How funky is this?!
This is called the Bloomframe® and is a creation that comes from the Netherlands. I saw a couple of tweeters last night mention this and thought it would be worth having a look into.
The product has been around since 2009 and seems to be gaining popularity in that part of the world. As their website points out, this products is ideal for those stylish apartment blocks and new-builds in the inner-city.
As the image above demonstrates, the lower half of the window folds out to become a fully open and operational balcony. The sides fold away and come in choices of solid or transparent colours.
But its the technical stats of this product that are truly impressive:
Maximum useful floor surface in open position: 2620 mm
width x 1050 mm depth
Depth of the system in closed position: 320 mm
Height of balustrade: 1200 mm
Weight of the complete construction with glass floor element: 650 Kg
Balustrade, laminated and isolated clear glass with U value 1,2 W/m²K,
fall-through-safe
Floor, clear glass with U value 1,2 W/m²K or structured metal panel with
U value 0,57 W/m²K
Maximum floor load in open position: 2500 N/m²
Surface, aluminium parts, anodized or powder coated
Surface, steel parts, powder coated, galvanized or executed in stainless steel
Emergency manual override in case of electrical failure
The U-values of this product, bearing in mind this has been out since 2009, is very good. It would apply with current energy efficient laws in this country. It’s floor space when it’s opened is more than decent and can hold way more than one person. Whether you’re brave enough to get ten of your friends on there is another matter!
With all the selling points and lets face it, it’s cool-ness, I’m very surprised that this product hasn’t made it over the channel and isn’t being used in the dozens of new offices and flat complexes being built all over the country. Personally, I think it’s a great product. It gives people who live in restricted areas a feeling of space and the outdoors. It complies to current energy laws. If the stats are to be believed and there is no reason not to, it’s safe and can hold immense weight. They look great too!
Someone needs to look into this!