Can a balcony be supported by columns and the house wall?

A balcony can indeed be supported by columns in combination with the house wall. This type of structural design is quite common and effective. When a balcony is attached to a building, the wall of the house can provide significant support, absorbing part of the balcony's load. This allows for a stable and secure extension of usable space.

Having the balcony supported by both columns and the wall enhances structural integrity as it distributes the weight across multiple points, reducing the risk of failure. Additionally, this configuration can also allow for aesthetically pleasing designs while optimizing the available space.

While balconies can be designed as freestanding (which is what some options suggest), this is not a requirement. The combination of columns and a wall support can lead to a more efficient and practical solution, making the first choice a valid and often considered option in architectural designs.