A black aluminium glass balustrade can give a balcony a modern and open look while complementing the building’s existing architecture. In this customer project, Forma – our glass balustrade with powder-coated aluminium posts and clear safety glass – was chosen for a balcony on a building with a yellow brick facade. The black posts harmonise with the window frames and the gutter, while the glass preserves the natural light and the view.
Why are black aluminium and clear glass a good fit for a balcony?
The combination of black aluminium and clear glass provides a distinct yet visually light frame for the balcony. The dark posts highlight the railing’s shape, while the glass surfaces allow the view to extend outward toward the surroundings without an opaque railing infill.
For the house in this project, black was chosen to complement the window frames and the gutter. It creates a contrast against the yellow brick facade that highlights the balcony’s lines, while the colour choice feels like a natural part of the building as a whole.
The railing follows the front of the balcony, creating a continuous boundary. The clear glass maintains a connection with the surroundings and allows daylight to pass through the railing, contributing to a sense of openness both on the balcony and inside the flat.
Which glass balustrade was used on the balcony?
The choice fell on Forma glass balustrade, a model that combines aluminium posts with glass panels. The railing’s material and design make it possible to create a distinct frame without the glass surfaces losing their open character.
In this project, the interplay between the railing and the house’s existing features was particularly important. Three elements contributed to the final result.
- Black aluminium posts
- Black powder-coated posts create a clear line against the yellow brick facade and work with the window frames and gutter.
- Clear safety glass
- The transparent glass surfaces preserve the view and allow daylight to pass through. This gives the balcony a more open feel than a solution with solid panels.
- Coherent design
- The railing follows the front of the balcony, creating a cohesive frame that echoes the colours and lines of the building's existing architecture.
Can a glass balustrade also serve as a windbreak on the balcony?
Yes, a glass balustrade can help reduce wind on a balcony because the glass forms a continuous surface that slows down the airflow. Unlike a railing with open slats or slats, the glass can provide a more sheltered feeling near the railing.
The amount of shelter provided depends on the balcony's location, the design of the railing, the height of the glass, and the direction of the wind. Wind can still pass over and around the railing, so the effect varies from balcony to balcony.
On this balcony, the transparency of clear glass is combined with the ability to provide some windbreak. This means that the railing can help create a more pleasant outdoor environment without blocking out the light or the view.
Should you choose clear or frosted glass for your balcony?
Clear glass is a good choice when you want to preserve the view and create as open a feeling as possible. Frosted glass is a better option when you want to reduce visibility and create a more private balcony, for example, if you’re close to neighbours or a street.
Both options can be used as railing infills, but they produce different visual results. The comparison below shows which characteristics may be important when choosing glass.
| Property | Clear glass | Frosted glass |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Provides a clear view through the glass. | Reduces visibility and makes details less clear. |
| Light transmission | Allows daylight to pass through without diffusing it in the same way as frosted glass. | Allows light to pass through and diffuses it. The amount of light depends on the type of glass. |
| Privacy Protection | Normally provides limited privacy. | Can reduce direct visibility and create a more private atmosphere. |
| Windbreak | Can slow down the wind as it passes through the glass surface. | Can provide the equivalent of windbreak with the same design and placement. |
| Visual Expression | Transparent and discreet, with a clear connection to the surroundings. | A more prominent glass surface and a secluded feel. |
| Particularly well suited | When views, openness, and transparency are prioritised. | When screening from view and privacy are important parts of the balcony’s function. |
For the balcony in this customer project, clear glass was chosen to preserve the view and create an open look towards the brick facade. For other balconies, frosted glass may be a better option, depending on the need for privacy and the feel you want to create.
How can a glass balustrade make a small balcony feel bigger?
A glass balustrade can enhance the sense of space on a smaller balcony because the view isn’t blocked by a solid railing panel. When the view extends through the glass, the boundary often feels less prominent, even though the balcony’s actual floor area remains unchanged.
Forma has a pared-back look with aluminium posts that give the glass panels a clear but discreet frame. On the house with the yellow brick facade, the black posts help to reinforce the building’s existing lines, while the glass creates a visually lighter finish to the balcony.
What should you consider when choosing a glass balustrade for a brick facade?
A brick facade often features natural colour variations and a distinct texture. As a result, the railing’s colour, shape, and fixing play a significant role in how the balcony interacts with the rest of the building.
På ett hus med gult tegel kan svarta aluminiumstolpar skapa en tydlig kontrast. Andra mörka eller neutrala kulörer kan också fungera, men det är viktigt att utgå från byggnadens befintliga färger och detaljer snarare än att välja räckets färg separat.
In addition to its appearance, fixing must be carefully planned. A brick facade does not automatically mean that the brick itself is a suitable surface for anchoring a railing. The mounting solution must be adapted to the balcony’s load-bearing structure, the condition of the surface, and how the railing will be used.
It is also important to ensure that the railing is positioned so that balcony doors and other openable features can be used as intended. Therefore, measurements and fixing need to be planned together before the railing is manufactured and installed.
How does Forma create a cohesive balcony design?
This customer project demonstrates how a glass balustrade can modernise a balcony without altering the building’s fundamental character. The combination of black powder-coated aluminium and clear glass creates an open and balanced look that harmonises with the yellow brick facade.
By having the railing’s posts match the colour of the window frames and gutter, the balcony becomes a natural part of the facade. The glass maintains a connection with the surroundings, while the dark details provide a clear frame for the structure. It is the interplay between materials, colour, and proportions that creates the overall effect.
