Louvre (or louver)
A louvre (pronounced ‘loover’) comprises narrow, sloping slats held in a frame and typically used to cover a vertical opening such as a window or an air vent. They provide screening and can also prevent access, shade from the sun and provide protection against wind and rain.
Louvres can be made of wood, glass and metal – particularly aluminium. In a window, the louvres may form part of a shutter (usually timber) applied either inside or outside of the window opening. The latter are very common in hot countries as they can allow air to circulate yet provide a degree of solar shading. They can also afford privacy to those on the inside.
Where the slats of a louvre are adjustable, it is termed a ‘jalousie’. A jalousie may form an entire window in which case it may comprise a series of adjustable, horizontal glass slats. In the UK however, it is more common to have a narrow jalousie of three or four louvres adjustable for ventilation above a much larger fixed pane of glass.
Internal louvred wooden shutters have become popular in the UK as they can form attractive architectural elements in their own right; they may incorporate adjustable slats, give excellent screening and provide an attractive alternative to the ubiquitous net curtain. they can also act as a light shelf, reflecting sunlight deep into a building's interior.
Aluminium louvred panels are sometimes fixed externally to building facades to reduce glare to the building occupants. Freestanding louvred screens may also be used to mask unsightly areas, such refuse storage areas, mechanical plant and so on.
See also: The Louvre.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Bay window.
- BREEAM Visual comfort Glare control.
- Curtain wall systems.
- Custom made blinds for French, sliding and front doors.
- Daylight lighting systems.
- Fixtures in buildings.
- Furnishings.
- Furniture.
- Louvre specifications.
- Rainscreen.
- Shutter.
- Solar shading.
- The Louvre.
- Types of window.
- Weather louvres can combat and complement the effects of climate change.
- Window.
Featured articles and news
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.