Galeria window transforms into a balcony
By Ben Coxworth
July 25, 2012
FAKRO's Galeria is a window that converts to a balcony
Image Gallery (6 images)While an upstairs balcony is a nice feature for any home, adding one to an existing house can be pretty involved, and thus pricey. Now, there’s a simpler solution – a window that converts into a balcony ... of sorts.
Manufactured by Polish window company FAKRO, the Galeria balcony window is designed to be installed in a home’s sloping roof – this limits it to use in attic rooms, with a roof angle of 35 to 55 degrees.
The window is divided into an upper and lower sash. The upper sash opens upward to a 45-degree angle, locking in place and forming the roof of the balcony. The lower sash opens forward, also locking in position to become the equivalent of the balcony’s front wall. As it opens, railing-like side barriers slide out on either side – these are concealed when the window is closed.
Unlike a “real” balcony, of course, users can’t walk out onto it and sit down in a lawn chair while enjoying being completely outside. For people who are content with standing out in the fresh air or sitting half-inside, half-outside, however, it looks like an interesting idea.
There is no word on price.
Source: FAKRO via World Architecture News
An experienced freelance writer, videographer and television producer, Ben's interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatical when it comes to human-powered transportation, film-making gear, environmentally-friendly technologies and anything that's designed to go underwater. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he spends a lot of time going over the handlebars of his mountain bike, hanging out in off-leash parks, and wishing the Pacific Ocean wasn't so far away. All articles by Ben Coxworth
They do say imitation is a form of flattery. I wonder if Velux will feel that way as they have been supplying a product almost identical to this for well over a decade.
Spheric Red25th July, 2012 @ 03:48 pm PDT
This is why I read Gizmag. Every once in a while some really wonderful idea comes along that puts a smile on my face.
Paul van Dinther25th July, 2012 @ 04:04 pm PDT
I am trying to think of a reason not to like this. But i can't.. GJ.
Michael Mantion25th July, 2012 @ 06:21 pm PDT
My late Father was an architect, this window-skylight has been around for years from Velux for lofts, I have one.
Bill Bennett25th July, 2012 @ 08:04 pm PDT
I was gonna say, I remember looking at these in the Netherlands in about 1993 or so....
Chris Maresca26th July, 2012 @ 10:23 am PDT
That balcony shes standing in the same room looks like two sky lights back to back.
frogola28th July, 2012 @ 07:35 pm PDT
yes, i heard about these when i read velux's product line years ago, they are very well known and identical in appearance.
Facebook User12th September, 2012 @ 12:49 am PDT
Or Login with Facebook:
Just enter your friends and your email address into the form below
For multiple addresses, separate each with a comma
Privacy is safe with us because we have a strict privacy policy.





Hm, not to spoil the story, but a product looking suspiciously similar (down to the details like the little side handrails) has been made by the Danish company Velux for more than ten years and sold all over Europe. The Velux version of this is named "Cabrio Balcony GDL". Maybe their patent ran out, and now the design can be copied by others.
BeWalt25th July, 2012 @ 03:24 pm PDT