"louvres"

Finishes: Interpon D2525 YW206F and YW207F Parts coated: Curtain walling roof panels, louvres Architect: HOK Applicator: Argonaut

A throwback to One Angel Square today; a striking office building in Northampton and winner of the RIBA East Midlands Award in 2018. The vertical copper fins on the façade were chosen to prevent overheating whilst contributing to the stunning aesthetics. Renson’s high airflow 481 louvres were supplied with motorised dampers which could be controlled via the building management system (BMS) and helped to regulate the airflow. In addition to this, our continuous louvre system, Linius was required, with the highly technical L.066V blade being chosen for its significant weather protection (Class A up to 1m/s).

Finish: Interpon D2525 Bespoke Terracotta and Interpon D2525 RAL 1035 Metallic YW276I Parts coated: horizontal fins, louvres Architect: CPMG Fabricator: Levolux

OverviewA sheltered housing accommodation owned by Bournemouth Borough Council were in need of a new smoke ventilation systemProject BackgroundSix blocks of sheltered housing accommodation owned by Bournemouth Borough Council were in need of a smoke ventilation system. The project was carried out to replace older ventilators that were proving unreliable and did not meet current requirements for energy performance.Project SolutionPowrmatic Krystalite louvres were selected from a shortlist following a tender exercise by Bournemouth Borough Council, and installed by Dorset Electrical and Fire Alarms (DEFA). They are located at the ends of corridors and stairwells, providing natural daylight and ventilation to common areas, with automatic smoke and heat ventilation in the event of a fire.Each ventilator is equipped with a manual switch for residents, as well as rain and wind sensors, to automatically close the louvres in bad weather. In addition, the warden has a manual override function to close the louvres at night, safeguarded by an anti-finger trap facility.Project ResultKrystalite ventilators feature high levels of thermal insulation, combined with a polyamide thermal break to minimise energy losses. Consequently, Bournemouth Borough Council will benefit from improved energy efficiency while ensuring the safety and comfort of its residents.

The Grade I Listed St Andrew’s Church in Much Hadham, a village in Hertfordshire dating back to Saxon times has recently restored its historic bells. Part of the repair was to develop the dilapidated sound insulation and thermal retention to the louvres in the church tower.

The IQL in the International Quarter (TIQ) is London’s most dynamic and innovative business neighbourhood. A destination where people and organisations come together to encourage creativity, promote curiosity and embrace change for good. The TIQ area covers fully occupied buildings and have glazed-in DucoWall 20V louvres installed, combining intensive ventilation with an aesthetically pleasing design.

OverviewMechanical Smoke ventilation system designed and installed by Dyers Environmental Controls Ltd at Droylsden Marina.Project BackgroundThe Wharf, set alongside Droylsden Marina offers a collection of modern 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments which required a mechanical smoke ventilation system. Dyer Environmental Controls Ltd supplied and installed a mechanical smoke ventilation solution in a Watkin Jones Homes development. The fully automatic EN certified system allows safe escape for residents and clear access for firefighters.Project SolutionDyer Environmental Controls Ltd supplied and installed a mechanical smoke ventilation solution in a Watkin Jones Homes development. The apartment block has 6 levels connected by a central staircase. Dyers installed EN certified dampers to each floor along with local smoke detection. The fans were placed within the smoke shaft with a Powrmatic N-SHEV Roof Opensky louvred ventilator situated above them, providing weather protection. A control panel operates the duty and standby fans. Two AOV smoke dome vents are in place to provide smoke clearance, one located on level 6 and the other on the central staircase.Project ResultThe Powrmatic open sky louvre is situated above the smoke extract fans, providing weather protection. If smoke is detected in the building the system will open the corridor AOV, smoke shaft damper, head of stair vent and open sky louvre. The duty fan will run to extract any smoke located in the corridor. In the event of a power failure the standby fan will engage. Dyer’s fully automatic system allows safe escape for residents and clear access for firefighters.

One of the main aims of the project was to future proof and increase the functionality of the building, with high sustainability standards including onPatient comfort was understandably a key part of the design, Contrasol installed the DucoSun Cubic 300 louvres to provide the solar shading required to achieve a comfortable internal environment. The added benefit of the projecting system is that it allows clear views of the surrounding grounds and across the Firth of Forth.

