Note: This blog was originally published on 17 June 2025. Some information, product features, pricing, or recommendations may have changed since publication. Please refer to our latest resources or contact us for the most current information.
The construction industry is undergoing a pivotal shift. With increasing regulatory pressure to deliver safer and more sustainable buildings, balcony design is being re-evaluated through a new lens, one that combines fire safety, environmental responsibility, and modern construction methods.
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) and the Building Safety Act (BSA) are shaping how developers, architects, contractors, and safety officers approach external features such as balconies and terraces. In this landscape, materials matter more than ever, and MyDek’s non-combustible decking offers a future-ready solution that ticks every box.
Understanding the Regulations: FHS and BSA
The Future Homes Standard: A Drive towards Low-Carbon Living Coming into force in 2025, the Future Homes Standard sets out to ensure that new homes produce 75–80% less carbon emissions than those built under current regulations.
While its primary focus is energy efficiency and operational carbon, it indirectly influences balcony and terrace design through materials choices, thermal performance, and product life cycle sustainability. Developers are encouraged to use long-lasting, recyclable products that align with modern methods of construction (MMC).
Any material used must contribute to overall building performance, in both energy efficiency and environmental impact.
The Building Safety Act: Raising the Bar on Fire Safety
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced a sweeping overhaul of how higher-risk buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained. External wall systems, including balconies, are now subject to stricter scrutiny, particularly regarding combustibility and fire spread risk.
Balconies must now incorporate non-combustible materials, typically meeting the fire rating standards. Timber and composite materials that were previously common are no longer deemed suitable for high-rise or multi-occupancy buildings.
The implications are clear: fire safety and sustainability are no longer optional; they’re essential.
MyDek’s Decking Systems: Engineered for Compliance
At MyDek, we’ve engineered our composite and aluminium decking solutions specifically to meet and exceed the requirements of both the FHS and the BSA.
Class A Fire Performance All MyDek systems are independently tested and certified to ensure a minimum A2 fire rating, making them compliant for use in residential balconies on buildings over 11 metres high. Unlike timber or wood plastic composite (WPC) systems, our non-combustible decking offers complete peace of mind.
Designed for Durability and Low Maintenance
Our deck systems are resistant to weather, corrosion, and wear. They have a 60-year design life, and require minimal maintenance compared to timber alternatives, making them ideal for developers and asset managers focused on whole-life cost savings.
Built to Reduce Carbon Impact
Aluminium is up to 98% recyclable with no loss of quality. Using aluminium contributes significantly to circular construction practices, reducing carbon impact over the building’s life cycle. Furthermore, our Luxura® range prioritises sustainability, as demonstrated by its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which ensures transparency in terms of eco-consciousness. MyDek’s Luxura® contains waste fly ash from power stations and cellulose from plants, and it can be crushed and used as a valuable aggregate at the end of its lifespan.
Our products are manufactured to precise tolerances, reducing site waste and supporting MMC workflows for faster, cleaner builds.
Support That Goes Beyond Products
At MyDek, we understand that compliance isn’t just about product selection; it’s about knowledge, confidence, and execution. That’s why we provide an end-to-end ecosystem of support for project teams:
• CPD Seminars to help your teams stay ahead of evolving legislation and product standards
• Virtual Tools for quick, accurate technical planning
• On-Site Installation Support to ensure a flawless finish and full compliance from day one.
Whether you’re designing a new high-rise residential scheme or retrofitting an existing building, our team is here to help you deliver safer, more sustainable outdoor spaces with ease. The Future of Balcony Design Is Here The intersection of fire safety and sustainability isn’t a passing phase; it’s the new normal. As regulations tighten and expectations rise, materials like aluminium decking are emerging not just as compliant but as smart and safe future-proof choices.
Ready to future-proof your next project? Book a Sustainability in Construction CPD or explore our decking range today.