To extend the living area of a home, more and more interesting solutions can be distinguished. Between the balcony-terrace loggia in an apartment or house, the latter attracts many individuals. It offers several significant advantages.
Just like the balcony veranda loggia is an effective idea for a house extension. It is sometimes included in new real estate developments or building renovation projects. To learn more about this, here is a brief overview of this space that enlarges your property. It is appropriate to start the article with its definition.
The key takeaway: In my opinion, the loggia is the most underrated room in an apartment. Unlike the balcony, it offers structural protection that allows you to enjoy it even when the weather is unpredictable. I consider it a true thermal and sensory “buffer zone”: it is the ideal place to create a winter garden or a small office bathed in natural light, provided you know how to juggle its hybrid status between indoors and outdoors.
What is a loggia in a building?
Although this living area of a home is successful, some people fail to grasp the difference between a loggia and a balcony. Thus, to help clarify, the loggia in an apartment or house is nothing other than an outdoor area generally located on upper floors.
It is an architectural element set back from the main facade. In most cases, it is covered by glass doors. A loggia space has at least one closed side. It also connects with the adjacent room. Thanks to its concrete construction, it is particularly sturdy.
I lived for a long time in a studio where my loggia was used only as storage for my clothes drying rack and some old boxes. The realization came during a first move when I decided to treat this space as an extension of my living room: I installed an outdoor rug and two comfortable armchairs there. This change in perspective transformed my daily life: what was just a useless outdoor corridor became my favorite coffee spot, proving to me that even three square meters, if well utilized, can radically change the atmosphere of a home.
Like the balcony veranda house extension, it is not a recent invention. Its first appearance was in Italy during the Renaissance. Then it spread throughout Europe. Due to the integrated glass doors, it is sometimes a light well bringing natural light inside. Apart from being a house extension loggia idea-advice, it combines practicality with aesthetics. It enhances the exterior appearance of the home.
Whether closed or covered, loggia layout is advantageous since it is considered living space in a house. Like a full room, it meets everyday uses because it is well lit and therefore usable. You can arrange a loggia balcony-terrace to transform it into a chic and elegant dining room living room. There are many possibilities, but it all depends on your expectations and tastes.
What is the difference between a loggia and a balcony?
Whether it is a loggia balcony-terrace or a veranda house extension, they constitute a building extension. They allow homeowners to fully enjoy the outdoor space. They can be created either during the construction of a dwelling or during its renovation. Their presence is a significant asset in new real estate developments.
More and more people tend to confuse the balcony-terrace loggia. It must be admitted that they have a strong similarity. Despite this, many loggia balcony differences can be found.
For the first one, its wall, floor, and ceiling are all part of the house extension. It forms a living area inside the housing within the exterior facade. On the other hand, the balcony is a slab protruding beyond the exterior facade. If the house extension loggia rests on the foundations, it rests on nothing. It has a railing and three sides ensuring the safety of the inhabitants.
The main loggia balcony difference does not only lie in their support but also in their practicality. Generally, the first allows you to enjoy it regardless of weather conditions. It serves to protect occupants from bad weather. That is not all; it has a higher load capacity compared to the balcony.
Whatever your choice, balcony veranda loggia apartment house, these architectural elements pleasantly extend the house, most often the dining room, living room, or even the bedrooms. They thus provide additional use and volume, especially during nice weather.
| Characteristic | Loggia | Balcony | Terrace |
| Structure | Set back from the facade | Projecting (suspended) | Resting on a solid base |
| Protection | Covered and closed on the sides | Open on three sides | Completely uncovered |
| Winter use | Possible (often glazed) | Very limited | Limited |
What are the advantages of a loggia compared to a traditional balcony?
Although this topic has already been broadly addressed in the paragraph below, the following passage helps you understand it clearly. Compared to balcony veranda loggia, it offers many interesting advantages.
Besides being a shelter against rain and wind, it provides additional daylight to the house. That is why one can think of countless loggia layout possibilities.
Its installation also allows creating a room surrounded by bay windows. Comfortable, it is well insulated. For this reason, many use it as a winter living room or winter garden space. Unlike the balcony, the loggia offers several interesting uses.
