In modern building design, architects and developers are increasingly recognising the importance of designing properties to use natural light in the best ways possible. This isn’t just about allowing as much light as possible in, it’s about using natural light strategically.
Natural lighting design is also known as “daylighting” and more and more design professionals are recognising the positive effect natural light has on our overall wellbeing. But where do Juliette balconies fit into this?
Let’s go back to basics…
What are Juliette balconies?
Juliette balconies are very small balconies that don’t stick out far from the side of a building. In some cases they can be just a few inches wide, while in others they might be just a foot or two wide, so that someone could stand on them.
These aren’t balconies designed for sitting on, instead they are design features that open up a room and allow those living on the upper floors of apartment buildings to feel as though they can “step outside”.
One common feature of all Juliette balconies is some form of railing or guard that spans the width of the doors.
What are Juliette balcony guards made of?
Some Juliette balconies just feature iron railings, but another common choice is toughened glass. This has a dual benefit of not making the doors that open onto the balcony feel as though they are penned in while also allowing more light into the apartment.
When these glass panes are polished, they offer unobstructed views and let natural light stream into the room, adding to the sense of openness that they were designed to create. What’s more, glass balcony screens are safer than railings because there is no danger of any items falling through them.
We recommend using 21.5mm toughened laminated glass for Juliette balconies because this provides enhanced safety. If you are designing properties for families, this will be especially important.
Glass balcony screens are also easy to maintain and more cost-effective to maintain than the likes of iron or steel, which will need repainting regularly.
Why are they called Juliette balconies?
Sometimes also known as Juliet balconies, these features are named for the Shakespearean character of the same name. Who could forget the iconic scene in the play where Juliet shares her love for Romeo while on a small balcony? This inspired their modern name and helped popularise them throughout Europe.
Why feature Juliette balconies in modern buildings?
In many cities, space is at a premium, which makes the likes of Juliette balconies a popular addition to apartment blocks. These small outdoor spaces offer a way for residents to let more light and fresh air into their homes without adding complex features to developments.
From a developer’s perspective, they are cost-effective to add to a construction project while adding aesthetic appeal to both the building’s exterior and its interior. With both homebuyers and renters often seeking some outdoor space, this kind of balcony can be attractive.
One survey found that a garden tops the wishlist for many homebuyers in the UK. However, that may not be practical or affordable for everyone, so designing and building properties that allow the residents to feel as though they have their own outdoor space, no matter how small, is likely to be appealing.