An important element of each building is the balcony. For a long time, this component of the houses was used as a pantry, where temporarily not used 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 an elegant structure and serves more as an element of aesthetics.
When first appeared
The word "balcony" goes back to the Upper German balko, which means "beam" and has ancient origins. Most often, this definition was used in Italy, while slightly altering the pronunciation of “balcon”. Residents of Rome and surrounding cities called them a small ledge mounted in the wall. This formulation began to be applied throughout the world and applied to this type of structure.
There is an interesting fact of the appearance of a French balcony. In the Middle Ages, many houses did not have toilets, as a result of which residents relieved the need for a separate container, its contents often poured out the window. As a result, the smell on the streets was terrible, which caused great inconvenience to residents. In view of this, the government of Paris passed a law which stated that it is impossible to pour out the contents of the dishes without warning passers-by three times. For failure to comply with this decree, a fine was imposed on the offender. In addition, the number of tragedies associated with the fall of people from the window has increased. The solution was to equip the windows with a small railing. Subsequently, such structures became popular.
The balcony in our time plays the role of decorating the appearance, despite the fact that the name remains the same.
What is a portfolio
Many of us do not even know that we have encountered the French balcony many times. In France, he was given the name "portfolio", which means "door and window."
Several centuries ago, forged gratings had the opportunity to afford only wealthy individuals. They decorated the entrances to their homes with such structures. The blacksmiths custom-made various cast patterns, in the center there was a family coat of arms of aristocrats.
Currently, a second life has begun at the French balcony. 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 objective of the design is to give the building an aesthetic appearance.
Varieties of structures
Balconies are platforms that differ from each other in terms of design and type of reinforcement. According to this characteristic, they are divided into several types:
- Cantilever balcony. Such designs are found in buildings of the last century. The carrier plate is held by special consoles built into the wall at a depth of more than 40 centimeters.
- Supported portfolios. These structures are specific in view of the fact that they are supported by supports. Such pillars are firmly fixed in the soil under the balcony. Thanks to the columns you can increase the size of the structure. Despite the originality of the 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 plate of the portfolio will be skewed.
- Attached French balconies are more essential types of buildings. They are attached thanks to the lateral supports. To reduce the load on the plate, front rafters are installed.
- Hanging loggias. Fastening takes place by hanging the balcony slab on a special design.
Types of glazing
Balconies according to the method of glazing are divided into two types:
1. Warm style. In this type of French balconies, double or triple double-glazed windows are used. This design is very popular today due to the fact that this type of glazing makes it possible to insulate the structure.
The advantages of this method:
- excellent sound insulation;
- protection against dust, moisture;
- optimal temperature conditions;
- beautiful appearance.
Disadvantages:
- a large mass of construction.
2. Cold glazing style. In this embodiment, double-glazed windows of light materials are used. The balcony is designed to protect against wind and rain. Most often, wooden or aluminum frames are used.
Advantages of such designs:
- ease of assembly;
- low cost of materials;
- low weight of the balcony;
- high illumination of the room.
The negative side of this method:
- the temperature is not much higher than on the street;
- the need for protection from sunlight;
- 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 look to the balcony structure.
Large French loggias enable passers-by to watch your life, which is a huge inconvenience. Glasses with one-sided transparency are used to protect from prying eyes.
Forging styles
French balconies are distinguished by the presence of elegant wrought-iron patterns on the grill. Steel is the main material from which the structure is made. This metal is chosen as the primary reason for it, it is flexible and durable. To connect all the patterns and elements together, use welding. In such adhesions, no seams are visible that can spoil the appearance. The main feature of the whole design is the splendor of the grill. The greater the bend of the balusters, the more grandiose 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. The forged pattern contains curls and weaves. The colors are usually used gold, purple or light green. You can observe this style in the photo of the French balcony.
- High tech grilles. The main difference between this style is minimalism. Straight lines, a variety of geometric shapes are mainly used. The color is dominated by silver and black.
- Gothic style differs from all others in the symmetry of the lines that tend to rise. Ornaments carry lightness and airiness. Balconies made in this style are mostly gray and black.
- Design of a French balcony in the baroque genre. The style of wealth, luxury, elegance and grandeur. On a metal structure, elements are used in the form of animals, creatures, flowers and berries. This genre of performance is different from others in that all the patterns and images are made in great detail and very detailed. The classic color combination is white with gold. Forged products need to be performed by a professional craftsman.
- A feature of the Art Nouveau style ornaments is asymmetry and various patterns. Such works require creativity from blacksmithing masters.
For tips on choosing and installing French balconies, see the video.
Which frames are used
Let's talk about window boxes, or rather frames. As the main material used in the design for a private house, use wood. It has a small heat dissipation, thereby retaining heat in the room. However, the requirement of stable care should be noted as a drawback: every year it is necessary to cover the frame with varnish and impregnation.
It is much easier to monitor the state of metal-plastic frames on French balconies. This material, along with wood, has low thermal conductivity, which also perfectly retains heat in the house. Due to its heavy weight, it needs to be firmly strengthened.
How to arrange a portfolio
An excellent option for arranging the French loggia will 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 tip. Open portfolios do not need to be forced flowers randomly, it is better to install a cache-pot on the railing of the lattice. If your balcony is glazed, then you can put the pots on the floor or hang on the wall. Wrought candlesticks or lanterns are best suited to give the building a French theme.
For flowers, use climbing plants that will grow up the balusters of the balcony. If you decide to make a flower bed from many tiers, you need to choose low flowers, and the pots should be of the same type.
We install a balcony in the country
The most attractive are French balconies in a private house. Since the design does not carry the basic function of the space for visiting fresh air and ventilating the room, therefore, the portfolio plays the role of decoration. Forged buildings are most suitable for this task.
An elegant balcony is a connecting element of the interior of the room and the environment outside the window. Before you reveals all the beauty of nature, picturesque places, forests and lakes. Such a construction allows you to briefly distract from the hustle and bustle and fully enjoy the colors of the world.
Advantages of such designs
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 the construction. There is no need to strengthen the base plate and install the window sill.
The next positive point in the portfolio is a beautiful view. Also, along with this, it is worth noting and weather protection.
Cons of the french balcony
The negative sides do not particularly affect the general idea of this type of architectural structure.
There is no exit to the French balcony as such, which is not very familiar to many people.
In winter, the temperature on the loggia (if it is closed), differs little from the readings on the street. In summer, you can’t avoid overheating the air in the room if your windows overlook the sunny side of the building.
Since the windows are tall, you can’t put anything near the window and you will have to hang curtains. In case you live on the ground floor, everyone passing by will observe your life.
Forged French balconies are rapidly gaining momentum. Such a solution makes it possible to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Installation of such a portfolio will speak of great taste and the desire of the owner for elegance. You simply can’t come up with the best decoration for your home, especially if you equip the balcony with wrought-iron grilles with various patterns and bends.