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 large blade formats,
high transparency, coordinated automation and proven structural and weather performance.
EBSA can support the complete delivery pathway, including system selection,
glass coordination, façade interfaces, actuators, control panels, installation,
glazing, programming, commissioning and ongoing service.
LF550 operable glass louvres at Commercial Bay, Auckland.
System overview
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. Automated 24 V DC operation is the
primary configuration for natural ventilation, BMS-controlled façade operation
and smoke-control applications.
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.
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.
Engineered for the façade
Blade height, glass makeup, louvre width, overall height, intermediate supports,
actuator arrangement and controls are coordinated to suit the project geometry,
design pressures and operating function.
Key characteristics
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
Available with head, sill and perimeter-seal arrangements
Anodised or powder-coated aluminium finishes
Suitable for integration with natural ventilation and smoke-control systems
Independent NZ performance testing
Full-size LF550 testing across tall and wide façade configurations
LF550 has been independently tested by ift Rosenheim in a comprehensive 2026 programme
to NZS 4211:2008 using the test procedures of
AS/NZS 4420.1:2016. Four full-size configurations were tested across
tall and wide louvre geometries using both 13.52 mm and 17.52 mm laminated glass.
The programme covered serviceability, air infiltration, water penetration and ultimate
strength performance, together with different blade-support and drainage arrangements.
Across the programme, LF550 achieved no water penetration at pressures up to
1500 Pa and ultimate strength testing up to
+10,000 Pa.
Tall LF550 test configuration — 1500 × 3750 mm with eight glass blades.
Wide LF550 test configuration — 2800 × 2800 mm with six glass blades and an integrated blind mullion.
PR04 — wide configuration
2800 × 2800 mm — 17.52 mm glass
Three supports per blade with drainage.
SLS
±2100 Pa; <L/250
Air at 75 Pa
0.06 L/s·m² at ±75 Pa
Water
1500 Pa; No Water Penetration
ULS
±6000 Pa; Passed
PR05 — tall configuration
1500 × 3750 mm — 17.52 mm glass
Two supports per blade.
SLS
±2700 Pa; <L/250
Air at 75 Pa
+0.04 / −0.05 L/s·m²
Water
800 Pa; No Water Penetration
ULS
+10000 / −5000 Pa; Passed
PR06 — tall configuration
1500 × 3750 mm — 13.52 mm glass
Two supports per blade with drainage.
SLS
+1800 / −1700 Pa; <L/250
Air at 75 Pa
+0.06 / −0.08 L/s·m²
Water
700 Pa; No Water Penetration
ULS
+8000 / −5500 Pa; Passed
PR07 — wide configuration
2800 × 2800 mm — 13.52 mm glass
Three supports per blade without rebate drainage or pressure equalisation.
SLS
±2000 Pa; <L/250
Air at 75 Pa
0.14 L/s·m² at ±75 Pa
Water
800 Pa; No Water Penetration
ULS
±5000 Pa; Passed
The 2026 testing demonstrates LF550 performance across significantly different
façade geometries, glass thicknesses and support arrangements. The programme includes
1500 Pa with no water penetration, serviceability testing to
±2700 Pa and ultimate strength performance reaching
+10,000 Pa.
Proven performance applied to project design
EBSA uses the independently tested LF550 configurations as the performance basis for
project design, coordinating blade dimensions and weight, glass thickness, point supports,
structural reinforcement, frame fixing, drainage, actuator forces, controls and maintenance
access with the required positive and negative façade pressures and project weather-performance criteria.
LF550 is configured for the individual façade. Dimensions, glazing,
blade arrangement, design pressures, supporting structure, operating system and
controls are coordinated before manufacture as part of the complete louvre design.
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.
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
Configured to suit glass makeup, wind load, blade height and support arrangement.
Project width is coordinated with the glass design, supporting structure and independently tested LF550 configurations.
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.
Opening geometry is coordinated with glass dimensions, free area, operating loads and available clearances.
Automated operation
24 V DC actuator connected to the coordinated drive and linkage system.
Automated operation is the primary LF550 configuration for natural ventilation, BMS-controlled façades and smoke-control systems.
Manual operation
Available for suitable configurations.
LF550 is primarily suited to automated operation; manual arrangements can be provided where required for a specific application.
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.
Weather sealing and access
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 work together as a coordinated façade system.
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.
Natural ventilation and smoke control
Integrate LF550 with the building-control strategy
Automated LF550 louvres can form part of daily natural ventilation, purge ventilation,
BMS-controlled façade operation and project-specific smoke-control strategies.
LF550 can be configured for functions including pressure relief, low-level make-up air
and natural smoke exhaust, with EBSA coordinating the louvres, actuators, control panels,
switches, sensors, weather inputs, fire-alarm interfaces, BMS interfaces, programming
and commissioning as part of the complete operating system.
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 large-format glass blades integrated into the Commercial Bay façade.
Project gallery
LF550 façade applications
Commercial Bay, Auckland — LF550 louvres forming part of the operable façade.
Commercial Bay — large glass blades, compact vertical framing and coordinated automation.
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 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.
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 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 independent performance testing has been completed on LF550?
LF550 has been independently tested by ift Rosenheim to NZS 4211:2008 using
AS/NZS 4420.1:2016 procedures. The 2026 programme includes four full-size
1500 × 3750 mm and 2800 × 2800 mm configurations using 13.52 mm and
17.52 mm laminated glass, covering serviceability, air infiltration,
water penetration and ultimate strength performance.
How has LF550 performed in water testing?
Across the 2026 ift Rosenheim programme, LF550 achieved no water penetration
at pressures ranging from 700 Pa to 1500 Pa. The 2800 × 2800 mm PR04 configuration
achieved no water penetration at 1500 Pa.
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 2026 ift Rosenheim programme includes independently tested configurations
using both 13.52 mm and 17.52 mm laminated glass.
Can LF550 form part of a smoke-control system?
Yes. LF550 can be integrated into smoke-control systems for functions including
pressure relief, make-up air and natural smoke exhaust. EBSA coordinates the
louvres, actuators, control system and project interfaces with the fire and mechanical design.
Is LF550 suitable for a conditioned thermal envelope?
LF550 is a single-glazed system. Where insulated glazing and thermal separation
are required, MP2 SGI or BT90 provide thermally developed alternatives within
the EBSA glass louvre range.
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 is best 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 requirements and project delivery strategy.
