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
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.