# Reflective Balcony Abodes The Zac de la Marine Residential Building Features Metal Balconies By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-09-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metal-balcony References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/09/christophe-rousselle-zac-de-la-marine-housing-paris-reflective-balconies/) & [christopherousselle.fr](http://www.christopherousselle.fr/) Paris-based architect Christophe Rousselle has updated the 'Zac de la Marine' [apartment complex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hauvette-madani) by installing [cantilevered metal balconies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrace-house-mirage) and protruding sun shades. Beyond their irregular formation, the balconies are super [shiny, immediately catching and reflecting light](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exp-building) in a way that will surely capture the attention of passers-by. Moreover, the new additions provide a distinct identity for each level of the complex. The uneven, seemingly erratic positioning of the terraces, also allow for greater light access, because the floors don't directly obstruct each other. The architect explains that, creating a distinct exterior space helps to create a more unique space inside, especially if that involves more access to natural light and better view of the sky. He likens the effect of the balconies to the "feeling of living on the top floor on all floors." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cantilevered Metal Balconies:** The installation of cantilevered metal balconies on the Zac de la Marine apartment complex presents an opportunity for architects to explore innovative and visually striking designs. - **Protruding Sun Shades:** The addition of protruding sun shades on the balconies offers an opportunity for manufacturers to create functional and aesthetically pleasing shading solutions for buildings. - **Distinct Exterior Spaces:** The creation of distinct exterior spaces with irregularly positioned balconies provides an opportunity for urban developers to enhance the visual appeal and livability of residential buildings. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** The use of reflective metal balconies in residential buildings opens up new design possibilities for architects looking to create visually captivating structures. - **Manufacturing:** The demand for innovative sun shade solutions presents an opportunity for manufacturers to develop and produce unique products for the building industry. - **Real Estate Development:** The incorporation of distinct exterior spaces in residential complexes allows real estate developers to differentiate their properties and attract potential buyers or renters. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bright Balcony-Defined Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nightingale-village.md) - [Metal Mesh Residential Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cit-angus-ii.md) - [Bright Renovated Seaside Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toledano-architects.md) - [Steel-Cladded Social Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-housing-1.md) - [Housing Block Defensive Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bureau-des-mesarchitecture.md) - [Ultra-Colorful High-Density Residential Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highdensity-residential-design.md) - [Dynamic Living Towered Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onze22.md) - [Graphic-Accented Brutalist Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jean-verville.md) - [Modern Blue-Accented Academic Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-esther-pavilion.md)