LF550
Large-format, end-pivoting single-glazed louvre
A large-format operable louvre with end-pivoting single-glazed blades, broad clear openings and a minimal external framing expression.
Operable Façade Technology
Architectural Glass Louvre Systems
Large-format operable and fixed glass louvre systems for natural ventilation, smoke-control openings and transparent architectural weather screens.
EBSA designs, supplies, integrates and supports architectural glass louvre systems for residential, transport, civic and commercial building projects. Our role can extend from early system selection and technical coordination through to supply, installation, glazing, automation, programming, commissioning and long-term service.
The active range includes LF550, BT90 and MP2 SGI operable louvres, together with a fixed glass louvre bracket system for permanently ventilated weather screens.
These are specialist German-manufactured systems and components. Early engagement gives the project team time to confirm the louvre type, glass, supporting structure, automation, testing evidence and procurement programme before manufacture and international freight.
Choose the louvre system that suits the façade
The appropriate system depends on the architectural intent, glazing requirements, thermal design, opening function, design pressures, support conditions and whether the louvre is fixed or operable. EBSA works with architects, engineers, builders, façade contractors, aluminium joiners and glaziers to develop the right project arrangement.
BT90
Thermally broken, centre-pivoting insulated-glass louvre
A framed operable louvre with centre-pivoting double- or triple-glazed blades, providing a thermally separated pathway for projects requiring insulated glazing.
MP2 SGI
Thermally broken, end-pivoting structurally glazed louvre
A large-format operable louvre with end-pivoting double- or triple-glazed blades and a structurally glazed, frameless external appearance.
Fixed Glass Louvre Weather Screens
Overlapping fixed glass blades for permanent ventilation and weather screening
A purpose-designed bracket system that supports overlapping glass blades to form a transparent, permanently ventilated weather screen with limited protection against wind-driven rain.
| System | Blade and glazing configuration | Typical project fit |
|---|---|---|
| LF550 | Large-format frameless single-glazed blades with end-pivoting operation. | Wide spans, large blades and a minimal framed appearance. |
| BT90 | Thermally broken framed blades with centre-pivoting operation and double or triple glazing. | Projects requiring insulated glazing within a framed operable louvre system. |
| MP2 SGI | Large-format thermally broken, structurally glazed blades with end-pivoting operation and double or triple glazing. | A frameless external glass appearance combined with insulated glazing. |
| Fixed glass louvre weather screen | Overlapping fixed glass blades held in purpose-designed end and intermediate brackets, with permanent openings between the blades. | Stairwells, balconies, atriums and other areas requiring continuous airflow with limited protection against wind-driven rain. |
| Natural ventilation or smoke control | LF550, BT90 or MP2 SGI integrated with project-specific actuators, controls and interfaces. | Daily ventilation, pressure relief, make-up air or natural smoke exhaust as part of the project design. |
This table provides initial selection guidance. EBSA reviews the complete project configuration, including dimensions, glass, structural support, design pressures, controls and applicable design documentation.
Tested to NZS 4211 using AS/NZS 4420 test methods
Each EBSA operable glass louvre model has its own NZS 4211 test report. The testing authority assessed ultimate limit state (ULS) and serviceability limit state (SLS) wind loads, resistance to water penetration and air leakage using the test methods prescribed by AS/NZS 4420 for the applicable tested configurations.
Detailed specimen sizes, glass configurations and test results are provided on the individual LF550, BT90 and MP2 SGI pages. During project selection, EBSA can identify the relevant report and explain how the proposed louvre arrangement relates to the tested configuration.
NZS 4211 assessment relies on the applicable AS/NZS 4420 test methods. European EN and ISO results may provide useful supplementary product data, but they are based on different procedures and should not be treated as equivalent evidence for an NZS 4211 assessment.
For building-envelope applications, the model-specific report should be reviewed against the proposed dimensions, glass configuration, support conditions and project design pressures.
