An important element of every building is a balcony. For a long time, this part of the houses was used as a pantry, where temporarily unused things were stored. Today the situation has changed radically: such parts of apartments are more used as a way of decoration and design.
One of the most common types of loggias is the French balcony. It is a graceful building and serves more of an aesthetic element.
When first appeared
The word "balcony" goes back to the High German balko, which means "beam" in translation and has ancient origins. Most often, this definition was used in Italy, while slightly modifying the pronunciation on the "balcony". The inhabitants of Rome and the surrounding cities called them a small ledge built into the wall. This wording began to be applied all over the world and was applied to a similar type of structures.
There is an interesting fact about the appearance of the French balcony. In the Middle Ages, many houses did notthere were toilets, as a result of which the inhabitants relieved themselves in a separate container, its contents most often poured out the window. As a result, the smell in the streets was terrible, which caused great inconvenience to the residents. In view of this, the government of Paris issued a law which stated that it was impossible to pour out the contents of dishes without warning passers-by three times. For non-compliance with this decree, the offender was fined. In addition, the number of tragedies associated with the fall of people from the window has increased. The solution to the problem was to equip the windows with small railings. Subsequently, such structures became popular.
The balcony nowadays serves as a decoration of the exterior, despite the fact that the name has remained the same.
What is a portfolio
Many of us do not even know that we have come across a French balcony many times. In France, he was given the name "portfnetr", which means "door and window".
Several centuries ago, only we althy individuals could afford forged gratings. They decorated the entrances to their dwellings with such structures. Blacksmiths made various cast patterns to order, in the center there was a family coat of arms of aristocrats.
At present, the French balcony began a second life. Society is increasingly striving for sophistication. Therefore, the fact that the portfolio cannot be used as a closet does not scare people at all. The main task of the design is to give the building an aesthetic appearance.
Varietiesfacilities
Balconies are platforms that differ from each other in terms of design and type of fortification. According to this characteristic, they are divided into several types:
- Cantilevered balcony. Such designs are found in buildings of the last century. The bearing slab is supported by special consoles built into the wall at a depth of more than 40 centimeters.
- Supported portfolios. These structures are specific due to the fact that they are supported by supports. Such poles are securely fixed in the soil under the balcony. Thanks to the columns, you can increase the size of the structure. Despite the originality of fastening, such structures have one characteristic drawback. The supports should not be higher than the second floor, because as a result of subsidence of the base, the main slab of the portfolio will be skewed.
- Add-on French balconies are more essential types of buildings. They are attached thanks to the lateral supports. To reduce the load on the slab, front rafters are installed.
- Suspended loggias. Fastening occurs by hanging the balcony slab on a special structure.
Types of glazing
Balconies are divided into two types according to the method of glazing:
1. Warm style. In this type of French balconies, double or triple glazing is used. Such a design is very popular today due to the fact that this glazing option makes it possible to insulate the structure.
Advantages of this method:
- excellent noise isolation;
- protection against dust, moisture;
- optimal temperatureconditions;
- beautiful appearance.
Flaws:
a large mass of structure
2. Cold glazing style. In this embodiment, double-glazed windows made of lightweight materials are used. The balcony is designed to protect from wind and precipitation. Most often, wooden or aluminum frames are used.
Pros of such designs:
- ease of assembly;
- cheap materials;
- lightweight balcony;
- great illumination of the room.
The negative side of this method:
- temperature slightly warmer than outside;
- need for sun protection;
- Some options do not include mosquito nets.
The type of glazing can not only provide protection from the weather, but also create a unique aesthetic appearance of the balcony structure.
French large loggias allow passers-by to observe your life, which causes great inconvenience. Glass with one-sided transparency is used to protect from prying eyes.
Forging Styles
French balconies are distinguished by the presence of elegant forged patterns on the lattice. Steel is the main material from which the structure is made. This metal was chosen as paramount for a reason, it is flexible and durable. To connect all the patterns and elements together, use welding. In such spikes, seams are not visible, which can spoil the appearance. The main feature of alldesign is the splendor of the lattice. The greater the bend of the balusters, the more pompous the balcony becomes. Consider some options for the execution of forged gratings.
- Rococo is a style of exquisite beauty. Openwork rods are nothing more than lace using small details. Forged pattern contains curls and weaves. The colors are usually gold, purple or light green. You can see this style in the photo of the French balcony.
- Hi-tech gratings. The main difference of this style is minimalism. Mainly used straight lines, a variety of geometric shapes. The color is predominantly silver and black.
- Gothic style differs from all others in the symmetry of the lines that tend upwards. Ornaments carry lightness and airiness. Balconies made in this style are mostly gray and black.
- French baroque balcony design. The style of we alth, luxury, elegance and grandeur. Elements in the form of animals, creatures, flowers and berries are used on the metal structure. This genre of performance is different from others in that all patterns and images are made in great detail and are very detailed. The classic color combination is white with gold. Forged items need to be done by a professional level craftsman.
- A feature of Art Nouveau ornaments is asymmetry and various patterns. Such work requires creativity from blacksmiths.
For tips on choosing and installing French balconies, see the video.
Which ones are usedframes
Let's talk about window frames, or rather frames. Wood is used as the main material used in the construction of a private house. It has a small heat dissipation, thereby keeping the heat in the room. However, the requirement for stable care should be noted as a drawback: it is necessary to coat the frame with varnish and impregnation every year.
It is much easier to monitor the condition of metal-plastic frames on French balconies. This material, on a par with wood, has low thermal conductivity, which also perfectly retains heat in the house. Due to its heavy weight, it needs reliable reinforcement.
How to arrange a portfolio
An excellent option for arranging a French loggia would be an armchair and a small table. If your balcony is not glazed, then you can equip a beach umbrella on it, and you will get protection from the scorching sun or rain.
A little advice. Open briefcases do not need to be randomly filled with flowers; it is better to install flower pots on the railing. If your balcony is glazed, then you can put the pots on the floor or hang them on the wall. Wrought iron candlesticks or lanterns are best suited to give the structure a French theme.
Use climbing plants as flowers that will grow up the balcony balusters. If you decide to make a flower bed of many tiers, you need to choose low flowers, and the pots should be of the same type.
Installing a balcony outside the city
French balconies in a privatehome. Since the design does not carry the main function of the space for visiting fresh air and airing the room, therefore, the portfolio plays the role of decoration. Wrought iron structures are the most suitable for this task.
A graceful balcony is a connecting element of the interior of the room and the situation outside the window. All the beauty of nature, picturesque places, forests and lakes are revealed before you. Such a structure allows you to briefly escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and fully enjoy the colors of the surrounding world.
Advantages of such structures
Let's consider the positive aspects of French loggias.
Firstly, with this version of the French balcony, a sufficient amount of light enters the house.
Secondly, saving money on construction. There is no need to reinforce the base plate and install the window sill.
The next positive thing about the portfolio is the beautiful view. Also, along with this, it is worth noting the weather protection.
Cons of a French balcony
The negative sides do not really affect the general idea of this type of architectural structure.
There is no exit on the French balcony as such, which is not very common for many people.
In winter, the temperature on the loggia (if it is closed) differs little from the indications on the street. In summer, you can not escape the overheating of the air in the room if your windows face the sunny side of the building.
Since the windows are high, nothing can be put near the window andyou have to hang curtains. If you live on the first floor, everyone passing by will watch your life.
Forged French balconies are rapidly gaining momentum. This solution makes it possible to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.
The installation of such a portfolio will speak of the excellent taste and desire of the owner for elegance. You simply cannot imagine the best decoration for your home, especially if the balcony is equipped with forged gratings with various patterns and curves.
