A recent study analysed the housing needs of Germans - which can also be applied to the international market - and made an appeal. Instead of focussing solely on new builds, the focus should be on using existing living space more efficiently. The reasons for this are obvious: homes are increasingly being used for multiple purposes, particularly by younger and better educated respondents.
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Sleeping, eating, media consumption, socialising, work and sport: the living space must be suitable for all of these. Around a third of those surveyed would even like an additional room in their home and almost half feel restricted in their ability to work from home because there is no suitable room or their home is too cramped. There is also criticism of insufficient daylight, overheating in summer and noise restrictions due to street noise or neighbours.
Taking change seriously
The results show: The continuous processes of change and the further development of society also have an impact on housing. In view of the fact that the right to housing is a human right, it is therefore only logical for those responsible, such as property companies, landlords and homeowners, to take such studies seriously and take action.
This is where Lumon's housing concepts come in. This is because the balcony glazing from the internationally orientated company based in Finland extends existing living space and adapts it to changing living conditions.
Slide aside like a package
Balcony glazing from Lumon consists of two horizontal aluminium profiles that are attached to the ceiling and the railing or floor construction of the balcony. The toughened safety glass is attached to these profiles. The panes, which are six, eight, ten or twelve millimetres thick depending on technical requirements such as wind load, are extremely resistant but can be easily moved and opened. The frameless balcony glazing with turn/slide system can be opened fully or partially as required. The first pane of glass is folded inwards against the adjacent wall.
The remaining panes are then slid in and also opened inwards. This means that the panes can be opened with one hand and parked as a ‘package’ at the side to save space. When closed, the panes of the balcony glazing fit together almost seamlessly, allowing a clear view to the outside. The gap of one to three millimetres between the glass panes serves to permanently ventilate the balcony, but can be closed with glass butt seals if required.
Flexible adjustment
A height adjustment profile is integrated into the upper aluminium profile, which allows the entire glazing to be adjusted upwards or downwards from -10 millimetres to +35 millimetres. The load of the entire pivot/sliding glazing is suspended from the ceiling profile and therefore requires a stable ceiling construction. L-shaped or U-shaped balconies can also be glazed with the turn/slide system without any problems.
Also interesting: The many uses of glass in balcony balustrades
The flexible application options ensure that Lumon balcony glazing is suitable for a wide range of different balcony and flat types. Once glazed, the balcony benefits from reliable weather protection - and can be used almost all year round as a home office or sports and games room, for example.
A good way to adapt existing property stock to demographic change and changing living requirements. The glass also provides the necessary sound insulation, especially in urban areas.
