Architectural Glass Louvres

MP2 Thermally Broken Glass Louvre System

A large-format, end-pivoting operable glass louvre system combining thermally broken framing, insulated glazing and concealed motorised operation for commercial façades.

MP2 is available as MP2 SGI, using stepped double- or triple-glazed units to create a frameless external glass appearance, or as MP2 Framed, using standard insulated glass units within thermally broken aluminium blade holders.

The motor, gearboxes, pushrods, blade-locking mechanisms and operating components are concealed within the system framing. Removable aluminium access covers provide direct access for inspection, adjustment and maintenance.

EBSA can support the complete delivery pathway, including system selection, glass coordination, façade interfaces, actuators, control panels, installation, glazing, programming, commissioning and ongoing service.

Large-format MP2 insulated glass louvres integrated into a completed commercial façade
Large-format MP2 insulated glass louvres integrated into a completed commercial façade.
Schneider Louvres logo
System overview

Large-format insulated-glass blades with concealed operation

MP2 is intended for commercial façades where large operable glass openings, insulated glazing and a high level of architectural integration are required. Each blade is end pivoting and supported by a purpose-designed operating mechanism contained within the vertical framing.

Integrated gearboxes, pushrods and a concealed 24 V DC motor operate the blades together as a coordinated opening. Mechanical locking secures the blades when closed, supporting air and weather sealing and resistance to movement under wind pressure.

Structurally glazed appearance

Stepped insulated glass units provide a frameless external glass expression while retaining the strength and thermal separation of the concealed blade-holder system.

Integrated blade locking

Each blade incorporates mechanical locking as part of the operating system, supporting security, weather performance and resistance to project design loads.

Key characteristics

MP2 SGI system features

  • Large-format end-pivoting operable glass louvre system
  • Thermally broken aluminium framing and blade-holder system
  • Double- or triple-glazed insulated glass units
  • Stepped IGU construction for a structurally glazed external appearance
  • Heavy-duty gearboxes integrated within the vertical framing zone
  • Mechanical locking incorporated at each blade
  • 24 V DC automated operation or manual operation, subject to configuration
  • Suitable for integration with BMS, natural ventilation and smoke-control systems
  • Blade cleaning and maintenance access from the internal side
  • Anodised or powder-coated aluminium finishes
  • Continuous wider layouts available using an intermediate blind mullion
System configurations

MP2 SGI or MP2 Framed

Both MP2 configurations use the same thermally broken perimeter framing, concealed operating system and end-pivoting blade geometry. The principal difference is how the insulated glass is retained and presented externally.

MP2 SGI

MP2 SGI uses stepped insulated glass units that extend in front of the blade supports and operating frame.

Ceramic frit and structural silicone conceal the blade-retention components, producing a clean, frameless external glass appearance.

  • Stepped DGU or TGU glazing
  • Frameless external appearance
  • Concealed blade supports
  • Continuous architectural glass expression
  • Double- or triple-glazed configurations

MP2 Framed

MP2 Framed uses standard insulated glass units retained within thermally broken aluminium blade holders.

It provides a clearly expressed framed-blade appearance while retaining the MP2 perimeter framing, concealed operating mechanisms and integrated blade locking.

  • Standard DGU or TGU glazing
  • Thermally broken framed blade holders
  • Defined horizontal blade framing
  • Double- or triple-glazed configurations
  • Compatible with coordinated façade framing

MP2 SGI is normally selected where a structurally glazed external appearance is important. MP2 Framed is suited to projects where expressed blade framing or standard insulated glass units are preferred.

Testing to New Zealand standards

Full-size MP2 configurations tested by ift Rosenheim

Two full-size MP2 configurations have been tested by ift Rosenheim in Germany to NZS 4211:2008, Specification for performance of windows, incorporating Amendment 1:2014. The testing used the procedures in AS/NZS 4420.1:2016, Windows, external glazed, timber and composite doors — Methods of test — Part 1: Test sequence, sampling and test methods.

ift Rosenheim is an internationally accredited testing and certification institute specialising in windows, façades, doors, glass and related building-envelope systems.

1500 mm wide × 3800 mm high

A tall single-span MP2 SGI configuration representative of full-height commercial façade applications.

2800 mm wide × 2800 mm high

A wide MP2 SGI configuration developed to assess a larger-format façade arrangement.

Project-specific performance is reviewed against the proposed dimensions, glass makeup, support arrangement and design pressures.

