For the Love of Louvres

The benefits of using louvre windows are often overlooked but there are ways to integrate them with design in mind

27 November 2014
Architect, Director, Mentor, Tutor, Houzz Contributor, Partner and Mum, I love a design challenge and thrive on problem solving. I especially enjoy working with Clients to bring out the best in their projects.
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Louvre windows are a staple of architecture in the tropics, though often ignored in dry or cool climates. Apart from allowing air flow through 100 per cent of the opening, the ability to clean from the inside and capacity to open in gentle rain, louvre windows also offer more than your ordinary window. The other bonus; depending on the style and manufacturer, the cost of louvre windows is comparable to sashless windows, making them a worthwhile consideration for your next project.
Modern Staircase by Chan Architecture Pty Ltd
Chan Architecture Pty Ltd
Louvre internally
Have you ever considered using windows inside? Chan Architecture uses louvres in this family home, which allows a visual connection between rooms, gives the room a feeling of space and promotes continuous air flow. This application in this Brighton Residence takes smart to another level by allowing the louvres to form part of a balustrade. Just make sure this is compliant in your state before committing!
Contemporary Bathroom by Noxon Giffen
Noxon Giffen
Who needs privacy?
Many of us like privacy, which is why louvres can be frosted. However, given the opportune moment, frosted louvres can be opened to provide a feeling of space and to frame views. This Hampton Farmhouse certainly has the view to frame and offers some life to the bathroom foreground.

Read more: Renovating on a Budget: How to Get More From Your Windows for Less
Contemporary by Rebecca Naughtin Architect
Rebecca Naughtin Architect
This Clifton Hill Residence, while still in construction, showcases a facade of frosted louvres that offer privacy to a cantilevered ensuite on the first floor. Depending on how adventurous you are, open up for an outdoor shower with views to impress both you and your neighbours!
Contemporary Kitchen by CplusC Architects + Builders
CplusC Architects + Builders
Above and beyond
CplusC Architectural Workshop employs this impressive stretch of louvre windows in its design for the Queens Park kitchen, offering the clients opportunities to easily manipulate the amount of ventilation without having to constantly open and close their windows. Consider a motorised option for ease of control.
Contemporary Dining Room Contemporary Dining Room
Making patterns
Continuing patterns and themes using different materials is a strategy that gives intention to every design. Architecture studio de.arch does this beautifully in the McNae Residence. Replicating the pattern of the horizontal timber boards on the storage wall, the louvres create a theoretical band, visually tying the elevations together.
Tropical Exterior by Bark Design Architects
Bark Design Architects
Bark Design Architects from the Sunshine Coast also employ a horizontal theme between multiple external cladding materials. The juxtaposition of the different scales and materials offers articulation to what would read as a flat facade.

See more of this house
Contemporary Exterior by SMarchitecture
SMarchitecture
The architects and designers from Brisbane firm SMarchitecture use louvres in many of their projects, including the N Street Residence. Once again, the louvres complement the horizontal composition of the timber slats used externally for articulation and potentially privacy. The vertical divisions between each column of louvres have been customised to suit the break up of the facade.
Beach Style Exterior by Sam Crawford Architects
Sam Crawford Architects
Something a bit different
Consider an alternative material in lieu of glass slats in a louvre frame. Sam Crawford Architects uses timber in this beach-style residence, offering solar protection while maintaining controlled ventilation and protection from light rain. The Avalon Beach House boasts a palette of timbers which complement the idyllic Australian background. The timber slats are right at home in this project.


Your turn
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More
Want to read about how to get more from your windows? Don’t miss this story – Renovating on a Budget: How to get More From Your Windows for Less.
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Michelle Oneill
I do not have any stats except personal stories.they may make them differently now but they could quite easily be removed in the past.and if they smashed one or two they could easily enter as like a dog door which like a window can not happen. They did try metal ones but they were unattractive
   
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bristow55
I have many louvre windows in my living area, which has two completely glass walls. The disadvantage is that the louvres I have are old and allow considerable draught in during the winter. I am not sure what to do about this except replace them. I guess louvres when new seal more completely.
   
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Connie
we are renovatin g, and wanted to put louvres in our upstairs bedroom...but the cost was stoo prohibitive. over $2000 for one window (1400 w x 900H). as a slider, the same window cost us $490.
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