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.

Essentially, the average, uncovered balcony is truly only usable for a few months out of the year. Most sit empty through the coldest months, used for storage at best and forgotten at worst. But could the future of balconies look brighter than ever?

In 2025, Lumon Group published findings from our latest B2B customer survey, drawing on responses from 94 professionals across Canada, as well as multiple European countries. Survey respondents identified a broad range of advantages associated with balcony glazing. Listed by approval rating:

• Enhanced living comfort & space: improves usability and creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection (82%)
• Weather protection: shields occupants from wind, rain, pollen, and temperature fluctuations (82%)
• Increased property value: adds to the building’s attractiveness and market appeal (81%)
• Noise reduction: creates a calmer living environment (80%)
• Reduced maintenance needs: extends the durability of facades and balcony structures (78%)
• Energy efficiency: provides measurable, if modest, heating benefits (64%)

Balcony glazing increases the value of the apartment, enhances its rental potential, and positively impacts the building’s façade. Energy savings for the housing company are also a benefit for the shareholders.

Glazing Market Projections 

The market reflects this momentum. The structural glazing market is projected to grow from USD 29.3 billion in 2026 to USD 40 billion by 2032. That’s a 5.34% annual growth rate driven significantly by residential demand for outdoor enclosures and facade glazing systems. 

Meanwhile, the Canadian facades market is estimated at USD 8.56 billion in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 11.29 billion by 2031, growing at a 5.69% CAGR. Ontario and British Columbia leading demand driven by urban densification and housing targets. 

Data from Lumon’s survey found that balconies continue to play a crucial role in residential design, with an increased importance rating of 84%. Respondents rated the positive impact of balcony glazing on building design at 78%, and its role in boosting property value at 83%.

That demand is exactly where the potential of the balcony begins; at the centre of all of it is glazing technology. All these insights clearly show where residential design is heading, and its outdoors.

Amenitization of Modern Projects 

Much more emphasis is being placed on the balcony than we’ve seen before in recent memory. Larger balconies, deeper floor plates, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections are becoming standard features in premium new residential developments.  

There’s even a name for this: market analysts have described this trend as “amenitization” of residential spaces. As land costs rise and building heights go up, features such as larger window-to-wall ratios and sliding glass walls are becoming standard premium features. 

Balconies are no longer considered optional add-ons, but instead central to how modern housing projects are conceived and sold.

Multi-Climate Balconies

According to a survey conducted on behalf of Lumon Group, a key trend in the future of balconies from the survey is the demand for multi-climate balconies: spaces that seamlessly transition between different zones to enhance year-round usability. This trend indicates the need for flexible solutions that adapt to seasonal variations, maximizing comfort and functionality.

A retractable glazing system, such as Lumon’s, transforms a balcony from a seasonal feature into a genuine year-round room. It protects balconies from the weather, while fully opening when the conditions allow—meaning the connection to the outdoors, the natural light, and the views remain intact. Balcony glazing expands the usage of the space into seasons and weather conditions that would otherwise render it unusable. 

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainability is becoming a priority in procurement and design decisions, rated at 76%. As well, interest in solar energy integration for balcony facades sits at 71%, pointing toward a future where balconies contribute actively to a building’s energy generation rather than just its comfort.

In an economy growing more environmentally conscious by the day, sustainability matters a whole lot. From design, to fabrication, to installation, Lumon’s glazing system pays back its carbon footprint in as little as three years. Also, a well-designed glazing system acts as a thermal buffer between the interior and exterior of a building—cutting heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer.  

Intentional Moves to Boost Productivity

Among architects, developers, and builders polled, efficiency remains a top concern in construction projects. According to the survey, the most effective strategies for improving project productivity include:

• Early collaboration with key partners
• Standardized connection solutions
• Digital tools and data-driven planning
• Streamlined production and logistics scheduling

Future Balcony Features & Technology

Looking ahead, industry professionals envision a future where balconies integrate advanced technology and automation. Key innovations could include:

• Self-cleaning glass surfaces
• Sun-protection glass eliminating the need for blinds
• Automated glass stacking and opening systems
• Integrated solar panels in railing glass
• Automated ventilation to maintain optimal temperature

Design the Perfect Building Façade with Lumon 

Urban living will continue to evolve, and balconies are poised to become a more and more vital component of residential design. The future iteration of balconies hopes to shape quality of life, sustainability outcomes, and architectural character in equal measure. The findings of this survey make clear that demand for smarter, more adaptable balcony solutions is only growing, and the construction industry professionals closest to these projects are already looking ahead to what comes next.

At Lumon, we work with architects, developers, and investors to provide innovative, sustainable solutions to enhance modern building designs. We work on apartment buildings, townhouses, rowhouses, and cottages, for both new construction and renovation projects.  

Connect with us to explore the endless design possibilities with Lumon.