More space right up to the balcony edge

Why the right balcony parapet can improve quality of living

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Today, a balcony is more than just additional outdoor space. It becomes an extension of the living area, a place to relax and enjoy the view outside. Its design therefore has a strong influence on whether an apartment is perceived as open, spacious and high-quality.

 

This is exactly where GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART comes in. The system combines a solid parapet with a transparent glass extension, bringing together privacy and openness as well as protection and views.

Protected below. OPEN ABOVE.

A fully closed parapet provides protection and privacy, but can restrict the view outside, particularly when seated. An open balustrade with vertical bars may preserve the view, but it can also leave furniture, stored items or individual privacy screens exposed.

 

GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART combines the advantages of both approaches. The solid parapet protects the lower balcony area and contributes to a calm, consistent façade appearance. Above it, the transparent glazing provides the required fall protection. This preserves the outward view without compromising on protection or privacy.

THE BALCONY BECOMES PART OF THE LIVING SPACE

When the view over the parapet remains open, stronger visual connections are created between the interior, the balcony and the surrounding environment. This can make not only the balcony itself feel more spacious, but also the living space behind it appear more open and expansive.

 

The design of a balcony can influence how attractive an apartment appears to prospective buyers or tenants. Views, openness and a sense of space therefore become part of the perceived residential value.

It is not only the balcony that gains a greater sense of space – the entire apartment can benefit visually.

Safety that stays in the background

 

The glass extension increases the existing parapet to the required overall height while maintaining transparency in the upper section. The glazing also provides additional wind protection and helps prevent objects from falling outwards or downwards.

The result is a solution that provides safety without visually enclosing the space.

Also designed for existing buildings

 

GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART is not only suitable for new builds. In refurbishment projects, suitable existing masonry or concrete parapets can also be incorporated into the new balcony enclosure.

Instead of completely removing existing building elements, they can be purposefully upgraded and supplemented with fall-protection glazing. This opens up options for the structured modernisation of larger residential portfolios.

PLANNABLE THROUGH TO INSTALLATION

DOUBLE SMART also follows a clear system concept when it comes to planning and installation. The glass and profile form a prefabricated unit, while the substructure can be installed separately. The glass module is then hooked in, adjusted and fixed in place.

 

Defined connection options for waterproofing, sheet-metal components and façade cladding make coordination with adjacent trades straightforward. Especially in larger residential construction projects, this enables repeatable installation processes and clearly defined interfaces.

KEY BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

  • privacy in the lower section, unobstructed views above
  • greater openness and sense of space on the balcony and in the living area
  • safe and transparent parapet extension
  • calm, consistent façade design
  • additional wind protection
  • suitable existing parapets can be integrated
  • repeatable installation processes
  • well-designed connections to the façade and waterproofing

Protected below, open above. More space for living.

More to GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART

FAQs

How can a glass railing improve the quality of living and the value of an apartment?

A glass railing can make both the balcony and the interior feel more open, spacious and bright by preserving the visual connection between the living space, balcony and surrounding environment. GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART combines a solid parapet in the lower section with a transparent glass extension. This creates privacy and protection without unnecessarily restricting the view. For property companies and developers in particular, this additional sense of openness can increase the appeal of an apartment to prospective buyers and tenants.

Which balcony solution combines privacy with the clearest possible view?

GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART combines a solid parapet with a transparent glass extension. The parapet protects the lower balcony area from direct views and at the same time contributes to a calm façade appearance. Above it, the glazing preserves the view and provides the required fall protection. For architects and planners, this creates a solution based on a simple principle: protected below, open above.

How can existing balcony parapets be safely increased in height during refurbishment?

Suitable existing masonry or concrete parapets can continue to be used with GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART and supplemented with fall-protection glazing. This means that the existing parapet does not necessarily have to be replaced by a completely new construction. Particularly for larger residential portfolios, the system can therefore offer an attractive solution for the structured modernisation of balconies.

What advantages does GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART offer when planning larger residential construction projects?

GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART supports predictable and repeatable processes in larger residential construction projects. The glass and profile form a prefabricated unit, while the substructure can be installed separately. The glass module is then hooked in, adjusted and fixed in place. Defined connection options for waterproofing, sheet-metal components and façade cladding also make coordination with adjacent trades easier.

Why does a combination of solid parapet and glass extension make sense for residential buildings?

The combination brings several requirements together in a single balcony enclosure: the solid parapet provides privacy and contributes to a calm façade appearance, while the transparent glass extension preserves views, creates openness and provides fall protection. At the same time, the glazing offers additional wind protection. GM RAILING® DOUBLE SMART is therefore suitable for residential projects in which quality of living, architecture, safety and a clearly defined construction solution need to be combined.