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

| Nov 5, 2014

AEC firms leverage custom scripts to bridge the ‘BIM language gap'

Without a common language linking BIM/VDC software platforms, firms seek out interoperability solutions to assist with the data transfer between design tools.

| Nov 5, 2014

Survey: More than 75% of workload takes place without face-to-face interactions

With the rise of technology, much of the workday—even the most productive morning hours—is spent corresponding via email or conference call, according to a recent survey of corporate workers by Mancini•Duffy.

| Nov 5, 2014

The architects behind George Lucas' planned Chicago museum unveil 'futuristic pyramid'

Preliminary designs for the $300 million George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art have been unveiled, and it looks like a futuristic, curvy pyramid.

Sponsored | | Nov 5, 2014

How to maximize affordability and sustainability through all-wood podiums

Wood podium construction takes an age-old material and moves it into the 21st century. 

| Nov 4, 2014

Zaha Hadid's first building in Shanghai debuts

Sky SOHO is the third in a trilogy of SOHO China developments designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

| Nov 4, 2014

HOK breaks ground on colossal research complex for LG in Seoul

Located in Seoul’s Magok District, the LG Science Park provides facilities to support innovative research and industrial prototyping. HOK designed phase one of the master plan and six of the laboratory and office buildings.

| Nov 3, 2014

IIT names winners of inaugural Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize

Herzog & de Meuron's iconic 1111 Lincoln Road parking garage in Miami Beach, Fla., is one of two winners of the $50,000 architectural prize.

| Nov 3, 2014

Cairo's ultra-green mixed-use development will be topped with flowing solar canopy

The solar canopy will shade green rooftop terraces and sky villas atop the nine-story structure.

| Nov 2, 2014

Top 10 LEED lessons learned from a green building veteran

M+W Group's David Gibney offers his top lessons learned from coordinating dozens of large LEED projects during the past 13 years.

| Oct 31, 2014

Dubai plans world’s next tallest towers

Emaar Properties has unveiled plans for a new project containing two towers that will top the charts in height, making them the world’s tallest towers once completed.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




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