Common balcony
A balcony is: ‘An external platform at an upper floor level with a balustrade to the open sides projecting from or recessed from an external wall and including in this definition generally accessible rooftop terraces and galleries and loggia.’ Ref International Property Measurement Standards (IPMS): Residential Buildings, published by the International Property Measurement Standards Coalition (IPMSC) in September 2016.
Approved document B, Fire Safety, Volume 2, Buildings other than dwellinghouses (2019 edition), defines a common balcony as:
‘A walkway, open to the air on one or more sides, that forms part of the escape route from more than one flat.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Balcony.
- Building evacuation.
- Common area.
- Common facilities.
- Common stair.
- Escape route.
- Evacuating vulnerable and dependent people from buildings in an emergency FB 52.
- Exit passageway.
- Fire door.
- Firefighting route.
- Means of escape.
- Protected escape route.
- Protected stairway.
- Storey exit.
- Unprotected escape route.
- Vomitory.
- Width of doors stairs and escape routes.
Featured articles and news
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
AI and automation in 3D modelling and spatial design
Can almost half of design development tasks be automated?
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
The maintenance challenge of tenements.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.
Shortlist for the 2025 Roofscape Design Awards
Talent and innovation showcase announcement from the trussed rafter industry.