Smart ventilation and noise exclusion in inner-city locations

When designing outdoor spaces in inner-city areas, architects frequently find themselves in a quandary. Because although the requirements for ventilation, noise reduction and daylighting may be clear in themselves, when combined they (too) often create conflicting situations. Especially in noise-exposed locations. The new SL Modular balcony glazing with Alara-Lukagro sound grating from Solarlux offers an attractive, comfortable and effective solution for this.

"The laws and regulations governing ventilation have changed considerably in recent years," knows André Jansen, account manager at Solarlux. "For example, in the development of apartment buildings, the creation of a non-communal outdoor space directly accessible from the home is mandatory according to the 2012 Building Code. This outdoor space must have a minimum floor area of 4 m² and a width of 1.5 meters and is regularly designed as a loggia / indoor balcony. However, cantilevered balconies are also popular." 

Vicious circle

"In the past, the space was frequently included in the thermal envelope, in the form of an indoor warm outdoor space," Jansen said. "In fact, the advantage of this solution is that buildings could be built right up to the building line. This maximized home value. For several years, however, the outdoor space has no longer been allowed to be heated and insulated. This seems ideal, but when you want to build an apartment building in a noise-affected area, residents here are continuously exposed to the noise source. From road to air and rail traffic. Therefore, soundproofing measures must be taken at these locations. However, if you were to shield the balcony with a sliding pivot or sliding system, a new problem arises. After all, in this case the natural ventilation to the thermal shell behind is interrupted. To get rid of the polluted air on the balcony, residents may start venting (quick airing by opening the balcony glazing), but in doing so they immediately bring the noise back inside. A vicious circle, which our latest SL Modular balcony glazing cleverly overcomes."

Optimal ventilation, soundproofing and daylighting SL Modular involves a modular system with an integrated parapet and on top of that a turn-and-slide system, which can be slid into the facade turnkey, Jansen says. 

"Where the balcony glazing provides optimal soundproofing, the integrated Alara-Lukagro grille provides guaranteed, permanent ventilation and excellent soundproofing. In addition, maximum daylighting and transparency are guaranteed." Even this last aspect still poses regular challenges, he knows. "Especially on summer days, when the sun shines full on the balcony glazing, residents can no longer sit comfortably on their balconies after only a few minutes. In that case, too, our combined system offers a solution."

High performance

According to the Building Code (NEN 7120), at least 3 liters of air per second and per square meter of floor area must be refreshed on fully or partially enclosed balconies and loggias. 

"Our newest SL Modular balcony glazing meets this requirement," Jansen said. "The balcony glazing allows maximum daylight to flow in. Moreover, a soundproofing of up to 25 dB can be achieved! We can also excellently serve the demand for deaf facades. Together with the architect, we like to find the right solutions for his buildings." If desired, SL Modular can already be integrated into the façade facades in the prefabricated factory, thus maximizing the benefits during the construction phase as well.

Lots of interest, nice references

The SL Modular with Alara-Lukagro grating was presented at GEVEL 2022 and GTL 2022, among others, and can count on enormous interest from architects, developers and contractors. Among others, the system is being used in project Crossroads in Amsterdam, which is being realized at an intersection of transport flows. But also in Plesman Plaza (under construction) in Amsterdam, located directly to a railroad line. "Thanks to SL Modular, despite the challenging location, residents can still benefit from a comfortable and usable balcony that fully complies with current regulations."