The Bloomframe balcony designed by Hofman Dujardin Architects and manufactured by Hurks geveltechniek received the red dot design award 2008 in the category product design. The Bloomframe balcony was amongst the winners selected from 3203 products from 51 nations. The international jury awarded the Bloomframe balcony for its innovative and outstanding design. The international "red dot design award" is one of the largest and most renowned design competitions worldwide. This award is only conferred to particularly creative, innovative, and high-quality products. The festive awards presentation will take place on 23 June 2008 in the Aalto Opera Theatre in Essen Germany.
Bloomframe Balcony
The Bloomframe balcony is an innovative window frame that can be transformed into a balcony. It offers the user a flexible living environment. By opening the window frame, it is possible to walk out through the façade and enjoy outdoor space. The Bloomframe balcony can be operated automatically with a single push of a button. The user will add light, air and space, providing him with a genuine outdoor feeling. The drive consists of an electric motor that operates the balcony at two points using drawbars. The fully open position is limited mechanically, which guarantees optimum safety of the converted balcony. The application of a combined powered/mechanical movement makes the system user friendly and easy to open and close for everyone.
Creating interactive façades is a key topic at the moment. In addition to functionality and solidity, architects are also looking for ways to translate both internal and external factors to the overall picture of the façade. The Bloomframe balcony, a proprietary development of Hurks geveltechniek enables the creation of interactive façades. The Bloomframe balcony transforms the façade into a balcony, indoor space becomes outdoor space. A closed and abstract façade in winter opens up like a flower in summer. The Bloomframe balcony adds a new dimension to the design of outdoor spaces of new constructions and renovation projects. The dynamic balcony offers an opportunity to add outdoor space to compact apartments, offices or hotels in inner city areas. The range of application options is wide and diverse.
The Bloomframe balcony is made from steel, glass and aluminium. The system offers a considerable bandwidth and freedom for dimension, colour and material variations. The Bloomframe balcony can customized and designed as an integral part of the façade.
The final product is expected to be presented around the summer of 2008.