Optimal protection through modular balcony glazing

Get rid of wind, rain and noise pollution!

A house was recently designed in Montpellier that consists largely of balconies. The outdoor spaces even occupy a third of the apartment's surface area and are arranged around the building like leaves on a tree. Or what about the idea for a large residential complex, whose new facade is equipped with winter gardens and balconies that should significantly increase residents' quality of life? In the Netherlands, too, attention is growing to outdoor spaces and balconies as a means of increasing living space and enhancing living comfort and well-being. Also in urban areas, where special challenges apply.

"Noise pollution and changing climate conditions require additional protective measures for facades, loggias and balconies," knows Stefan Mäkel, Architectural Consultant at Solarlux Nederland BV. "At the same time, we see that the laws and regulations for throughput, noise, ventilation and daylighting in inner-city areas are becoming increasingly strict and complex. If you build an apartment building in a noise-affected area, soundproofing measures must be taken. Shielding the exterior space with a sliding/turning or sliding system seems like a good solution in that case, but immediately brings a new problem. After all, natural ventilation to the thermal shell behind is then interrupted. To remove the polluted air on the balcony, residents can vent, but in doing so, they immediately bring noise back inside. This creates a vicious circle, which our balcony glazing systems effectively overcome. Combined with the transparent appearance of our systems, we make an important contribution to the comfort and well-being of residents. Our balcony glazing systems provide excellent sound insulation and ventilation and protect against the weather. In addition, they contribute to the architectural quality of the building."

Full-glass transparent solution for balconies, loggias and facades

As its first system, Mäkel mentions the Proline T sliding/turning system, which is being welcomed with open arms by architects and residents alike. "The system is ideally suited for floor-to-ceiling full-glass glazing on facades, balconies, terraces, loggias and conservatories that must meet high air/noise insulation requirements and demonstrably stops dirt, rain, wind (resistance class C2) and exterior noise (Rw up to 30 dB). Several test reports of this can be found on our website." 

The balcony glazing creates a so-called "second skin" of the exterior façade. "The transparent sliding/turning system acts as an intermediary between outdoor and indoor climates and cleverly utilizes the air warmed by the sun, allowing residents to enjoy additional living and entertaining space in both the early, high and late seasons. Thanks to the ingenious system, they can ventilate as they wish and set the sliding/rotating panels in a day/night ventilation position to make the best use of the weather conditions. In fine weather, Proline T can also be opened fully."

Modern glass facades with movable balcony glazing

Very interesting is also the SL Plus full-glass balcony parapet in combination with Proline T, says Mäkel. "This creates a uniform and fully transparent continuous façade, where residents benefit from all the advantages of a usable and sheltered balcony. SL Plus features 10 mm laminated glass (spandrel) with 6/12 mm tempered glass (Proline T) and guarantees sound insulation up to 28 dB. The system withstands high wind loads and insulates in both summer and winter, making it easy to create additional living space. As desired, residents can slide open the windows of the system or set them to a cracked position, which also ensures air ventilation."

Modular transparent facade solutions

As a third system, Mäkel mentions the SL Modular parapet with vertical glazing. "This modular facade element is applicable for energetic renovations and modular construction projects. The 'second facade' reduces energy consumption, but also provides permanent protection from weather, wind and rain. Depending on the system with which it is combined, both a thermally insulated variant (e.g. in combination with the Ecoline folding wall) and an uninsulated variant (e.g. in combination with the Proline T sliding/drawing system) are possible. As for the insulated system, the triple glazing enables optimum Uw values of 1.1 for energy-efficient building envelopes. And sound insulation of up to 44 dB is also possible. Optional is the integration of solar panels into the parapet. By opening and closing the wing sections, ventilation can be easily controlled."

For those who want to know more about the balcony systems and their technical performance, Solarlux developed a handy balcony glazing brochure, which can be easily requested via the website or your Solarlux contact person. Test reports on noise, fall-through safety and wind and water tightness are also available for all systems.