Louvidor doors and panels are the essential solution where security is critical and airflow essential. Strongdor’s high quality, fully louvred panels and doors are designed to protect and ventilate without compromising either function.With the same level of performance and high standards of quality and service which Strongdor has now set as the industry benchmark, these products allow 50% airflow through any given panel size.

OverviewKEA Dublin is a 2787m² shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project BackgroundIKEA Dublin is 30,000 square-foot shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied 73 Roof Opensky smoke ventilators to the new IKEA store in Dublin. Specified and installed by Air Design Systems Ltd, the installation is providing full smoke ventilation to five separate areas within the store.The second area is the show room and café which were naturally ventilated by louvred ventilators and split into zones using a fixed smoke curtain. A similar approach was taken with the self-serve warehouse and checkout area, which was also naturally ventilated using louvred ventilators and fixed smoke curtains. Polycarbonate blades are used on the louvred ventilators to allow natural light to enter the spaces. Additionally, the escape staircases were ventilated using louvred ventilators at the head of the stairs and a local control panel with an emergency break glass.Project Result“We were involved from the very early in the design stages of the project, using our knowledge and experience of installations within other IKEA stores and warehouses to engineer a suitable, cost-effective solution,” recalled  Air Design Systems Ltd Director Alan Clare.“Within these works we have had to include for three separate main control panels, all electrical wiring run in fire-protected cable, local control panels with emergency break glasses and a mimic control panel linking all smoke ventilation zones. We also provided rain sensors, roof access hatches, and head of lift shaft cowls,” he added.Due to the success of the project, there was a requirement within a year of opening to extend the warehouse area. Air Design Systems Ltd was awarded the sub-contract to extend the system into the new space and link back to the existing control system. In total, a further 14 Powrmatic ventilators were installed in the warehouse roof & walls and at the head of the two additional emergency staircases.Powrmatic’s Roof Opensky ventilators are attractive, low-profile units that have been specifically designed for both smoke and heat exhaust and natural ventilation applications. The Opensky can be roof or wall mounted for exhaust or inlet and can be supplied with a hinged base for use as an access hatch. They are tested for use as smoke ventilators to BS EN 12101-2.

Distributed by Britton Timbers, Accoya was selected for the louvres/external screening on the North Apartments, Blackwood street in Melbourne. Accoya was chosen due to its durability, stability and FSC certification. The 40 x 40 mm were coated using Woca external tinted Primer and an additional coating of Woca external Walnut oil. The louvers were then fixed from behind onto powder coated black material frames.

There was a requirement to cut down directly incident sunlight, the idea came up to work with DucoSun Wing in front of the façade. These large, wing-shaped louvre blades were made of a black perforated sheet that was made in special non-standard sizes for this project. This system therefore works as solar shading on the one hand as well as fulfilling an architectural function on the other, which is a defining factor in the architectural appearance of the office building.

49ers Enterprises Ltd, the corporate venture capital arm of The San Francisco 49ers focused on sport, has acquired full ownership of Leeds United Football Club with a commitment to bring fresh leadership, management and investment.Recent improvements at the Club have included a steel louvred fence.Lang+Fulton supplied an Italia-100 steel louvred fence to screen the parking area for coaches at the Club. Italia-100 provides a high level of security with anti-climb properties and 100% visual screening. The fencing stretches to 111 linear metres behind the West stand of the stadium.Each RHS post was double-holed to allow for the installation to be stepped along the entire length of the fence run to accommodate the gently rising ground. Access for the coaches was provided through an extra wide 7450mm double leaf gate.The specification for the fencing and gates was for a height of 2500mm. This was achieved by seamlessly stacking an extension panel on top of the standard 1975mm panel with a flat bar frame on either side.The panels posts and gates were hot-dip galvanized and polyester powder coated Grey (RAL7016) for a durable, long lasting finish.

The Admiral Quay development comprises of eight high-rise residential blocks offering exceptional views from a prime location. The development contains 520 apartments and restaurant units with associated car parking for 474 cars.An interesting project which combines external steel entry doors, louvre doors and car park access, Admiral’s Quay is an excellent example of the range and breadth of steel door types offered by Strongdor.

