External Louvres and Shutters

Outdoor Louvres and Shutters

Outdoor louvres are a type of ventilation system that use horizontal slats to allow airflow while blocking out rain, wind, and other weather conditions.

Outdoor shutters are movable coverings installed on the outside of a building's windows and doors to control sunlight, heat, air, privacy, and security. They come in various styles and designs and add value to a property.

How to choose outdoor louvres

Adjustable louvres are a sought after design component of many contemporary homes in New Zealand, used primarily as a passive heating and cooling solution. Clever use of louvres and shutters allows for a home to remain cool in the summer months by reducing heat, creating shade and blocking the sun’s rays, filtering light, just as it allows for the sun’s energy to be used in winter to help heat a home. 

They’re also a popular way to introduce privacy windows and doors for houses that are in close proximity to others or are in an area where noise reduction is of primary concern.

External louvres can also be a dynamic design statement, creating either horizontal or vertical lines. Aluminium louvres are a popular option for many homes in New Zealand, while fixed aluminium louvres and screens can offer more permanent filtering of light or privacy. Vertical louvres are good for overall glare reduction.

Window louvres are also available in wood and metal. Wooden louvres are often sought after for older homes with timber joinery. 

Choosing the best external shutters

Like louvres, shutters are a sought after option in New Zealand especially in those buildings where passive solar design is used. Window shutters offer a very traditional and simple way to either harness the sun’s heat or protect areas of a house from it.

Exterior shutters are available, depending on what is required and the scope of the design. Outdoor shutters can create a nice visual presence to add to the qualities of the facade design.

Security shutters are another sought after solution for residential homes, with the external security shutter adding an added deterrent. 

Timber shutters are window or door coverings made of wood, typically used for both functional and decorative purposes. They provide privacy, control sunlight and ventilation, and add a touch of warmth and elegance to a space. Outdoor shutters can be placed in patios or other external areas.

Deciding on the best style for shutters or louvres will depend on the materiality of the house, the architectural style and whether the shutters or louvres are designed to make a bold statement and juxtapose other features or blend seamlessly into the architecture. So whether it’s plantation shutters, door shutters, contemporary automated louvres or aluminium louvres, the choices in New Zealand are limited only by the imagination.