The Appeal of Private Balconies How to design with safety and tenant satisfaction in mind by Chad Benning In the wake of COVID-19, multifamily housing developers are emphasizing outdoor amenity spaces more than ever with private balconies now at the top of many tenants’ must-have lists. In a recent white paper published by Newmark in conjunction with Hartman Design Group, a major developer reported that 70 per cent of its upcoming units are now being designed to include private balconies, compared to 40 to 50 per cent in prepandemic days. Furthermore, the developer anticipates raising rent premiums for this in-demand amenity.
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hile there’s no question balconies have the power to drive added value in multifamily residential buildings, they also require careful specification. The combination of being elevated and outside presents structural and safety concerns that must be planned for from the outset. Code compliance First and foremost, balcony railings must be specified to code. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so it is important to consult with a subcontractor well-versed in the engineering requirements for guardrail systems to assure compliance with codes, such
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as height restrictions, wind loading, live loads, snow loads, uplift, and materials selection for the environment—including anchors and fasteners. Due to the structural loading required by building code, it is important that railings are considered early in the design phase to ensure the balcony structures can handle the proper loading criteria. A good supplier partner will provide a comprehensive proposal that contains all the pertinent details a developer might need, including detailed takeoffs with specific inclusions (or exclusions) for railings within the project scope. Additionally, a qualified team will include 3-D renderings based on the architectural and structural specifics for a project.
These precision measurements eliminate the risk of human error and are especially helpful during the approval process. They also save weeks of manual field measuring and result in a much faster track to manufacturing. Aesthetics In addition to ensuring safety, balcony railings should meet the architect’s design intent and enhance the exterior aesthetic of a building. Design considerations include colour, codecompliant height, engineering requirements and panel infill design. Once utilitarian, today’s railing options for multifamily buildings are as varied and versatile as their single-family and commercial counterparts. Many are available