VELUX Commercial won the tender to deliver the 45.6m x 4.3m structural barrel vault rooflight system, with integrated ventilation, planned for the central gallery. The use of a diffused polycarbonate solution also minimises glare on sunny days. A vertical frame was designed to incorporate ventilation.The rectangular aluminium structure sits beneath the rooflight - accomodating 23 EN 12101 certified centre pivot louvres for both smoke and comfort ventilation.

Data centres and server halls present unique challenges that demand a distinct approach to architectural design and infrastructure. These facilities require a delicate balance: efficient ventilation to combat heat accumulation while ensuring robust protection against intrusion and unauthorized access.Challenges faced by Data CentresHeat AccumulationThe relentless heat generated within data centres necessitates effective ventilation systems to manage and disperse this thermal load efficiently.Security and PrivacySimultaneously, the need to shield sensitive information from prying eyes and potential intruders underscores the crucial requirement for stringent security measures without compromising on airflow or functionality. Solutions to Address Data Centre Challenges 1. Natural and Intensive Ventilation To meet the specific needs of each data centre project, our range of ventilation solutions is tailored to ensure optimal airflow. By combining DUCO ventilation products, such as weather-resistant screening and louvres (DucoWall), Nightcooling (NightVent), dampers (DucoGrille Close), transfer grilles, roof turrets for discreet air vent concealment, and sound-absorbing, self-regulating window ventilation, we create bespoke high airflow systems suited to your project's requirements.Explore our high-performance products2. Acoustic Noise ControlNoise pollution management is paramount in data centres. Our DucoWall acoustic louvre walls and sound-absorbing window vents are specifically designed to minimize sound while maximizing airflow to equipment. The louvre blades are filled with non-flammable mineral wool, ensuring effective noise control.Discover our noise control solutions3. High Security LevelEnhancing security and reducing the visibility of machinery is critical. Our DUCO louvre wall screening and structural solar shading act as visible screens, maintaining natural airflow while deterring intruders. The DucoDoor seamlessly integrates with the louvred walls or screening, providing access to server halls and technical areas without drawing attention. Our patented intrusion-resistant solution increases security while shielding open plant equipment from view.Explore our security solutions4. Architectural Solar ShadingPreventing heat penetration through windows or entrances is vital in data centres. Our solar shading solutions reduce heat ingress, minimizing the need for excessive ventilation to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.Find out more about our shading solutionsResults and Impact Implementing these tailored solutions across diverse data centre projects has brought remarkable outcomes:Optimized EfficiencyBespoke ventilation systems have significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining precise airflow control, ensuring an efficient data centre environment.Enhanced PerformanceAcoustic noise control measures have fostered a quieter and more productive workspace, maximizing equipment performance and staff focus.Improved SecurityIntegrated high-security solutions have fortified data centres against intrusions while maintaining essential airflow and functionality.Sustainability AdvancementsArchitectural solar shading has contributed to sustainability goals by minimizing heat ingress, reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems. These solutions collectively exemplify our commitment to revolutionizing data centre ventilation and solar shading solutions, ensuring optimal performance, security, and sustainability.

We supplied and installed vertical fins, brise soleil light shelves and louvred rooftop plant screens on Arco’s new five-storey office building – as well as fins and an expanded mesh façade to the 350-space car park.“The overall look of the new development is modern and bold, and has already received many positive comments about its ‘iconic’ appearance,” said Arco’s Estates & Facilities Project Leader, Steve Owen.

This multi-million-pound training facility at CPFC’s new-look academy includes a full-size indoor 3G training pitch.A state-of-the-art indoor training facility that will allow the football players to train in all weather conditions. GDL were approached to help with the ventilation requirements for the space. Six large rectangular recessed louvres were manufactured and installed to meet the demands of extracting the air from the indoor space generated by eight large fans each with a duty of 12900 m³/hr. 

This external solar shading system with aluminium sliding panels in front of the glazing means the sun's rays do not get a chance to heat up the interior directly. DucoSlide also ensures maximum privacy by screening off the glazed areas, while maintaining the view outside. DucoSlide also adds value to the façade of the building from an aesthetic point of view. The slim and robust frame profile, light weight, fine louvre blades and aluminium colour of the panels, perfectly complements the colour of the building.