Testing by ift Rosenheim provides independent evidence for the two full-size configurations. EBSA reviews each proposed MP2 arrangement against the applicable report, glass design, support conditions and project design pressures.

Established performance evidence

High-performance operable façade technology

MP2 systems have also undergone project-specific testing in Australia for water penetration, air infiltration, structural loading and cyclonic debris impact. These results provide additional technical evidence for the applicable tested arrangements.

Performance area Available MP2 evidence
Water penetration Project-specific testing completed up to 1000 Pa for the applicable tested configuration.
Air infiltration Available project testing recorded zero air leakage at the AS 2047 benchmark pressure of 75 Pa for the tested arrangement.
Ultimate strength Testing exceeded the rig capacity, with certification recorded at +11 kPa and −10.3 kPa for the applicable specimen without product failure.
Cyclonic debris impact Testing completed for debris types A and B for the relevant project configuration.

Performance values apply to the tested specimen and configuration. EBSA confirms the relevance of available evidence during project selection and technical review.

Technical configuration

Project-configured glazing, framing and operation

MP2 is configured for the individual façade. Final dimensions, glazing, blade arrangement, design pressures, supporting structure, motor system and controls are coordinated before manufacture.

System element MP2 configuration Project coordination
Perimeter frame Nominal 144 × 50 mm thermally broken aluminium framing. Head, sill, jambs, mullions, supports and fixings are coordinated with the surrounding façade system.
MP2 SGI glazing Project-selected stepped double- or triple-glazed insulated glass units. Glass thickness, step, frit, silicone bite, edge construction and coatings are coordinated with the approved glass supplier.
MP2 Framed glazing Project-selected standard double- or triple-glazed insulated glass units. Glass makeup is selected against the blade holder, glass weight, dimensions, safety requirements and thermal design.
Blade height Typically approximately 280–500 mm. Selected against appearance, glass weight, ventilation area, structural performance and operating loads.
Single-bay width Typically approximately 650–1500 mm. Final width depends on glazing, design pressures, blade height, framing, supports and relevant test evidence.
Wider arrangements Multiple operating bays using a blind intermediate mullion behind the glass line. The mullion supports adjoining bays while maintaining a coordinated external glass composition.
Opening arrangement End pivot with opening angles up to approximately 70 degrees. Final opening angle depends on glass geometry, free-area requirements, operating loads and available clearances.
Electric operation Concealed 24 V DC motor connected to integrated gearboxes and the coordinated blade-operating mechanism. Electric operation is the normal configuration for natural ventilation, mixed-mode ventilation and smoke-control applications.
Manual operation Available only for selected configurations following technical review. Suitability is confirmed against the proposed size, blade weight and arrangement.
Finish Anodised or powder-coated aluminium profiles. Selected to coordinate with the surrounding curtain wall, glazing or façade finish.
Weather sealing and access

Continuous seals with maintainable concealed mechanisms

MP2 uses continuous perimeter seals at the head, sill and jambs together with horizontal seals between adjoining glass blades. The glazing and aluminium framing operate as one coordinated weather-sealed assembly.

Removable aluminium access covers provide direct access to the concealed motor, gearboxes, pushrods, locking components and adjustment points without dismantling the surrounding façade.

Thermal design

Insulated glazing for conditioned façades

MP2 SGI combines thermally broken framing with double- or triple-glazed insulated glass blades. The final thermal performance depends on the glass makeup, spacer, coatings, gas fill, blade dimensions, frame configuration and complete façade arrangement.

Where MP2 SGI forms part of a conditioned thermal envelope, the selected configuration should be included in the project’s H1 assessment and coordinated with the wider curtain-wall or window-system design.

Architectural applications

Large-format insulated-glass louvres in completed façades

MP2 can be integrated into curtain walling, punched window openings and larger operable-façade zones. The images below show the scale, glass expression and architectural character of the system across completed commercial projects.

MP2 insulated glass louvres within a completed commercial façade
Large-format insulated-glass louvres coordinated with the surrounding façade.
Close architectural view of MP2 operable glass louvres
End-pivoting insulated-glass blades with a clean external glass expression.
MP2 glass louvres used in a completed education building façade
MP2 louvres incorporated into a completed education building façade.
MP2 large-format glass louvres in a commercial building
Large-format operable glazing within a commercial façade.
Auckland Airport Domestic Processor

MP2 SGI louvres integrated into a smoke-control system

EBSA supplied MP2 SGI structurally glazed double-glazed louvres for installation by Thermosash at Auckland Airport Domestic Processor as part of the project smoke-control system.

