Fakro’s Innovative Windows Transform Into Airy Rooftop Balconies!

Window design company <a href="http://www.fakro.com/" target="_blank">Fakro</a> has developed an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/1-liter-of-light-project-illuminates-thousands-of-filipino-homes-with-recycled-bottles/" target="_blank">innovative skylight</a> that can transform a window into a<a href="http://inhabitat.com/brooks-scarpas-orange-grove-apartments-are-modern-simple-sustainable/" target="_blank"> balcony!</a> With the flip of the window sashes, the panes open out to form a guard rail, creating a small open-air terrace. Met with a slide rail inside, Fakro’s design can transform a room’s architecture without expensive renovations.

Designed for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/an-inhabitat-writer-shares-her-experience-building-her-own-sustainable-yurt-in-the-woods/" target="_blank">skylight woof windows</a>, the system works by installing two upward and downward opening windows instead of just one skylight.

The bottom window sash opens forward, creating a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/aine-bunikytes-ridged-roof-furniture-brings-high-life-dining-to-pitched-roofs/" target="_blank">sturdy vertical wall</a> for the balcony. The built in slide rails move forward, creating a gated guard for either side of the balcony. The top window then opens upward at a 45 degree angle, making headroom to step out onto the new balcony space.

One set of windows creates a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nrja-unveils-plans-to-renovate-historic-latvian-police-station-with-pop-up-modern-addition/" target="_blank">breezy outlook</a> for one, but paired with another set, the matching balconies are perfect for outdoor dining for two, or a place to unwind after work and breathe in fresh air of the outdoors.

Each of the balcony window panes is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/haos-wave-shaped-apartments-in-northern-china-could-connect-residents-to-the-beach-and-sea/" target="_blank">glazed to block solar gain</a> and ensure insulation inside.

When closed, the balcony rails recess into the sides, making it look like any ordinary skylight. Fakro’s balcony windows can be installed to infuse a room with ample natural lighting. But users can also enjoy additional energy savings, as the automatic air inlets allow for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/unit-fusions-moveable-modules-could-be-the-future-neighborhoods-of-hong-kong/" target="_blank">maximum fresh air circulation</a>, which will cut down tremendously on artificial climate control.

Fakro’s innovative balcony windows not only give users a breath of fresh air, but also open up the room and create new space.