Wooden galleries and balconies

Not every wood species is suitable for the intensive loads of applications such as galleries and balconies. For this specific application, Hupkes Wijma recommends heavy wood species such as Azobé and Bilinga. These species fall within durability class 1 and possess exceptional strength, with Azobé classified as D70 and Bilinga as D50. Azobé is also known for its immense hardness and resistance to wear, making it ideal for surfaces subject to heavy foot traffic. Bilinga offers comparable durability with a slightly warmer colour tone. Neither species requires chemical treatment. This ensures a low environmental impact and highlights the natural strength of these species.

Working efficiently is enormously important on the construction site. That is why many parties choose our prefabricated solutions. At our location in Kampen, we prepare the elements for a wooden gallery or balcony down to the finest detail. We saw, plane and drill the components exactly according to the technical drawings.

By building galleries in a controlled environment, we increase precision and minimise assembly time on site. You receive a construction kit that connects to the rest of the main load-bearing structure. Would you like a fully hands-off solution? Then we also take care of on-site assembly, so that you can turn to a single party from preparation to installation.

A wooden balcony gives a building a unique character that is hard to match with other materials. It offers a soft transition between the interior space and the outdoors. We find that architects appreciate the flexibility that hardwood offers in the design. Whether it concerns a sleek, modern appearance or a robust, industrial look, the detailing of the woodwork determines the atmosphere.

When building galleries for family homes and apartment complexes, strict requirements apply in the area of fire safety and slip resistance. We are happy to advise you on deck profiles to prevent slippery surfaces. In addition, we look critically together with you at the water drainage and ventilation of the structure. Wood is best preserved when it can dry quickly after a rain shower.

Our engineers design details that prevent water ingress and promote natural ventilation. In this way, we guarantee a structure that lasts for decades without structural problems.

The technical lifespan of our hardwood structures is impressive. Where other wood species often show defects after fifteen years, hardwood species such as Azobé and Bilinga retain their structural integrity even after thirty to fifty years. This considerably lowers the total cost of ownership. Hardly any maintenance is required; the natural greying of the wood also gives the project a timeless appearance.