Balcony
Also known as: Veranda · Lanai (Hawaiian analogy commonly used) · Balkonahe (traditional Tagalog term)
Definition
A balcony is an elevated platform projecting from the wall of a building, supported by columns or console brackets, and enclosed by a railing or balustrade. In the Philippine real estate market, balconies are highly sought-after architectural features in high-rise and mid-rise residential condominiums. They provide residents with a private outdoor space, natural light, and ventilation. Balconies in tropical climates serve as transition spaces that help shade interior rooms and reduce heat absorption, contributing to building energy efficiency. (Wikipedia)
Identities
| Source Type | Identity |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Balcony |
| Wikidata | Q170545 |
| DBpedia | Balcony |
| ProductOntology | N/A |
| Wiktionary | balcony |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) | Balconies — Design and construction — Philippines |
| MeSH | N/A |
| NCBI Taxonomy | N/A |
| AGROVOC | N/A |
| Google Scholar | balcony design ventilation energy efficiency condominium Philippines |
| ConceptNet | balcony |
| OpenCyc | N/A |
Also Known As
- Veranda
- Lanai (Hawaiian analogy commonly used)
- Balkonahe (traditional Tagalog term)
Examples and Analogies
- Condo Garden Balcony: A resident sets up a pocket herb garden with potted basil and mint on their 20th-floor condo balcony in BGC.
- Sky View Patio: A premium 3-bedroom penthouse features a large balcony with a dining table overlooking the Manila Bay sunset.
Usage Scenarios
1. Enjoying Morning Coffee
A resident sits on a small chair on their balcony at 7:00 AM, drinking coffee and checking the morning weather before work.
2. Securing Balcony Items before Typhoon
A homeowner moves all outdoor chairs and plant pots inside the living room as the PAGASA weather bureau raises typhoon warnings.
Strategies
- Check that the balcony has a functional floor drain and is sloped outward to prevent rainwater from leaking into the living room during monsoons.
- Review the building’s house rules regarding balconies, as many developments prohibit hanging laundry, installing grilles, or cooking on the balcony.
- Choose units with north or east-facing balconies to enjoy shaded outdoor spaces during the hot afternoon hours.
Security and Safety Measures
- Install railings that are at least 1.1 meters high with vertical bars spaced no more than 10 centimeters apart to protect children from falls.
- Ensure that the balcony door has a secure double-lock system to prevent break-ins and keep young children from opening it unsupervised.
Historical Context
The balcony has long historical roots in the Philippines, originating in Spanish colonial architecture as the balkonahe or volada on the second floor of the bahay na bato, which allowed natural breezes to cool the interior. In the 2000s, as condominium developments expanded, developers integrated balconies into modern high-rise facades, shifting their role from simple cooling features to premium lifestyle amenities. (Wikipedia)
Challenges and Controversies
Pigeon Infestations
High-rise balconies frequently attract pigeons, which nest in corners and create sanitary issues that are difficult to clean.
Water Leakage in Floor Joint
Poor waterproofing at the balcony slab joint can cause water to seep into the ceiling of the unit directly below, leading to disputes between neighbors.