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Balcony and loggia are two concepts that are easily confused. Balcony and loggia can be understood as the outside space with a distant view and high ventilation. However, in architectural design, these are two completely different items. This space is often designed as a small garden or a drying place…. The following article by San Francisco Contractors will help readers better understand the concept of loggia? What is a balcony? What is the difference between these two concepts?
What is Logia?
Loggia is understood as a room, a corridor with one or more available planes creating a concave surface for the house. One side will open to the garden. The other side will form part of the house.
Classification of loggia
Loggia is often used to rest or serve everyday activities. Lot is divided into two main types:
- Lobby for rest: space attached to the bedroom or living room.
- Lobby serving: area usually attached to the kitchen or toilet.
Building loggias in high-rise buildings is a must. That has been specified in construction standards to ensure safety for all family members.
Design features of the loggia
The design features of the loggia are often directed towards safety because it is built soundly inward compared to the common ground.
Visibility from the loggia will be relatively limited because there is only one front, and the house wall blocks both sides. This design will ensure the safety of family members, especially children.
The partitions also shield the housing space from the harmful effects of the weather. The supporting floor provides a solid structure for durability over time.
Functions of the loggia
Loggia can be used for many different purposes. In addition to helping the house to avoid the harmful effects of the weather, this space is also used to decorate miniatures, plant trees, dry clothes, or create a room to rest, read, relax…
Regulations and design standards for the loggia
Regulations on the design of loggia
- Can only build houses with an architectural design of 6 floors or more on a loggia, not with a balcony.
- Building railings for the loggia with non-combustible materials are required for buildings with three floors or more. The height of the bar must be more than 1.2 meters and must not expose the legs.
- Do not install glazing in the loggia for any purpose.
Design standards
About building materials
The floor structure supports the loggia, so the ability to help will depend a lot on the material of the floor composition. Some materials used for loggias and floor structures are reinforced concrete, wooden floors, etc.
About the area
Currently, there is no common area specifically for the loggia area. The location of the loggia will usually depend on the homeowner’s needs and the house’s total size.
Ensure required insulation, waterproofing, and drainage.
Materials used for insulation are usually coal slag and foam concrete. The thickness of the insulation layer will significantly affect the insulation ability. The thicker the insulation layer, the higher the insulation capacity and vice versa. The floor of the loggia should be flat, and the insulation can be hung or placed on the load-bearing layer.
What is the difference between a balcony and a loggia?
Many people still confuse the two concepts of loggia and balcony as the same. However, in reality, the loggia and the balcony are entirely different. So what the idea of a balcony is?
What is a balcony?
The balcony is the outside corridor of the house. According to the console structure, the corridor part will be designed beyond the house floor.
Features of the difference between balcony design and loggia
Design features
The design is ingrained in the floor plan of the house. The loggia will have a very safe roof and partitions on both sides.
The balcony is built beyond the house premises. Balconies may or may not be covered by a partition.
Vision
Loggia often has a limited vision. Because it is hidden on both sides by partitions, there is only one front for viewing.
The balcony has a more excellent view from 2-3 directions. Because it is not obscured by the house next door, it is possible to maximize the view.
Advantages and disadvantages of the use
The loggia is often used as a place to rest, plant trees, dry clothes, etc. Because it has a protective roof, it is not afraid of being affected by weather conditions. Safe for children and limited slip.
Balconies are often designed without a roof, so they will be disadvantageous to use. Especially living, resting, and drying clothes. Depending on the homeowner’s needs, create a balcony with or without a roof. Balcony models are often found in the designs of low-rise houses, villas, and French-style villas.
Should you buy/rent a house with a loggia or a balcony?
The apartment block is a familiar architecture built in high-rise apartments such as high-class residential areas, apartment buildings… The choice of a house with a loggia or a balcony will depend on the needs or purposes of the homeowner.
The loggia will be suitable for high-rise apartments. As for low-rise apartments and villas, homeowners can choose to build a balcony.
The loggia will be suitable for an apartment building because it not only improves the life of the design but also ensures the whole family’s safety. The balcony design will have many advantages regarding vision and space-saving. However, the balcony will easily be slippery and dangerous for members in adverse weather conditions. So, depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose to buy or rent a house with a balcony or a loggia.
The above concepts and ways to distinguish balcony and loggia from San Francisco Contractors will help readers answer the question of what loggia is? Depending on the purpose of use, the area of the house, and preferences, choose the appropriate design of the loggia or balcony. Each plan will have its advantages and disadvantages.