'Modular balcony glazing reduces total cost of ownership'

Traditional projects are few and far between in the built environment, due in part to high (legal) performance standards related to sustainability, ventilation and soundproofing. More and more integral solutions are required from suppliers and manufacturers in the facade construction industry. This is precisely why Solarlux specializes in modular balcony glazing. The high-end Modular product range is constantly being further developed, including a soundproof ventilation grid.

The combination of requirements from the Building Code regarding ventilation and soundproofing in exterior spaces such as balconies is no mean feat, says Technical Advisor André Jansen of Solarlux Nederland. "Within the Building Code, a balcony area must provide 3L/s per square meter of permanent ventilation volume. We always go for maximum results and can offer the desired solutions tailored to the project demand, in consultation with decision makers such as clients and architects." The Modular system, previously used in the spectacular new construction project Valley on the Zuidas, recently offered that possibility. "The transparent all-glass sliding-door system SL 25 guarantees optimal protection from wind and weather, with improved sound insulation and optimal comfort for the end user. On the balcony, the open air can be enjoyed with fully opened windows; even in bad weather and with closed windows, the balcony can be used comfortably. This maintenance-free sliding-door system keeps out driving rain and noise up to 22 dB."

Permanent ventilation

The necessary ventilation requirements as described in the Building Code can easily be achieved with open windows. Solarlux now offers the possibility to achieve the mentioned values also with closed windows, based on innovative ventilation grilles. Jansen: "These grilles are permanently open and have diagonal inlets, which muffles noise while still permanently ventilating the outdoor space behind them." The grilles can be installed in the frames of the balconies as well as in cantilevers - if aesthetically desired. "Our production is always tailored to the project demand anyway; the various suppliers of the grilles - such as Alara Lukagro in the case of the SL 25, can do the same." 

It is a form of co-makership, prefabrication or modular construction that is becoming increasingly common with the boom in the realization of apartment buildings and high-rise projects, says Jansen. "In this way, we offer a top product in balcony glazing, which with consideration of Total Costs of Ownership is widely applicable in new construction and home renovation."