It will become possible to install balconies that partially protrude from the exterior walls even on high-rise apartments in Seoul.
On the 7th, Seoul City announced that it has revised the "Seoul Metropolitan Government Building Review Standards" to allow the installation of 'protruding open balconies' on apartments of 21 floors or higher. This is to increase the utilization of balconies in multi-family housing and to activate various outdoor living spaces. According to the review standards, a protruding open balcony refers to a balcony that partially protrudes from the building's exterior wall surface, with a width of at least 1 meter and a structure without a slab directly above it.
Previously, protruding open balconies could only be installed from the 3rd floor to the 20th floor of apartments. Going forward, they can be installed above the 20th floor after review.
The standards for installing protruding open balconies have also been specified. Previously, it was stated that the effective height of the railing must be at least 1.5 meters and the structure must be safe against wind pressure, but the regulations have been detailed further. According to the revision, additional criteria include ▲ at least 50% of the perimeter length must be open without being blocked by walls or windows ▲ a width of at least 2.5 meters ▲ priority consideration of downward-type evacuation openings when installing evacuation spaces on the balcony.
According to the standards, balconies protruding 2.5 meters in width can be installed. However, since at least 50% of the balcony perimeter must be open to the outside, expansion into indoor space is not possible. A non-expandable protruding open balcony must have a protrusion width of at least 2.5 meters, an effective railing height of 1.5 meters, and at least 50% of the perimeter length open without being blocked by walls or windows.
These standards can be applied immediately and can also be applied to apartments that have already received approval through design changes.
Seoul City explained that through protruding open balconies, balconies will be used as buffer spaces connecting indoors and outdoors for rest, as originally intended, and will also diversify the appearance of apartment buildings. A Seoul City official said, "In Europe, where open balconies are active, balconies are used for various purposes such as creating gardens, home cafes, exercise, and playing musical instruments."
The city plans to actively support the creation of protruding open balconies and will consult with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to establish management measures.
Han Byung-yong, Director of the Seoul Housing Policy Office, said, "Many balconies have been expanded into living rooms or bedrooms, but after experiencing COVID-19, outdoor spaces that enjoy fresh air and accommodate diverse lifestyles are gaining attention," adding, "We will continue to improve building review standards for convenient living spaces and attractive urban landscapes."
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