Balcony Design for Resident Well-being in Multi‑Unit Residential Buildings

Modern balcony with table and chairs, planters and trees, overlooking city skyline from a contemporary apartment.

Course Description

As more people live in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), the importance of balcony design is growing. Good design plays a key role in housing quality and residents’ health and well-being.
This session draws on current research and industry practices to introduce balcony design strategies that respond to the challenges of urban housing.

Designers, builders, and housing professionals will gain insights into:

How balconies can support:

  • Health outcomes
  • Comfort
  • Livability in compact homes

How balcony design can:

  • Extend living areas
  • Support everyday activities
  • Improve the overall resident experience

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify key design strategies that enhance access to daylight, natural ventilation, and usable outdoor space.
  • Evaluate balcony design approaches to understand their impacts on energy performance, project costs, and resident comfort

Presenter

Dr. Terri Peters

Dr. Terri Peters

Associate Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University | Registered Architect (UK)

She holds a PhD from Denmark in sustainable housing, and her research focuses on the intersection of human health and building performance in multi-unit housing design. By integrating digital tools and environmental simulation she bridges technical performance with occupant well-being to advance a holistic understanding of the built environment’s impact on health.