A terrace at home, at a hotel or café – how can you effectively and spectacularly increase the functional space of a building?
Hotel Bredeney, Essen, Germany. Systems used: MB-77HS, MB-SR50N HI
Although terraces are not officially included in the usable floor area of a building, they are an integral part not only of private homes but also of hotels, eating places and an increasing number of office buildings. Thanks to modern architectural solutions and building systems, a terrace may not only be decorative, but also practical – it can provide convenient use regardless of the weather.
As an external structure that is not included in the usable floor area of a building, a terrace may appear to be a totally separate element of the property. However, for functional reasons – which is especially important in eating places – a terrace is an integral part of the building. That is why when a terrace is being designed, it is important to use systems that give the whole structure an eye-catching look, ensure safety and provide adequate insulation.
Desirable space
One of the advantages of terraces is that they provide additional space that is attractive to users. Restaurants use terraces to fit in some extra tables for guests. Hotel suites with terraces are not only an additional highlight that provides extra convenience for the guests, but are also a great asset to the hotel. Properly designed terraces provide extra space for relaxation as well as connecting with nature and the surroundings of the facility. Moreover, the hospitality industry is increasingly turning to design solutions that make it possible to use a terrace regardless of the weather. To make this possible, a year-round terrace must have systems with high thermal insulation. Such solutions are offered by Aluprof, Europe’s leading manufacturer of aluminium systems used in private and commercial construction.
Shellter Hotel&Apartaments, Rogowo near Kołobrzeg, Poland. Systems used: MB-45, MB-86 SI, Mb-77HS.
One such solution is a lift and slide balcony door with the MB-77 HS system, with the advantage that it can be used in large low-threshold doors.
‘Aluminium doors with the MB-77HS system by Aluprof are the perfect choice for buildings in which rooms or conservatories open up to the outside world. Such a door forms a convenient exit to a balcony, terrace or open garden space. The doors also enable very good connection with the surroundings and, when they are open, they do not take up any space inside the room, which further increases the convenient use,’ says Martin Sikora, a representative of Aluprof System Czech s.r.o.
Some important advantages of this solution include high thermal insulation, waterproofness and resistance to wind loads. The high quality of the product is confirmed by its widespread use in demanding commercial projects, such as 200 East 21st Street in New York.
200 East 21st Street, New York City, United States. Systems used: MB-70, MB-77HS, MB-SE75, MB-SR50N.
Towards nature and energy efficiency
Terraces are used in commercial facilities in an attempt to match the building to the natural environment that surrounds it. At a time when sustainable construction is promoted and environmentally friendly solutions are used in building projects, embracing nature is particularly appreciated. It is even more important since the location of such facilities as hotels and restaurants often encourages their guests to connect with the nature around them. For this reason alone, terraces are a common feature in the design of such facilities and can often be used all year round.
Modern solutions make it possible to create a terrace space that not only withstands diverse weather conditions, but also protects the customers who use it in such weather. Moreover, a variety of systems and designs makes it possible to build a terrace that is stylistically reminiscent of the most prestigious locations, such as establishments found in historic buildings. But let’s go back to the fact that terraces allow us to connect with nature: depending on the property developer’s requirements, it is possible to create an area that – despite being temporarily out of use when there are fewer guests, for example – serves as a connection between the interior and the natural environment.
Sara Kulturhus, Skellefteå, Sweden. Systems used: MB-86 SI, MB-SR50N, MB-SR50N OW
It is possible thanks to modern sliding doors with a concealed frame and the MB-SKYLINE Type R system. The doors not only ensure high functionality and excellent insulation parameters, but also fit in perfectly with the design thanks to their lightness and visual appeal.
‘In this system designed by Aluprof, the door leaf is completely concealed in the top and bottom frames. If you choose an automatic drive unit or a mullion with a locking mechanism, it is also invisible from the sides. The visible width of the mullion is just 25 mm. The whole structure is an almost uniform panel with fine dividing lines. MB-SKYLINE Type R allows us to make door leaves that are up to 4 metres wide, giving the designers multiple possibilities,’ says Martin Sikora. A solution of this type also allows you to make optimum use of daylight at your place, which has a positive impact on its energy efficiency.
Circle Wood House, Izabelin, Poland. Systems used: MB-SR50N, MB-77HS.
Solutions available to everyone
Terrace systems are not just for business or leisure facilities. Such solutions are common in residential construction. They are becoming popular not only because connecting with nature is now a trend, but also because modern solutions in this field are widely available. One of such solutions is the latest product by Aluprof, the MB-OPENSKY 120 terrace pergola. The system, characterised by high durability and visually appealing details, fits perfectly with modern construction trends. The posts of the pergola are made of extruded aluminium and their geometry gives the entire structure exceptional rigidity. The stability of the whole system is guaranteed by an innovative method of fitting the profiles, which also ensures that the elements are well connected and there are no visible gaps. An automated operating mechanism is also an advantage.
‘The roof of the pergola is a module made up of movable facade slats available in two different shapes – SLIM (Z type) and STANDARD (FLAT type) – with a mechanism that enables ventilation and a really smooth change of the inclination angle from 0 to 135°,’ says Martin Sikora. ‘In addition, the power transmission mechanism has an automatic adjustment system, which enables quick installation on site, as well as easy and trouble-free adjustment of the individual slats.’
MB-Opensky 120 terrace pergola
In addition to the standard roof, property developers can opt for side walls in the form of sliding panels, screens or both. They can be fully integrated with the roof control system so that you can control their position using one device. Importantly, the pergola can also be used during the colder seasons.
‘To increase the functionality and convenience of using the pergola, choose additional accessories like a wind, rain or sun sensor. If you need to, you can connect them with SMART technology solutions used at home. The pergola can also have LED lighting and radiant heaters to ensure comfort and a cosy atmosphere even on colder days,’ says Martin Sikora. The MB-OPENSKY 120 pergola is a solution whose design can be freely adjusted to the needs and preferences of a property developer or private individual.
MB-Opensky 120 pergola
Let’s build a better future!
Adding a terrace to a commercial or residential property is not just about wanting some extra space. An added value of this solution is that you can make optimal use of the sunlight and fresh air, which has a positive impact on the energy efficiency of the property. The use of Aluprof aluminium systems, made with 65% recycled material, shows that you care about the environment and sustainable solutions. When it comes to terraces, take one more factor into account: connecting with nature whenever you are on the terrace is an excellent opportunity to relax and find the mental balance that is so important in a world that is rushing by at a dizzying pace.