Part B: Balcony Types
B.1 Balcony Configuration Balconies can be organized broadly into two categories, external, projecting balconies or internal, inset balconies. Within these two classifications there are a number of connection details that can be used to support the balcony. It is important to understand the implications to a building design, massing and thermal performance associated with these two balcony types.
1. External Balconies External balconies are characterized as balconies that project beyond the predominant face of the building. These balconies are fastened rigidly at the edge of the building
The expression of internal balconies is defined not only by their size, shape, and the composition of the guard but also by the massing of, and relationship to the building form.
and extend out from the face of the building.
The thermal bridging that results from the
All structural loads from the balcony are
structural balcony connection is fundamentally
transferred back to the rigid connection at the
a result of the area or linear length of thermal
edge of the building.
transmittance. Since inset balconies are
The expression of external balconies is defined by their size, shape, and the composition of the guard.
typically connected to the primary structure on two or three sides of the balcony, the length of thermal bridge, or number of structural connections is typically two to three times that
2. Internal Balconies
of the external balcony which is only connected
Internal balconies are open-air, outdoor
the area of thermal transmittance for internal
spaces configured to be in plane or behind the predominant face of the building. For this type of balcony configuration, the balcony is inset in a recessed façade articulation or internal
to the primary structure on one side. Therefore, balconies is typically larger which may result in more thermal bridging depending on the type of structural connection.
corner. The structure for internal balconies can be connected to the building’s primary structure along multiple perimeter walls. This type of balcony is popular because they provide a more protected outdoor space with privacy for occupants and more opportunities for doors to access the balcony.
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