- Applicable NZS 4211 report for the proposed louvre model
- Confirmation that the test procedures followed AS/NZS 4420
- Tested dimensions, blade arrangement and glass configuration
- ULS and SLS wind-load, water-penetration and air-leakage results
- Project design pressures and supporting-frame conditions
- Permitted variations from the tested specimen
Coordinate the louvre glass with the wider façade
LF550 uses single-glazed blades. BT90 and MP2 SGI are available with double- or triple-glazed blades. Where a louvre forms part of a conditioned thermal envelope, the selected system, glass, blade dimensions and complete façade arrangement should be included in the project’s H1 assessment.
Glass supply can be arranged to suit the delivery model. In many projects, the window or façade contractor supplies the louvre glass with the wider glazing package. This can improve procurement efficiency and help maintain consistency of glass colour, coating, appearance and batch across the façade.
EBSA can also supply the glass blades as part of a complete package, or install and glaze the louvre system using glass supplied by the builder, façade contractor, aluminium joiner or glazier.
Operable louvres as part of the building-control strategy
Operable glass louvres can form part of daily natural ventilation, purge ventilation, BMS-controlled façade operation and project-specific smoke-control strategies. Depending on the design, they may provide pressure relief, low-level make-up air or natural smoke exhaust.
EBSA’s scope can include actuator and control selection, control-panel design, fire alarm and BMS interfaces, wiring requirements, touchscreen configuration, programming, commissioning and long-term service.
Fixed glass louvre systems
Permanent ventilation with a transparent weather screen
The fixed glass louvre bracket system supports overlapping glass blades to create a transparent, permanently ventilated façade screen. The blade overlap provides limited protection against wind-driven rain while the deliberate gaps maintain continuous airflow. It is a weather screen, not a sealed or watertight façade.
Typical applications include naturally ventilated stairwells, apartment balconies, atriums, transport buildings, car parks, plant areas and other spaces requiring permanent airflow with limited protection against wind-driven rain.
The bracket family includes dedicated top, middle and bottom brackets in end and intermediate configurations. The glass is clamped without drilling or machining, while the final blade thickness, height, span and support arrangement are selected for the project wind load and structural conditions.
Project bracket layouts may be prepared by the architect or façade consultant, or developed by EBSA as part of the agreed scope. EBSA can provide bracket-selection and layout guidance, with the supporting structure and its connections coordinated with the project structural or façade engineer.
Glass louvre experience across façade, transport and smoke-control projects
Commercial Bay, Auckland
EBSA supplied, installed and glazed the LF550 operable glass louvre system using glass blades supplied by Design Windows Auckland. EBSA also delivered the automation controls, programming, touchscreen design and configuration, and final commissioning.
Auckland Airport Domestic Processor
EBSA supplied MP2 SGI structurally glazed double-glazed louvres for installation by Thermosash as part of the smoke-control system. EBSA designed, built, installed and programmed the CPS-M control panels and coordinated closely with the project architects and engineers. Field cabling was completed by others, with final commissioning by EBSA.
Private residential project, Takapuna
EBSA used its fixed glass louvre bracket system to create a permanently ventilated architectural weather screen.
Remuera Road Link Bridge, Newmarket Station
EBSA supplied the fixed glass louvre brackets to Auckland Glass for installation and glazing to the architect’s design.
From product supply to a complete turnkey louvre package
EBSA can be engaged by the builder, owner, façade contractor, aluminium joiner or glazier. The delivery model can be structured around the project team’s capability, procurement strategy and preferred allocation of design, glass, installation and controls responsibilities.
| Delivery pathway | Typical EBSA role |
|---|---|
| Product supply | Supply of the selected operable louvre system or fixed louvre brackets with the relevant product and coordination information. |
| Supported façade delivery | Technical coordination with the façade contractor, aluminium joiner or glazier on system selection, layout, glass, support details and installation. |
| Supply and installation | Product supply, installation and glazing, using either EBSA-supplied glass or glass supplied through the wider project glazing package. |
| Turnkey operable-louvre package | Design coordination, louvre supply, glass coordination, installation, automation, control panels, programming, commissioning and handover. |
Plan technical coordination and procurement early
EBSA’s operable glass louvre systems and fixed bracket components are manufactured in Germany. Lead times vary with the system, project configuration, production workload and freight programme, so procurement should be established during design development.