Since it is both heated and enclosed, it can become your office. With significant natural lighting, it helps you concentrate on your work. If this living space is deep enough, you can arrange an indoor lounge there. If the place is open, do not hesitate to install a garden lounge.
In real estate, its construction is a real asset for your property. Almost all buyers are looking for housing with outdoor space. This allows them to enjoy the sun’s rays and get fresh air without leaving the house. Generally, the loggia balcony-terrace attracts more buyers.
How can I arrange my loggia to make it a pleasant living space?
Before taking action, it is imperative to protect the area. The use of bay windows is not only aesthetic but also secure. You can similarly use a guardrail at least 1 meter high. Set back from the main facade, the loggia must have at least one closed side.
Like the house extension veranda, the balcony-terrace loggia offers you the opportunity to admire your outdoor space. There are many options for loggia layout. You can be inventive and imaginative when arranging it.
Whether you plan to transform it into a winter garden space, dining room, living room, or office, the choice of furniture should not be taken lightly. This step can be crucial in helping you create a comfortable place inside your apartment or house loggia.
Therefore, favor furniture adapted to the size of the area. If you lack space, prefer stackable and folding chairs. Decorate it with colorful textiles and cushions. They give it style evoking the difference between loggia and balcony.
To create a warm and pleasant atmosphere, lighting plays a major role. For example, you can choose between string lights or solar lanterns. In the evenings, you can use soft and dimmed lights.
Potted plants also bring a natural touch to the apartment or house loggia. Additionally, they provide a feeling of freshness. Also consider adding decorative accessories like cushions, outdoor rugs, or curtains to personalize the living space loggia.
Does building a loggia require a building permit?
With the many differences between loggia and balcony, the former offers quite a few advantages compared to the latter. Being enclosed by walls, it allows you to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. Although some are not fully enclosed, they protect owners from wind and rain.
It is an excellent idea to enlarge the living area of the dwelling. If you need an office or a dining-living room, the loggia increases your floor space. It becomes an additional living room.
Even better, it greatly contributes to increasing the value of your property. If you plan to sell it, a house extension loggia balcony-terrace allows you to put it on the market at a higher price. This living space helps distinguish it from other real estate on the market.
With all these different advantages, you are finally ready to add a loggia to your existing house. It is important to inquire about administrative procedures to avoid making a mistake. Since its installation has a direct impact on the facade’s appearance, you must submit a work authorization request to the town hall.
What materials are recommended for building a loggia?
This living area set back from the main facade is generally made of concrete. The latter is perfect for outdoor use due to its high resistance. It is no surprise that it is used in the construction of stairs, pool surroundings, terrace walkways, or the balcony veranda loggia path.
Compared to other materials, concrete demonstrates remarkable strength and durability. It is not likely to degrade over time. Since it is colored throughout, it withstands hail, rain, and sun. Thus, temperature variations do not scare it. It endures the severe cold of winter as well as the intense heat of summer.
To cover the house loggia extension, the use of glass bays is common. Their undeniable advantage is providing natural light in this living space. They therefore create a well-lit interior at all times of the year. This also helps reduce electricity consumption.
These materials also offer an unobstructed view of the outdoor space of the house. With sunlight, the heat gain is significant. You can benefit from a few degrees of solar radiation.
How to maintain a loggia so that it stays in good condition?
As we explained above, the loggia is often made of concrete. Unlike most materials, it is easy to maintain. In any case, the balcony-terrace loggia as well as the veranda house extension must be cleaned regularly.
You can dust the floor with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a hard floor brush. If you do not have one, a broom will do. To wash it, use a microfiber mop or a well-wrung mop to avoid saturating the area with water. Only use products with a neutral pH.
To clean the glass bays of your apartment house loggia, black soap promises miraculous results. Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth soaked with a few drops of black soap and hot water. You can then rinse with hot water with a drop of vinegar.
It should be remembered that the balcony-terrace loggia is generally installed on an upper floor. Maintaining the exterior face can thus seem difficult. This requires working at height. To limit any risk, nothing is better than entrusting the task to a professional.
