I've noticed that in the latest house projects in our city, they're increasingly making loggias instead of regular balconies, or getting rid of them altogether. It used to be standard. Is this the developers cutting corners or some new building codes?
It's primarily a matter of economics and changes in building codes. Balconies require more complex construction with cantilever beams, which is more expensive and harder to install, while loggias are built into the house volume and cost less. Plus, buyers these days often prefer loggias anyway - they're warmer, protected from wind and rain, and easier to glaze without extra permits.
As for the complete absence: it's about maximizing usable floor area that can be sold or rented. Not every project requires balconies by regulation, so developers simply don't build them if they're not critical for sales. In smaller buildings this really is cost-saving, but in the premium segment balconies remain - simply because solvent buyers expect them.
Beyond the economics, there's also a practical aspect that people rarely talk about: balconies are much more prone to wear and tear and require constant maintenance, sealing of joints, replacement of weatherstripping. Developers are just protecting themselves from potential complaints down the road. Loggias, on the other hand, are built into the house structure and last much longer without any upkeep. Plus, buyers often have them enclosed with windows, turning them into an extra room, and a developer can design the project with that in mind from the start, building it right into the loggia.
Another thing is that balconies affect the energy efficiency of a building, since they cause additional heat loss through joints and unenclosed sections of the facade. When energy standards are getting stricter, it's simpler to design a box without protruding structures that complicate thermal insulation.
Log into answer.
