flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Built-in balcony: New skylight windows can fold out to create a patio

Built-in balcony: New skylight windows can fold out to create a patio

The skylights also incorporate energy efficiency measures.


By BD+C Staff | June 10, 2014

If you've ever wished for a balcony that would allow you to enjoy a beautiful day from your own home, it might be possible for you to add one.

Fakro has developed skylight windows that turn into a balcony, according to Inhabitat. Made for pitched roofs, the panes open outward to create a small open-air platform. For safety, a slide rail is built-in and moves forward when the bottom window is pushed out.

After the initial phase of transformation, then the top window opens upward at a 45-degree angle. One window allows enough balcony area for one person, but multiple windows can be installed together for more space. 

All balcony windows are glazed to block solar gain and allow better interior insulation. When closed, the guard-rails fold up so that the windows look like standard skylights. In addition, the windows' automatic air inlets encourage air circulation, meaning residents will require less climate control.

 

When pushed out, a built-in guard rail protects anyone standing in the balcony space.
 
 
When closed, the windows look like ordinary skylights.

Related Stories

Architects | Oct 1, 2020

BIG imagines how we could live on the moon

The architecture firm has partnered with ICON on the project.

Architects | Sep 30, 2020

Sir David Adjaye OBE to receive 2021 Royal Gold Medal for Architecture

His practice, Adjaye Associates, was founded in 2000 and today has studios in Accra, London and New York, with projects across the world. 

Coronavirus | Sep 28, 2020

Evaluating and investing resources to navigate past the COVID-19 pandemic

As AEC firm leaders consider worst-case scenarios and explore possible solutions to surmount them, they learn to become nimble, quick, and ready to pivot as circumstances demand.

Coronavirus | Sep 24, 2020

The Weekly show: Building optimization tech, the future of smart cities, and storm shelter design

The September 24 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.

Healthcare Facilities | Sep 10, 2020

Easing the oncology journey: The role of urgent care

Oncology patients are better served when they’re connected to the right staff.

Airports | Sep 10, 2020

The Weekly show: Curtis Fentress, FAIA, on airport design, and how P3s are keeping university projects alive

The September 10 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.

Architects | Sep 8, 2020

The New City project by Eric Owen Moss Architects receives AIA’s Twenty-five Year Award

AIA’s Twenty-five Year Award is conferred on a building that has set a precedent for the last 25-35 years and continues to set standards of excellence for its architectural design and significance.

Architects | Sep 1, 2020

An evidenced-based approach to elevate the workplace experience

A new NBBJ report presents design concepts for providing people with opportunities to recharge and engage in the workplace.

K-12 Schools | Sep 1, 2020

The rise of inquiry-based learning in K-12 communities

Inquiry-based education offers a methodology that does not rely solely on the educator being the lead in all learning.

Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020

2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms

The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021