Sertus supplied mechanical smoke ventilation products to this modern project.Project Name: Jaguar Land RoverLocation: LondonSector: CommercialClient: Jaguar Land RoverInitial BriefSertus were approached to provide a mechanical smoke ventilation products for a firefighters' core which was required due to the large floor space of the showroom.OutcomeSertus supplied Shaft Louvre Dampers and a Roof Mechanical Pod for this project. Take a look at the photos above, and you can find the products here.

The elliptical louvre blades on the DucoSun Ellips 150 that are incorporated in the construction as a terrace cover, fulfil both a functional and an aesthetic role. "This type of solar shading system with its elegantly shaped blades, minimalist fixings, simple fitting system and the way that the shade tapers at off at the end with the inclination angle of the blades, fits seamlessly into Livingstone's architectural concept", states Archi 2000. "In addition the light grey of the DucoSun Ellips 150 reflects the light perfectly so that the blades blend in beautifully with the sky."

Crossrail’s new station at Abbey Wood has been built over the railway tracks where the Elizabeth line terminates. From above, the building is shaped like a manta ray, its ‘wings’ extending into canopies sheltering staircases either side which swoop down to platform level below.Stretto-22 Soffit PanelsThe soffit panels for the staircases and elevated walkways were made from Stretto-22 pressure-locked grating, customised to a bespoke 66x22mm aperture to provide an enhanced level of visual screening. Each panel was exactly contoured to match the demanding serpentine shape of the footbridge canopies.Torino-22 Barrier FencingBarrier fencing was made for the platforms from Torino fence panels which were customised and engineered with a heavy intermediate framing bar at the loading point to comply with Network Rail’s specified requirement.DeltaBox-70 Louvred ScreeningStorage areas beneath the stairs were secured with DeltaBox-70 louvred screening panels.Torino-11 and Stretto-11 Protective Screens Lang+Fulton also supplied a Torino-11 screen to protect the overhead lines and track from the threat of thrown objects.An alternative access to the station was enclosed with a Stretto-11 anti-projectile screen.

While the residents were still occupying the building, Sertus manufactured bespoke smoke ventilation products for this project.Project Name: Sudbury HouseLocation: WandsworthSector: ResidentialClient: Richmond & Wandsworth Borough CouncilInitial brief:Sertus worked with the local council to provide Façade Louvre Blade smoke ventilation products for Sudbury Tower in London. Take a look at this product here.Outcome:The manufacture, packaging and delivery of Sertus products ran smoothly, delivering total peace of mind for client, contractor and residents alike.

Sertus provided mechanical smoke ventilation products during the later stages of this project.Project Name: Moxy HotelLocation: BirminghamSector: CommercialClient: Vastint UK BVInitial Brief:Sertus were asked to manufacture many different products for this project: Roof Mechanical Pod, Shaft Louvre Dampers and Roof Single Leaf smoke vents. Have a look at them here.Outcome:Throughout the project, continual communication and flexible thinking meant that we could complete the request of products ahead of a tight schedule.

Sertus were commissioned to provide a roof mechanical pod, along with Shaft Louvre Dampers on this project.Project Name: LIV Student AccommodationLocation: SheffieldSector: Student AccommodationClient: Valeo ManagementInitial Brief:Sertus were approached to work closely with key stakeholders on the project and deliver smoke ventilation products that answered all the technical specifications.Outcome:Sertus products were fully commissioned in May 2020, providing the corridors with both environmental and smoke ventilation ready for the fresh intake of students.

In the development of the fenestration and curtain wall systems for Great Marlborough Street Reynaers worked closely with envelope contractors Baris Facades in order to develop no fewer than 6 bespoke cap profiles. One ensured that the insulated aluminium panels, which are a feature of the building, glazed flush with the curtain wall cap profiles. Another feature of Students Castle is the distinctive protruding box detail around the windows of the towers headed by aluminium louvre panels accommodated by bespoke capping. Further bespoke elements facilitate the omission of mullions on certain window positions, as part of the distinctive design.

