Nyx Tende is happy to inform our customers about a new product that will help support sustainability and energy saving. Does your house have a balcony or terrace that may be enclosed with glass windows? We have some interesting news for you concerning investments you may make on this space. The amendment of Article 33-quater of the Italian Law Decree no. 115/2022, known as “Aiuti Bis” decree, which amends para. 1 of Article 6 of the Consolidated Law on Building Works, as recently approved by the Italian Senate, has authorised installation of removable panoramic glass windows without the need to apply for permits from the relevant Municipal Authorities. In other words, the new amendment provides for the feasibility of “free construction” activities, i.e. works not requiring permits from the competent authorities, as a result of which balconies and verandas can be enclosed freely.

The Vepa range – Vepa being the Italian acronym that identifies panoramic glass windows – falls within this category. The measure was taken in light of the recent energy cost increases to reduce heat losses and to improve noise and energy performances. The enclosure of the outdoor spaces in flats can significantly reduce energy waste, in addition to offering the opportunity to use verandas and balconies in the winter months as well.

The definition of these windows provided by Assvepa (Italian Association of Panoramic Glass Windows) is: “innovative, minimalist products consisting of sliding, retractable and manually removable glass panels for wind protection that are used by numerous internationally known architects who have defined them as “among the most innovative and functional smart systems”.”

In addition to not changing the original appearance of elevations and façades, these windows protect verandas and balconies against the elements and make these spaces warmer in winter, whereas in summer they can be retracted fully to avoid the risk of creating aesthetic barriers or giving way to greenhouse effects. The Italian legislation had never addressed this subject matter before. Municipal laws were the rule and prevented such installations as they were deemed to “contribute to increasing the flat volume”. As you may read on specialised websites, the statutory requirement for these structures is that they “provide for natural micro aeration, i.e. a constant flow of air must be circulated to keep the indoor rooms of the house healthy” and they “must have technical and construction features and an aesthetic profile such as to minimise the visual impact and the dimensions perceived by viewers and to prevent changes in the existing architectural lines”.

Nyx Tende will offer customers suitable products to complete and decorate their newly enclosed balconies and verandas, including solutions to safeguard privacy and to increase the temperature coefficient.