PRO Blog

Balconies have long been a valued feature in residential architecture, offering a connection to the outdoors and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings. However, their role has evolved significantly in recent years. No longer just decorative, balconies are now valuable extensions of indoor living spaces, particularly in high-rise urban settings. With the rise of urbanization and changing residential needs, the demand for multifunctional, adaptable, and energy-efficient balcony solutions has never been greater. 

Construction and housing are undergoing a transformation as energy efficiency and sustainable solutions become increasingly important. Lumon eRailing is a new solution that integrates solar energy into urban living. It allows housing companies to generate electricity from their balconies without compromising the appearance or functionality of buildings.

In modern construction, creating balconies that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing is no small task. Developers face challenges such as ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, maximizing natural light for better energy efficiency, and designing spaces that stand the test of time. Striking the right balance between these elements is essential for long-lasting, usable outdoor spaces.

During 2024, we had the opportunity to showcase some exciting projects to our customers. The theme of this year’s published projects was especially focused on refining city landscapes through renovation with balcony glazing, as well as sustainability in new construction. Social housing and sustainable building materials came together to bring this year’s project spotlights to life.  

It has been predicted that by 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. This also creates more demand for urbanization, bringing forth a need for high-rise building. Increasing the height of the building, however, brings challenges to construction. The architect must find a solution suitable for the building in terms of aesthetics and technical performance which is safe and economically viable. 

Urban gardening has become a revolutionary solution for those living in densely populated cities, providing a refreshing contrast to the concrete jungle. The practice of cultivating plants, fruits, herbs, and vegetables in urban areas, such as on apartment balconies or rooftops, has grown in popularity in the past years. As of 2023, approximately 75% of Europe’s population lives in cities or urban areas. This trend has been steadily increasing due to urbanization, driven by factors such as economic opportunities, better infrastructure, and access to services in urban centers. Some countries, particularly in Western and Northern Europe, have even higher urbanization rates, with urban populations exceeding 80-85%. As urbanization surges, urban agriculture is reshaping city landscapes and changing how we think about sustainability, food production, and green spaces. 

In 2024, architectural trends in residential areas are increasingly focused on sustainability, community integration, and enhancing well-being, with balcony facades with glazed balconies playing a pivotal role in these developments. These facades are no longer mere aesthetic additions but are now central to the functional and environmental performance of buildings. We will now delve deeper into these emerging trends, examining how they are shaping the future of residential architecture and influencing the design of modern balcony facades. 

The urban landscape is evolving rapidly, with projections indicating that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will reside in cities. Alongside this urbanization trend, the prevalence of tall buildings is on the rise. The facades of high-rise buildings represent the biggest risk during the construction phase and often also represent a large part of the project’s costs.

As outdoor living spaces become increasingly popular, homeowners are investing in terrace glazing to extend the usability of their outdoor areas throughout the year. Among the options available, two stand out: thermal 4-season terrace glazing and 3-season glazing. Discover the main differences between three- and four-season rooms, and why a 3-season room might just be the right solution to choose.