After extensive consultation with all involved, the design they created to achieve this involved an eye-catching arrangement of Russwood’s factory-coated Accoya cladding. Edd Rushton, the architect in charge of the project said, “Painted Accoya profiles provided a durable and cost-effective way of bringing new life to a tired 1970’s façade and creating a vibrant new public face for the school. Russwood supplied pre-coated Accoya cladding panels, as well as thicker profiles used in the louvred sun-screen, and offered specification and detailing advice throughout the project.”

A stand-alone cycle hub with two tier parking for 120 bicycles now provides high-quality, safe and secure bike storage at Dundee’s new railway station. The vison was for a structure that wasn’t a ‘box shaped’. The solution incorporated a rear section of Lang+Fulton’s Italia-80 louvred panels. The louvers were also introduced at the top and around the sides of the glazing allowing a good air flow.The panels were hot-dip galvanised and polyester powder coated to provide a smart, long-lasting finish in a location with close proximity to the sea.

Pioneer Square is a mixed use retail and leisure development in the the heart of Bicester in Oxfordshire, anchored by a Sainsbury’s superstore and including a 7-screen cinema, offices, library and hotel.As a regeneration project within the city centre, it included a 526 space car park over two levels. Lang+Fulton supplied 134 panels of Terra-34 open mesh grating to act as a security barrier over an area of 1010m2. In addition, 85 panels of Italia-100 louvres in various dimensions were supplied to cover an area of 231m2 which required visual screening.

When the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort was planned, the project included a 7-bay fire / ambulance station which featured a garden style theme to enable the buildings to harmonise with the green surrounding and the nearby Theme Park. Bolton Gate were specified to provide fourteen electric folding doors which included a special green powder coating, Lexan vision panels and faux louvres to each door. In addition, the doors had to be designed to resist typhoon loadings of up to 3Kpa, were manufactured in Bolton and shipped to Hong Kong where they were installed by the local agent Deacon.

Duco’s solar shading combines functionality with aesthetics at the Student accommodation Fallowfield in Manchester. The vertical solar shading system DucoSun Ellips was chosen for this project and supplied by Contrasol. This solar shading system, in which a blade with of 200 mm was chosen, guarantees not only maximum daylight, thanks to the optimal inclination angle and number of louvre blades. At the same time, DucoSun Ellips 200 ensures that the sun’s rays do not get a chance to heat up the Fallowfield interior spaces directly. The vertically installed solar shading system offers maximum privacy while maintaining the view outside.

Project BackgroundDesigned by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid in 2004, before London won the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the London Aquatics Centre is an indoor facility with two 50-metre (160-foot) swimming pools and a 25-metre (82-foot) diving pool. Its iconic wave-like roof sweeps up from the ground and was inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion, creating spaces and a surrounding environment in sympathy with the river landscape of the Olympic Park.Project SolutionPowrmatic Wall Opensky louvred ventilators were at the heart of the smoke and natural ventilation system at the London Aquatic centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. The ventilation systems were designed and installed by Air Design Systems Ltd.The wall mounted Opensky louvred ventilators are used to provide a high-free area at the back of the stands for heat exhaust and smoke extract. The units were double-stacked and provided with a white polyester powder-coated finish.Air Design Systems Ltd also made provision for the control system that included local control panels, electrical wiring, override switches and full commissioning and demonstration of the system.Project ResultTested for use as smoke ventilators to BS EN 12101-2, Powrmatic’s Opensky ventilators can be roof or wall mounted for exhaust or inlet and can be supplied with a hinged base for use as an access hatch. They have been specifically designed for both smoke and heat exhaust and natural ventilation applications and combine an attractive style with a discreet, low profile.