- Confirm system selection and preliminary dimensions
- Review the applicable NZS 4211 evidence
- Coordinate glass makeup, appearance and supply responsibility
- Confirm supporting structure and perimeter interfaces
- Define automation, controls and building-system interfaces
- Complete approvals and final production information
- Allow for manufacture, international freight, customs and local delivery
- Coordinate installation access, glazing and commissioning
Early engagement gives EBSA and the wider project team the best opportunity to resolve technical interfaces and establish a realistic procurement programme.
German operable-louvre technology
Schneider Louvres systems supplied and supported by EBSA
LF550, BT90 and MP2 SGI are manufactured in Germany by Schneider Louvres. EBSA supplies and supports these systems, including system selection, technical coordination, supply, automation, installation options, programming, commissioning and ongoing service.
LF550, BT90 and MP2 SGI operable glass louvre systems supplied and supported by EBSA.
Frequently asked questions
Are EBSA operable glass louvres tested to NZS 4211?
Each LF550, BT90 and MP2 SGI model has its own NZS 4211 test report. The testing authority completed the applicable procedures in accordance with AS/NZS 4420 for the tested configurations. EBSA can provide the relevant project information during system selection.
What performance does NZS 4211 testing assess?
NZS 4211 assesses key exterior-window performance requirements, including ultimate limit state (ULS) wind loads, serviceability limit state (SLS) wind loads, resistance to water penetration and air leakage. The applicable results should be reviewed against the tested louvre model, specimen size, glass configuration, support conditions and the project design pressures.
Are European EN or ISO test reports equivalent to NZS 4211 testing?
No. European window-test methods and the AS/NZS 4420 procedures used for NZS 4211 assessment use different test conditions and are not directly interchangeable.
European results may provide useful supplementary product information, but the applicable NZS 4211 report should be used for the proposed louvre model and configuration.
Which systems are available with insulated glazing?
BT90 and MP2 SGI are available with double- or triple-glazed blades. LF550 is a single-glazed system. Where the louvre forms part of a conditioned thermal envelope, the selected configuration should be included in the project’s H1 assessment.
Can the project window or façade contractor supply the glass?
Yes. The glass may be supplied through the wider project glazing package, which can improve purchasing efficiency and help maintain consistency of colour, coating and batch across the façade. EBSA can coordinate the glass requirements and complete installation and glazing where included in its scope.
Can EBSA provide the complete louvre and automation package?
Yes. EBSA can provide anything from product supply through to a turnkey package covering design coordination, louvre supply, glass coordination, installation, glazing, automation, control panels, programming, commissioning and handover.
Can glass louvres form part of a smoke-control system?
Operable glass louvres can provide smoke relief, pressure relief, make-up air or natural smoke exhaust where they are selected and integrated as part of the project-specific fire and mechanical design. EBSA can coordinate the louvres, actuators, control panels, interfaces, programming and commissioning within its agreed scope.
Is the fixed glass louvre weather screen watertight?
No. The fixed system has deliberate openings between overlapping glass blades to provide permanent ventilation. It provides limited protection against wind-driven rain but does not create a sealed or watertight façade.
Who designs the structure supporting the fixed louvre brackets?
EBSA can assist with bracket selection, blade layout and controlled engineering guidance based on glass thickness, blade height, span and wind load. The supporting structure and its connections must be designed and verified by the project structural or façade engineer.
When should EBSA become involved?
Early design development is preferred. The louvre type, glass, structure, testing evidence, automation, controls, approvals, German manufacture and international freight all affect the programme and should be coordinated before final procurement.
Discuss an architectural glass louvre project with EBSA
Contact EBSA to discuss system selection, NZS 4211 evidence, glass and façade coordination, automation, project delivery, installation or procurement timing.
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