A cup of morning coffee outdoors, a moment of relaxation with a book in the sunshine, or a small herb garden – these are visions that fuel the search for the perfect property. However, in developer offers and on the secondary market, we often encounter two terms that are often confused: loggia and balcony .
It’s time to unravel this architectural puzzle and consciously choose the option that best suits your individual needs and lifestyle.
Loggia and balcony
The fundamental difference between these two spaces lies in their relationship to the building’s main body. It is the way they are integrated with the façade that defines their character, determines their subsequent properties, and determines their potential.
A balcony , in its simplest terms, is a cantilevered slab extending beyond the building wall . It is an added structure, open on three sides and secured only by a balustrade. Compare it to an element added to a building’s façade – it is an external element, protruding and fully exposed to the weather.
A loggia is a recess within a building, open to the outside on at least one side, but enclosed on the other sides by walls and roofed by the ceiling of the upper floor . A loggia does not protrude beyond the building’s outline; it is an integral, built-in part. It is more like a roofed room without an external wall, incorporated into the structure of the house rather than added to it. This integrated nature gives it a completely different functional dimension.
Loggia and balcony: similarities
Loggias and balconies are often seen as natural extensions of the living room or bedroom. Both can be furnished and used for additional storage. Properly arranging a loggia or balcony, with plants, lighting, and accessories, allows you to create a small, private oasis that enhances the interior and enhances its functionality.
Loggia and balcony: differences
The enclosed form of the loggia simplifies arrangement. Furniture is protected, and the space can be easily adapted to create additional, functional rooms. The balcony, on the other hand, is more seasonal and recreational. Its open nature predisposes it to other uses.
Safety and Maintenance: Practical Aspects to Keep in Mind
Two often overlooked, yet crucial aspects in everyday use are safety and ease of maintenance. From a safety perspective , a loggia offers a distinct advantage, especially for families with small children or pet owners. Solid, brick side walls provide much more reliable protection than a balcony’s openwork balustrade, minimizing the risk of accidents.
When it comes to cleanliness , a loggia once again proves to be a more practical solution. Its design protects against blowing dust, leaves, and driving rain. Cleaning is less frequent and easier. A balcony, being a fully open space, is constantly exposed to dirt and requires regular cleaning to maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Loggia or balcony – what to choose?
The choice between a loggia and a balcony also has financial implications. Loggias, being a more complex structure integrated with the building, are more expensive for developers to construct. This difference is often reflected in the final price of the apartment – apartments with loggias are often priced higher than those with balconies of similar size. Investors perceive them as a more valuable and functional addition, which increases the market attractiveness of the property.
Another aspect is operating costs . A balcony slab, penetrating the insulation layer of an exterior wall, is a classic example of a thermal bridge , a place through which valuable heat escapes in winter. This phenomenon can lead to higher heating bills. A loggia, being part of the heated building envelope, minimizes this problem, translating into improved energy efficiency for the entire building.
How to arrange a loggia and balcony?
The ability to adapt the outdoor space is a major advantage, but it comes with certain formalities. The most popular modification is glazing the loggia, creating a winter garden. This type of construction, like installing an awning or air conditioning on the balcony, constitutes an intrusion into the building’s façade.
For this reason, any significant change requires approval from the property manager . In some cases, for more advanced projects involving structural changes, a building permit may even be required. Therefore, before commencing any work, it’s important to carefully review the regulations and complete the necessary formalities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a loggia be built on without the community’s consent? No. Building on a loggia is considered an interference with the common areas of the property (the facade), and therefore almost always requires the consent of the housing community or cooperative.
Is the balcony area included in the square footage when renting? According to Polish standards, the area of balconies and loggias is not included in the usable area of a property. However, it is often listed in advertisements as an additional advantage, and its presence influences the rental price.
Which is better for plants—a loggia or a balcony? It depends on the species. A balcony, with plenty of sun, is ideal for light-loving plants like geraniums, surfinias, and herbs. A loggia, offering more shade and protection from the wind, is a better place for ferns, ivy, and begonias.
Katarzyna Borkowska