VISION Issue 27 | Page 33

33 On the north side of this building—the punishing heat load facade in summer—you retain very deep, generous balconies to complement the strategy to help the bands of glazing deal with direct solar pressure. Those definitely help, especially where the balcony doors open to create very lovely, liveable areas. I’ve said before that I pretty well detest balconies when they’re used as the primary open space because really there’s zero privacy. Balconies are a real conundrum for architects. What kind of amenity are you offering—if there is no way for occupants to use and enjoy this space without privacy. At some point there’s a trade off between the concept of view, outlook from inside as well as being able to enjoy the space. ‘Private enjoyment’ I think is the right term and it’s how to find that right balance.