The trend of adding balconies is not new. Balconies have been added to buildings, flats, apartments and villas since ages. Earlier they were not a necessity, rather they were considered to be a luxury. They were rarely used to spend some time in the fresh air but with the entry of Covid 19 in our lives, our lifestyles have taken a sea change. In the new normal, balconies have become a necessity, to be precise, a compulsion.
1. Balconies – A Part of New Normal – A Compulsion
When the drastic covid hit our lives, we all got confined to our houses. Our homes which were just a means of shelter got converted into multi functional spaces. A home became a school, an office, a gym, a play area for kids and much more. So when we all got locked up in our houses and there was no means of escape, balconies were the only apertures from where we could peep out and breathe some fresh air and also look at the outside world. These tiny spaces which were just used by some to keep their plants and ignored by others became the lifeline of many. We all have realised the importance of sunshine, fresh air and ventilation in the rooms. The concept of cross ventilation, need of open spaces and wellness gained ground and balconies began to get more focus. Since then they have become a compulsion. It was then that most of us have rediscovered our balconies which gave us a sense of outdoors while being confined at home. If we talk about balconies; we can say that the focus now is more on functionality than aesthetics. People have pulled the outdoors in during the Covid times and redesigned their balconies. It was then that we all realised the importance of balconies and felt that they should become a compulsion in every house. Covid 19 made the balconies a compulsion.
2. Balconies at Merlion Galaxia
Balconies add aesthetic value to the exterior of your house in addition to providing fresh air and sunlight. In High-rise buildings, these balconies delight us with mesmerising views of nature. Merlion Galaxia, an elite venture of Merlion Builders is a Hi-Rise gated community at Pragathi Nagar with 2 and 3 BHK flats that offer an opulent lifestyle to its residents. The spacious balconies of Merlion Galaxia add more elegance to the overall exterior aesthetics of your flat. These balconies offer open space within the privacy of your house. Balconies are a compulsion at Merlion Galaxia. Balconies are external extension of flats, guarded by railing or screen and in today’s world, they have become a compulsion that serves to enlarge the living space and a range of activities are possible here. Here are a few advantages of balconies at Merlion Galaxia.
2.1. Offer an Aesthetic View
It is true that you get a good view from a balcony but the view becomes mesmerising when you are on the higher floors of a Hi-Rise building. One such Hi-Rise comfy and elite venture is Merlion Galaxia. You can relish soothing and stunning views of nature from your balconies at Galaxia. They offer breathtaking views of the landscapes and the nature around. They help you to enjoy the unruffled sunrise, soaked in the sunshine and fresh air and get delighted by the exclusive panoramic view. You can also experience the transformation of nature with the changing seasons. Balconies keep you connected to nature. Hence they are a compulsion.
2.2. Fulfil the Dream of Gardening
Plant lovers and those interested in gardening can grow plants and endeavour their dreams. You can have your own display of the plants or flower beds and this will improve the overall health of your family. Plants also improve the aesthetic view and create a soothing atmosphere.
2.3. Connect With The Outside World
Modern and young homebuyers consider balconies a means to connect with the outside world. This concept developed during Corona and is still continued. When lockdown and social distancing was imposed, the social animal, that is man, realized the importance of social activities and the moments spent with the neighbours. It was then that the humans took the balconies as their link to socialize with the community. It helped them to maintain the new norms of social distancing and also solved the urge to connect with the outside world.
2.4. Create Memories
Balconies have become an integral part of our lifestyle. Various anecdotes get associated with balconies. They witness momentous memories of love, amusement, fun and frolic. Nowadays, this has become a cheerful space of the house with abundant natural light and fresh air. In Hi-Rise buildings the upper floors also enjoy quality air without any noise pollution. Balconies also serve as a perfect place for an outdoor workout, a serene corner to work from home, and a cool place to spend some quality time with your loved ones. This area remains stress free and usually becomes the favourite space of your kids and the elderly members of your family.
2.5. Offer Good Health
During Corona, people have realized that balconies are exceptional and should become a compulsion for every flat, apartment or villa. It benefits the immune system, improves eyesight, minimizes stress, boosts productivity and enhances creativity.
3. Types of Balconies
There are different types of balconies and a few are mentioned here.
3.1. Cantilevered Balconies
This type of balconies have structures protruding from the face of the building. There are no visible supports. They are supported by hidden iron or steel rods/girders. These are small balconies and supported by cantilevering the load of the wall.
3.2. Hung Balconies
These balconies are literally hung on the building with screws and steel cables. A large floor or plate is hung to the building using steel cables at an angle of 45 degrees. These are also known as supported balconies but these are not very common.
3.3 Stacked Balconies
Stacked balconies have a simple design and they are built as separate structures. Vertical pillars are used here to connect two or more balconies and form a stack. These pillars give a lot of support to the balconies and impart minimal load on the building. Though simple, one has to compromise on the aesthetics of the building with these balconies.
3.4. False Balconies
False balconies are not the actual balconies because you cannot carry out any activities here. You can’t even take a few steps on these balconies. These are also known as Juliet balconies. They have just enough space to put some plant pots. They do look like any other balcony with a railing but these are too small.
3.5. Loggia Balconies
Loggia balcony is different from other types because it has a roof. Sometimes it is also built as a protruded structure which is easily visible from the side of the building but the main difference is that it is covered from the top. It has enough space to accommodate the activities of the residents.