Architectural appearance
Large frameless glass blades and concealed operating components create a clean façade appearance when the louvres are closed and a distinctive open-blade form when operating.
Architectural Glass Louvres
LF550 Large-Format Glass Louvre System
A large-format, end-pivoting single-glazed louvre system for natural ventilation, smoke-control openings and highly transparent operable façades.
LF550 combines broad glass blades with a compact 150 mm × 50 mm vertical frame profile and an operating mechanism integrated behind the glass line. When closed, the system presents a clean, predominantly glazed external appearance.
The system is designed for commercial façades requiring larger blade formats, coordinated automation and project-specific structural, glazing and weather-performance review.
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 glass blades with end-pivoting operation
LF550 is a single-glazed operable louvre system developed for large blade formats and wide façade openings. The glass pivots from the blade ends and sits forward of the vertical framing, helping maintain a continuous glazed expression across the façade.
The blades operate together through a coordinated drive and linkage arrangement integrated within the vertical frame zone. Depending on the project configuration, LF550 can be electrically operated as part of an automated ventilation or smoke-control system, or configured for manual operation.
Access to the actuator, transmission components and adjustment points is coordinated through the vertical framing so the operating system can be inspected, adjusted and maintained without disturbing the wider façade.
Project-specific configuration
Blade height, glass makeup, louvre width, overall height, intermediate supports, actuator arrangement and controls are selected to suit the project geometry, design pressures and operating function.
LF550 system features
- Large-format single-glazed operable glass louvre system
- End-pivoting blade operation
- 150 mm × 50 mm vertical frame profile
- Operating mechanism integrated within the vertical framing zone
- Glass positioned forward of the framing for a continuous glazed appearance
- Point-fixed glass using project-specific patch fittings
- Blade opening angle configurable up to approximately 80 degrees
- 24 V DC automated operation or manual operation, subject to configuration
- Available with head, sill and perimeter-seal arrangements
- Anodised or powder-coated aluminium finishes
- Suitable for integration with natural ventilation and smoke-control systems
Full-size LF550 configurations tested by ift Rosenheim
Two full-size LF550 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 configuration representative of full-height commercial façade applications, tested by ift Rosenheim to NZS 4211:2008 using the applicable AS/NZS 4420.1:2016 procedures.
2800 mm wide × 2800 mm high
A wide configuration developed to assess a larger-format façade arrangement, tested by ift Rosenheim to NZS 4211:2008 using the applicable AS/NZS 4420.1:2016 procedures.
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 LF550 arrangement against the applicable report, glass design, support conditions and project design pressures.
Established LF550 façade performance
LF550 has previously been tested in Australia in single-span configurations up to 1973 mm wide. Available test information includes resistance to water penetration, air infiltration, structural loading, impact and barrier-load performance for the tested arrangements.
| Performance area | Available LF550 evidence |
|---|---|
| Water penetration | Tested up to 700 Pa for the applicable tested configuration. |
| Air infiltration | Available results include 0.34 L/s·m² positive and 0.53 L/s·m² negative for the tested configuration. |
| Ultimate strength | Testing completed up to 7000 Pa for the applicable specimen. |
| Impact | Impact testing completed to AS/NZS 2208 Appendix D for the tested glass and system arrangement. |
| Barrier loading | Barrier-load assessment available for the tested arrangement and nominated occupancy categories. |
Performance values apply to the tested specimen and configuration. EBSA confirms the relevance of available evidence during project selection and technical review.
Project-configured glazing, framing and operation
LF550 is configured for the individual façade. Final dimensions, glazing, blade arrangement, design pressures, supporting structure, operating system and controls are coordinated before manufacture.
| System element | Typical LF550 configuration | Project coordination |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical frame | Nominal 150 × 50 mm aluminium vertical framing. | Head, sill, jambs, intermediate supports and fixings are coordinated with the surrounding façade system. |
| Glazing | Single glazing using monolithic or laminated safety glass selected for the project. | Glass thickness, heat treatment, lamination, edgework, holes, patch fittings and coatings are coordinated with the approved glass supplier. |
| Typical glass thickness | Approximately 11.52–21.52 mm, subject to glass design and system configuration. | Selected against blade dimensions, wind load, impact, barrier and safety requirements. |
| Blade height | Typically approximately 300–550 mm. | Selected against appearance, ventilation area, glass weight, structural performance and operating loads. |
| Single-bay width | Selected against glass makeup, wind load, blade height, support arrangement and applicable test evidence. | Project width is reviewed against the relevant test report, glass design and supporting structure. |
| Wider arrangements | Multiple operating bays can be combined using an intermediate blind or concealed 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 80 degrees. | Final opening angle depends on glass geometry, free-area requirements, operating loads and available clearances. |
| Electric operation | 24 V DC actuator connected to the coordinated drive and linkage system. | Actuator selection is based on louvre size, blade count, operating loads, control strategy and smoke-control or ventilation function. |
| Manual operation | Available for selected configurations following technical review. | Suitability is confirmed against the proposed size, blade weight, frequency of use and access requirements. |
| Finish | Anodised or powder-coated aluminium profiles. | Selected to coordinate with the surrounding curtain wall, glazing or façade finish. |
Glass may be supplied through the wider façade glazing package or included within EBSA’s scope. EBSA coordinates the blade dimensions, thickness, edge treatment, hole and patch-fitting requirements, tolerances and installation sequence with the nominated glass supplier and façade team.