Discover the transformative impact of innovative ventilation and sun control systems tailored for commercial spaces. In the bustling landscape of Spitalfields Market, the quest for optimal indoor climate management led to a collaboration with DUCO for their groundbreaking continuous louvre wall system and architectural sun protection system.Efficiency redefined for dynamic environmentsThe installation of DucoWall Classic 45 HP continuous louvre walls at Spitalfields Market highlights the significance of intensive ventilation. Engineered to offer unparalleled efficiency, this system excels in facilitating substantial airflow while minimising resistance. It's a solution that ingeniously maximises air movement within confined spaces, ensuring a fresh and invigorating environment.Explore our continuous louvre wallsPromoting healthier indoor air qualityIn crowded commercial settings like Spitalfields Market, maintaining a healthy indoor climate becomes paramount. Tom Revitt, UK & I Sales Manager at DUCO, underscores the critical role of ventilation in such spaces:“The DucoWall Classic W 45HP continuous louvre wall stands out not only for its exceptional airflow but also for its sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. It's a seamless integration of form and function, specifically tailored for ventilation to large plant areas that demand both efficiency and visual appeal.”Revolutionising intensive ventilation with DucoGrille Classic F 45 HPAs a pioneering system tailored for intensive ventilation, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP marks a significant stride in optimal air movement solutions. Its design, specifically engineered for spaces demanding high airflow rates, ensures an unparalleled level of performance.Tony Colborn, Director Conttego building façade solution provider:"At Spitalfields market, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP is installed above glazed window lines for extraction of contaminated air and odours at food vendors. With an exceptionally low resistance factor, this system redefines efficiency by maximising airflow while minimizing energy consumption. Its installation at Spitalfields Market demonstrates its capability to create a controlled, refreshing indoor environment by efficiently purging stale air and introducing fresh air, essential for occupant comfort and well-being.”Discover our intensive ventilation gamutSymbiosis between shielding and sun protectionDucoSun Ellips emerges as an ideal solution to screen off areas, as is the case at Spitalfields Market. Tony Colborn continues: “At Spitalfields, this system is used as privacy screening to screen the park at the side of the building looking directly into the windows of the offices above the retail areas.” The integration of DucoSun Ellips underscores not just technological advancement but a meticulous balance between functionality and architectural finesse, that shields unwanted glances from outside while harmonising with the building's design ethos. But the product has a third asset. For it also ensures that large areas of glass are protected from direct sunlight, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate for everyone."Explore our architectural solar shading gamutTransforming commercial spaces with ventilation excellenceIn a landscape where ventilation and sun control solutions are paramount for comfort and well-being, DUCO's innovative products emerge as game-changers. The integration of these advanced ventilation and sun control systems at Spitalfields market underscores their ability to redefine the standards of indoor climate control, promising a refreshing, invigorating experience for both occupants and visitors alike.A testimonial of excellent functional and aesthetic valuesThe project proceeded seamlessly, culminating in the Main Contractor's satisfaction with the final outcomes. Overall, this project stands as an exemplary reference, showcasing functional and aesthetic excellence.

In close consultation the decision to use DucoSun Cubic 300, combining functionality and aesthetics, was made quickly. The unique rectangular louvre blades in DucoSun Cubic 300 not only ensure that the heat from solar radiation gets absorbed efficiently, but they also give a sleek, linear accent which definitely adds architectural value. The blades of DucoSun Cubic 300 were installed vertically in front of the glass windows. Vertical solar shading guarantees maximum privacy, while still allowing an adequate outside view at the same time. Using DucoSun Cubic 300, we were able to achieve the desired aesthetics and performance requirements.

Located in Shoreditch, the Waterson Building is a newly developed luxury residential facility. Maximising floor space, elegant glass enclosed winter gardens are accessed from both the bedroom/lounge areas of many of the properties. Successfully delineating the winter garden from the rest of the interior, a Dorma Hüppe Varitrans glass moveable wall system has been installed by sole UK distributor, Style. The Varitrans has been independently impact/pressure tested and works in tandem with externally installed louvred panels to provide free air space to residents of high-rise developments where wind and air pressure are at their strongest.

Sustainability and design were the major focus for this new £24 student accommodation project which achieved a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating. Senior’s highly thermally efficient glazing package was chosen to meet the scheme’s sustainability criteria and budget. This included thermally enhanced SPW600 windows fitted with a Louvre Guard System in bedrooms and kitchens and with smoke vents in corridors for additional safety and security. With their innovative thermal break offering exceptional thermal efficiency, PURe® Commercial Doors were installed at the security office whist PURe® SLIDE Lift & Slide doors were specified for the large communal area.