Amazing high-rise balconies

By John Giuffo, Forbes.com

May 17, 2012

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The VM House in Copenhagen is known for its spiky balconies. Photo: JDS Architects

There’s something special about a balcony—your own private plot of the outdoors, or a convivial entertainment venue, depending on your mood. Now add a swimming pool, outdoor theater and million-dollar views and you’ve got the luxury perches of some of the most sought-after high-rise real estate on the market.
City apartment dwellers, generally lacking in yard space, can especially benefit from balconies and the chance to have a little slice of the outdoors. Take the $6.8 million rooftop condo for sale in Dallas, for example. It includes a spectacular balcony—the sort of place that can house a party for your 100 closest friends, or get some sky-high solitude to lounge in the adjacent pool.
In Pictures: Amazing High-Rise Balconies If a party pad at the top of Dallas seems too hectic, then maybe the atmospheric heights of a nearly $5 million mountain chalet is more your speed. With its stone touches and natural-looking wooden beams (some are full trunks), this Oregon home caters to the gentleman outdoorsman. Summertime brings mountain hikes and whitewater rafting.
Looking for a balcony home with a little more attitude? The VM House in Copenhagen, Denmark, could double for a spiky modern-art sculpture with its façade of sharp, triangular balconies. More than aesthetic appeal, the diagonal ledges were designed to encourage interaction between residents, from balcony to balcony.
With the help of the housing experts at Realtor.com, we’ve rounded up some of the most impressive and unusual high-rise balconies modern architecture has to offer:
Poolside Perch
Location: Dallas, Texas
Price: $6.8 million

This is said to be one of two Dallas homes with a rooftop pool. Photo: Realtor.com

A private rooftop pool and jacuzzi, and access to a larger community pool, an outdoor and an indoor theater, three bedrooms, five baths, covered parking for up to four cars, four fireplaces and a host of other amenities – this is a penthouse pad that pulls out all the stops. As one of only two homes with rooftop pools in Dallas, listing broker Marilyn Hoffman at Hoffman International Properties stresses how unique the condo is, and that it would be perfect for an international businessman, a bachelor of means, or someone who just appreciates the hyper-modern aesthetic.

Balcony Spikes
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

The balcony design was meant to encourage socializing. Photos: JDS Architects

For a balcony home with a little more personality, look no further than the VM House in Copenhagen. The structure could double for a spiky modern-art sculpture with its façade of sharp, triangular balconies. More than aesthetic appeal, the diagonal ledges were designed to encourage interaction between residents, from balcony to balcony. A courtyard and play areas are also included on the grounds. The housing complex, which consists of two buildings, one in the shape of an ‘M’ and the other shaped as a ‘V’, was completed by JDS Architects in 2005.

Mountain Chalet
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon
Price: $4.95 million

You can either enjoy the mountain views from here or go ski on them. Photos: Realtor.com

Located in the higher quarters of Grants Pass, this three-bedroom, eight-bathroom, ski-chalet-style luxury home is for the true snow-lover or outdoors enthusiast. In winter, there are plenty of skiing and snow leisure options. In summer, there are a plethora of mountains, National Forests, and river sport opportunities, many of which can be seen from the home’s numerous stone-and-wood balconies, including a larger perch for gatherings, and smaller balconies off the bedrooms and main bathroom. Luxury touches such as an indoor basketball half-court, a heated outdoor pool with a slide, and 16-seat home theater are included.

Honolulu Nest
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Price: $3.288 million

The condo is a half block from Waikiki Beach. Photo: Realtor.com

Honolulu is the second-most expensive city in the Unites States to live, according to Kiplinger, so it stands to reason that this sunset-view condo is listed at over $3 million. But for those who looking for a luxury two-bedroom home with a balcony view of the mountains and of Waikiki Beach, it seems hard to beat. Located half a block from the beach, and about seven blocks from the world-famous Waikiki Beach, the Trump-owned condo tower offers a wide range of amenities, such as a heated pool, concierge, and valet parking.

Color Blocks
Location: Izola, Slovenia

The Slovenia residence won an affordable-housing design competition. Photos: OFIS Arhitekti

With pops of color that’ll make it easy to distinguish your place from a distance, this housing block in Izola, Slovenia offers festive yet efficient accommodations. A winning entry in an affordable-housing design competition, the residences are touted as compact and affordable. The mini-balconies come equipped with colored, semi-transparent shades, providing a degree of privacy, while allowing residents to look out over the grounds. Perforated side-panels provide ventilation.

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