EBSA also designed, built, installed and programmed the CPS-M control panels and coordinated the louvres, actuators and project interfaces with the architect, engineers and wider delivery team.

The project demonstrates how MP2 SGI can combine insulated glazing, a clean external glass expression and coordinated smoke-control automation within a major commercial façade.

MP2 SGI smoke-control louvres under construction at Auckland Airport Domestic Processor
Auckland Airport Domestic Processor during construction — MP2 SGI louvres integrated with the project smoke-control system.
Automation and integration

Integrate MP2 with the building-control strategy

MP2 can be automated for daily natural ventilation, purge ventilation, BMS-controlled façade operation and project-specific smoke-control functions. Depending on the wider design, the louvres may provide pressure relief, low-level make-up air or natural smoke exhaust.

EBSA can select and coordinate the actuators, control panels, switches, sensors, weather inputs, fire-alarm interfaces, BMS interfaces, programming and commissioning.

Project delivery

From louvre supply to a complete operable-façade package

EBSA can be engaged for product supply, supported façade delivery, defined installation scope or a complete turnkey MP2 SGI package.

Delivery pathway Typical EBSA role
Product supply MP2 system components, project-specific schedules and technical coordination information.
Supported façade delivery Coordination with the façade contractor, aluminium joiner or glazier on openings, framing, stepped IGUs, supports and installation requirements.
Supply and installation System supply, louvre installation and glazing using EBSA-supplied glass or glass supplied through the project glazing package.
Turnkey package Louvre design coordination, supply, glazing, automation, controls, field cabling where included, programming, commissioning and handover.
German operable-louvre technology

Schneider Louvres technology supplied and supported by EBSA

MP2 is manufactured in Germany by Schneider Louvres. EBSA provides system selection, technical coordination, supply, automation, installation options, programming, commissioning and ongoing support for MP2 SGI and MP2 Framed systems.

Schneider Louvres logo

MP2 thermally broken operable glass louvre systems supplied and supported by EBSA.

Compare the range

MP2 SGI, LF550 or BT90?

System Glazing and operation Typical selection reason
MP2 SGI Thermally broken, end-pivoting double- or triple-glazed blades with a structurally glazed external appearance. Insulated glazing combined with a clean external glass expression.
LF550 Large-format single-glazed, end-pivoting blades. Broad blade formats and a clean glazed appearance where insulated glazing is not required.
BT90 Thermally broken, centre-pivoting framed double- or triple-glazed blades. Insulated glazing within a clearly framed, thermally separated louvre system.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MP2 louvre system?

MP2 is a large-format thermally broken operable glass louvre system using end-pivoting double- or triple-glazed insulated glass blades. Stepped IGUs conceal the blade framing from the external face.

What MP2 SGI sizes have been tested to New Zealand standards?

ift Rosenheim has tested full-size MP2 SGI configurations measuring 1500 mm wide × 3800 mm high and 2800 mm wide × 2800 mm high to NZS 4211:2008 using the applicable test procedures in AS/NZS 4420.1:2016.

Is MP2 SGI thermally broken?

Yes. MP2 SGI uses thermally broken framing and insulated glass units. The complete thermal performance depends on the selected glass, frame configuration, blade dimensions and wider façade design.

Can MP2 use triple glazing?

Yes. MP2 can be configured with double- or triple-glazed stepped insulated glass units, subject to project-specific glass and system design.

Can MP2 form part of a smoke-control system?

Yes. MP2 SGI can provide pressure relief, make-up air or natural smoke exhaust where the louvres, actuators, controls and interfaces are selected and coordinated as part of the project-specific fire and mechanical design.

Can the façade contractor supply the MP2 SGI glass?

Yes. Glass can be supplied through the wider façade glazing package or included within EBSA’s scope. EBSA coordinates the stepped IGU geometry, glass makeup, coatings, tolerances and installation sequence.

Can EBSA provide a complete MP2 package?

Yes. EBSA can provide system selection, technical coordination, louvre supply, glass coordination, installation, glazing, automation, control panels, field cabling where included, programming, commissioning and handover.

When should MP2 be considered during design?

MP2 should be considered during façade design development so the louvre dimensions, stepped IGUs, structure, perimeter interfaces, actuators, controls, access and procurement programme can be coordinated before manufacture.

Discuss an MP2 glass louvre project

Contact EBSA to review the proposed opening size, glass, façade interfaces, design pressures, automation, testing evidence and project delivery requirements.

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