There is nothing quite like entertaining or relaxing on a balcony, enjoying the fresh air and an elevated view of your surrounds.
Humphrey Homes Owner and Director Dean Humphrey said balconies came in a wide variety of styles, and there were myriad benefits of including one in a design. “A well-designed balcony can serve multiple purposes; it can add drama to the elevation, maximise views, create an additional outdoor area, allow light and ventilation to penetrate upper floors, and create shading and sun protection for the areas below,” he said.
“On small blocks, a balcony can be particularly beneficial, as it increases the outdoor living area.
“Due to the exposed nature of balconies, they can be a great spot to catch the winter sun when other areas of the home may be in shade.”
Many balconies are used as an entertaining space – and it is easy to see why, with their gorgeous views and glamorous feel.
However, Mr Humphrey said if you wanted to party on your balcony, you needed to factor it in when designing the home.
“If the balcony is to be a primary entertaining space, you need to consider what the elements will be like at the time you are most likely to be using it,” he said.
“If it is likely to be exposed to sun and wind, consider incorporating shutters, outdoor blinds or integrated radiant heating.
“It is also important to ensure the balcony has enough depth to accommodate outdoor furniture and there is ease of access.
“You need to consider proximity to the main kitchen – whether it is too far away to service the balcony and you need to include an outdoor kitchen, in which case you will need to incorporate additional utilities.”
Some balconies are a private retreat for the family or are connected directly to the master suite for a personal outdoor sanctuary.
An area such as this is alluring in its tranquility, but to make the most of it, you must – once again – carefully consider its design.
“If the balcony is a retreat, you need to consider outlook, greenspace, glare, shade, shelter and privacy,” Mr Humphrey said.
“If it is accessed via a bedroom, you need to contemplate who will be using the space – do you want people walking through your bedroom to access the balcony?” Regardless of function, however, there are a few aspects to consider if you want your balcony to truly shine, including the position which will be best to unlock incredible views and protection from the elements.
“Orientation and exposure to the elements can impact material choice,” Mr Humphrey said.
“When designing a balcony near the coast, it is important to choose heavy-duty materials which can handle the salt and sun exposure.
“Waterproofing and drainage are also critical – as the balcony is at floor level, it must be able to cope with heavy winter downpours without water flooding into the home.”
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This story first appeared in The West Australian's New Homes liftout on March 30, 2024.