Coordinated seals with maintainable operating components
LF550 uses coordinated seals at the head, sill and jambs together with blade-to-blade sealing within the closed louvre assembly. The glass, framing, perimeter interfaces and operating geometry are reviewed together as part of the façade design.
The actuator, drive components and adjustment points are accessed through the vertical framing zone. This allows inspection, adjustment and maintenance of the operating system without dismantling the surrounding façade.
Weather-performance values apply to the relevant tested specimen and configuration. EBSA reviews each proposed arrangement against the available test evidence, glass design, support conditions and project design pressures.
Integrate LF550 with the building-control strategy
LF550 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.
Commercial Bay
Large-format operable glazing in a major Auckland façade
At Commercial Bay, EBSA supplied, installed and glazed the LF550 operable glass louvre system using glass blades supplied through the project glazing package.
EBSA also delivered the automation controls, programming, touchscreen design and configuration, and final commissioning. The project demonstrates how LF550 can be integrated as a complete operable-façade and control package.
LF550 façade applications
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 LF550 package.
| Delivery pathway | Typical EBSA role |
|---|---|
| Product supply | LF550 system components, project-specific schedules and technical coordination information. |
| Supported façade delivery | Coordination with the façade contractor, aluminium joiner or glazier on openings, framing, glass, 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
LF550 is manufactured in Germany by Schneider Louvres. EBSA provides system selection, technical coordination, supply, automation, installation options, programming, commissioning and ongoing support for the system.
LF550 large-format operable glass louvre systems supplied and supported by EBSA.
LF550, MP2 SGI or BT90?
| System | Glazing and operation | Typical selection reason |
|---|---|---|
| LF550 | Large-format point-fixed single-glazed, end-pivoting blades. | A lighter, highly transparent louvre construction where insulated glazing and thermal separation are not required. |
| MP2 SGI | Thermally broken, end-pivoting double- or triple-glazed blades using framed or structurally glazed insulated-glass configurations. | Insulated glazing, concealed operating components and a more thermally developed façade solution. |
| 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 LF550 louvre system?
LF550 is a large-format single-glazed operable glass louvre system using point-fixed, end-pivoting glass blades. The glass sits forward of the vertical framing to create a clean, predominantly glazed external appearance.
What LF550 sizes have been tested to New Zealand standards?
ift Rosenheim has tested full-size LF550 configurations measuring 1500 mm wide × 3800 mm high and 2800 mm wide × 2800 mm high to NZS 4211:2008, Specification for performance of windows, using the applicable test procedures in AS/NZS 4420.1:2016.
How is the LF550 operating system accessed for maintenance?
The actuator, drive components and adjustment points are accessed through the vertical framing zone, allowing inspection, adjustment and maintenance without dismantling the surrounding façade.
Can LF550 use laminated glass?
Yes. LF550 can be configured with monolithic or laminated safety glass. The final glass makeup is selected against blade dimensions, wind load, impact requirements, barrier requirements and the project glazing design.
Can LF550 form part of a smoke-control system?
Yes. LF550 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.
Is LF550 suitable for a conditioned thermal envelope?
LF550 is a single-glazed system. Where insulated glazing and improved thermal separation are required, MP2 SGI or BT90 may be more suitable. The selected louvre configuration should be included in the project’s H1 assessment.
Can the façade contractor supply the LF550 glass?
Yes. Glass can be supplied through the wider façade glazing package or included within EBSA’s scope. EBSA coordinates the required dimensions, glass makeup, edge treatment, fittings, tolerances and installation sequence.
Can EBSA provide a complete LF550 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 LF550 be considered during design?
LF550 should be considered during façade design development so the louvre dimensions, glass, structure, perimeter interfaces, actuators, controls, access and procurement programme can be coordinated before manufacture.
Discuss an LF550 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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