PRO Blog

Outdoor glass systems are landing in briefs faster than most practices have developed a spec position on them. Clients are increasingly seeking year-round outdoor usability, while developers see enclosed outdoor spaces as a way to differentiate projects.  These requirements are now being raised during schematic design, and that’s exactly when you can’t afford to wing it. 

For many BC condo residents, access to meaningful outdoor space remains limited, especially in increasingly compact urban homes. While demand for private outdoor areas continues to rise, most balconies remain underused due to weather, noise, and seasonal constraints. 

Urban noise is fast becoming one of the most pressing design challenges in Ontario’s high-density residential developments. As the province’s intensification push continues to accelerate, it’s a problem the industry can no longer afford to ignore.

Few architectural features have as culturally rich a history as the balcony; it’s a platform for emperors and popes, a stage for Shakespeare, a lifeline during pandemic lockdowns, and an unused slab of concrete gathering leaves at the back of an apartment.

The housing market is under unprecedented pressure. Construction costs have hit heights many end-users can’t absorb, affordable housing shortages keep growing, and with project margins razor-thin, every single dollar counts more than ever before.

Transportation noise is one of the defining constraints in urban residential development. The sites that make most sense for new housing—near transit lines, arterial roads, and commercial hubs—are often the most exposed to rail, traffic, and aircraft noise.

In multifamily design, balconies are more than add-ons—they shape the building envelope, usable space, and long-term performance. With rising climate and energy demands, the choice between open balconies and glazed systems has never mattered more.

Balcony glazing boosts comfort, extends seasonal use, and supports envelope performance in multifamily design—but its success depends on structural integration. So which framing system is the better fit: concrete or wood? Here’s what to consider.

Balcony glazing shapes daily living—so when service is needed, support must be fast, clear, and reliable. Lumon’s structured handoff gives developers confidence while ensuring residents get direct, long-term help without added strain on property teams.