What is BS 8579:2020 about?
As the number of medium- and high-rise residential buildings in UK cities and towns increases, so too does the prevalence of balconies and terraces. Yet there’s a lack of consensus on their optimum design, and a need for better guidance. BS 8579:2020 is a new British Standard that sets a benchmark for quality and functionality in the design of balconies and terraces.
Who is BS 8579:2020 for?
- Local authorities
- Housing associations
- Designers and architects
- Structural engineers
- Contractors
- Drainage specialists
- Manufacturers and component suppliers, including offsite manufacturers
Why should you use BS 8579:2020?
This British Standard gives guidance on the design of balconies and terraces and their component parts. It covers the following:
- Spatial arrangement of balconies and wind effects
- Inclusive design to accommodate able-bodied and less able-bodied occupants
- Safety considerations, including fire performance and provision of guarding
- Drainage and weathering effects
- Thermal and acoustic considerations
The balconies and terraces covered can be at any height above lowest ground level, unless stated in the text.
NOTE: BS 8579:2020 is not specifically intended to cover internal balconies, such as within a building atrium, but its guidance can be used in the absence of guidance specific to such balconies. Asset protection other than service life is not included. Raised timber structures on support posts built into the ground and serving ground floor accommodation are considered raised pedestrian surfaces and outside the scope of this standard.