PRO Blog

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.

Balcony safety on multi-residential buildings is as important as ever. At best, balconies provide a safe and secure addition to the home. One simple and efficient way to improve the safety of balcony spaces is with the addition of balcony glazing.  

In recent years, there has been a growing need for stricter regulations surrounding balcony design and construction, especially in multi-story residential buildings. This heightened focus comes in response to several high-profile balcony fires and accidents, highlighting the potential dangers associated with inadequate fire safety measures.

Bird collisions with glazed surfaces have become a concerning issue, especially in urban environments where glass buildings are common. Millions of birds perish annually due to collisions with transparent or reflective surfaces, emphasizing the need for architects and designers to incorporate bird-friendly glazing solutions into their projects. However, these solutions must maintain the aesthetic and performance attributes required for the project. 

Lumon’s glazing systems add value to any balcony by turning unprotected outdoor spaces into places with protection from the weather, providing more room for life. For developers and architects, glazing provides an easy opportunity to implement a value add-on.  

The discussion surrounding housing that is ‘too expensive’ is all too common in today’s world. At the same time, residents and homebuyers are more and more demanding of what their home should look like, despite the high prices. This creates a paradox, where developers and builders must focus on building efficient buildings which also serve the more complex desires of homeowners.