Masonry terrace railings - not in Sweden!?

[zachris]

We've been wanting to build a terrace railing, but heard from a builder that it's usually avoided in Sweden. I thought it sounded strange since it rains in almost all countries, so I assume it must have to do with snow and ice?

However, I've seen houses in Sweden that have such railings (:: RB ARKITEKTUR AB:: Villa F) so apparently, it's possible.

Can anyone explain what the problem is and how to solve it most smartly?

 

[isolde]

I doubt that it only snows in Sweden. Perhaps people avoid masonry terrace railings because they block light? Overall, I think Villa F looks very Southern European.

 

[ByggaNytt]

A little "inspiration" maybe

Click on the link and then Images:

http://www.byggahus.se/forum/badrum/60899-analysera-det-haer-galenpannebygget.html

 

[zachris]

A little "inspiration" perhaps

Yes, that's exactly something like what I had in mind!

Joking aside, when I see all the dirt on the terrace floor, I think I understand what you're getting at - it becomes difficult to keep clean? If there's a gap between the floor and railing, I assume you simply sweep all the dirt under the railing and (possibly) deal with it on the ground?

Villa F (see the link above) did have such a gap on one end, so maybe that's where they sweep their dirt down?

 

[zachris]

I doubt that it only snows in Sweden. Maybe one avoids masonry terrace railings because they block light? Overall, I think Villa F looks very Mediterranean.

The issue, as I understood it, had to do with drainage and the like, but on Villa F, I think you can glimpse a pipe at the base of the railing, roughly in the middle. Maybe they let water drain out there?

Regarding light entry, it's obviously a point - perhaps it would simply feel too dark if you do that?