Can a loggia be closed with glazing to make it a veranda?
Before answering this question, it is important to specify that loggia and veranda are two different structural elements. Of course, they share several common points. They enhance your house and increase its value.
In addition, they serve to enlarge the living space. They can also be arranged according to your desires. Veranda house extension or apartment house loggia, they protect you from heat, cold, and rain.
Despite their similarity, they are not identical. The loggia is created only for upper floors. It is directly integrated into the building structure. On the other hand, you can add the veranda later. If the first is rarely glazed from ceiling to floor, the second mainly consists of glass bays. The loggia can also be open. In contrast, the veranda is completely enclosed.
If you want to partially enclose your house extension loggia, you can integrate fixed glazing. For this, they must be installed only on the open area or on the sides. If you want a total closure, you must therefore convert the loggia into a veranda. Use appropriate glazing to make it an extension of the existing interior.
It is also possible to temporarily close your loggia using curtains or blinds. They allow you to cover this living space when desired. And if you want to enjoy the fresh air, you just have to open them.
What are the costs associated with building a loggia?
On average, it is recommended to budget 1000 euros per square meter for the installation of a classic loggia. However, the price may vary depending on the complexity of the work and the materials used.
This home extension is at least closed on one side. To build a wall with traditional masonry, count on 50 to 120 euros per square meter. For a wall with bay windows, plan for 200 to 1000 euros per square meter.
Although it is made up of a glass wall, it is recommended to equip it with a low wall made of brick or concrete blocks. This costs 50 to 120 euros per square meter. The use of a guardrail is also essential to secure the loggia. The price depends on the material chosen. If you prefer a wooden guardrail, prepare an amount of 50 to 150 euros per square meter. The aluminum model is expensive and can cost up to 400 euros per square meter.
Regarding the roof of the apartment house loggia, you should budget between 20 to 70 euros per square meter. You can choose between a polycarbonate roof, tiles, or glass. For painting, the price ranges between 20 to 60 euros per square meter. If your loggia seems narrow, favor a light-tone paint that visually enlarges the living space loggia.
If you plan to hire a professional, the labor cost is difficult to determine. It notably varies depending on the extent of the work. The best solution is to request several quotes and compare prices.
What are the common uses of a loggia?
There are many uses for a living space loggia. It mainly depends on its dimensions, configuration, and especially your expectations. In most cases, it is used as a dining room living room. To do this, you need a spacious apartment house loggia. As a dining room, you can receive guests in this semi-open space combining the advantages of an outdoor and indoor area.
Many people also undertake loggia layout to create a winter garden living space. To make it a real relaxation corner, it is possible to decorate it with green plants, as well as colorful rugs and poufs. To add a touch of authenticity, a small vegetable garden will be welcome.
For those who do not have a laundry room, a loggia can do the job. You just have to install a washing machine, shelves, some furniture, and you’re all set. Thanks to the bay windows, you can quickly dry your laundry.
Otherwise, consider arranging it as a storage space. You can equip it with storage chests, wall shelves, or multifunctional furniture. The idea is to have a well-organized apartment house loggia while optimizing space for other uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under the Carrez law, a loggia is generally not counted in the living area if it is not heated or if it is not enclosed by a permanent veranda. However, for the calculation of co-ownership charges or property tax, it is often considered a “weighted surface area.” It is therefore crucial to check your co-ownership regulations before undertaking any enclosure work.
Converting a loggia into a real extension (bedroom or living room) often requires a prior declaration of work or a building permit, as it changes the exterior appearance and the floor area. Moreover, thermal insulation is a critical point: without efficient double glazing and wall insulation, you risk condensation problems and a high heating bill.
A loggia captures a lot of heat because the air circulates less than on a balcony. For a south-facing exposure, favor Mediterranean plants such as laurel: rose, potted olive trees, or bougainvillea that tolerate wall reflection. Don’t forget to install a shading system (awning or reed screen) to avoid the greenhouse effect that could burn the foliage of your plants in the middle of summer.
