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
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.