coefficient of light reflection.
In what cases is it not allowed to install floor-to-ceiling windows on a balcony?
It is not always possible to obtain permission for panoramic glazing of a loggia. In what cases is it impractical or unsafe? Let's list:
- apartment area is less than 200 m²;
- ceiling height is less than 2.9 m.
When glazing into the floor, for safety reasons, it is recommended to install limiters at the bottom of the balcony. And also use only tempered vandal-proof glass.
One of the design options for a panoramic balcony
