WHAT IS MICROLOUVRE?
External louvre shading.
MicroLouvre® is an external solar shading system using precision-formed aluminium aerofoil blades, mounted in a structural frame outside the glazing line. By intercepting solar radiation before it reaches the glass, external louvre shading is significantly more effective at reducing heat gain than any internal solution.
The blade geometry admits diffuse daylight and maintains views while blocking direct solar angles during peak summer hours. Fixed systems are profile-cut to a specific latitude and orientation. Adjustable motorised systems track the sun or follow a programmed schedule.
We survey, specify, supply and install MicroLouvre® systems for new-build and retrofit projects across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and London.
WHY EXTERNAL SHADING?
Stop the heat before it enters.
Solar radiation that passes through glass converts to heat inside the room. Internal blinds absorb it after the fact. External shading prevents it entering at all.
Values are indicative. Actual performance depends on blade profile, glazing specification and orientation.
SYSTEM OPTIONS
Fixed or adjustable.
MicroLouvre® is available in fixed and motorised adjustable configurations. The right choice depends on facade orientation, building use and budget.
OPTION 01
Fixed Blade Systems
Blade angle set at installation, optimised for the latitude, facade orientation and intended solar exclusion period. No moving parts, no ongoing maintenance. Cost-effective for south-facing facades where the shading requirement is consistent.
- No maintenance after installation
- Profile calculated for specific latitude and orientation
- Lower capital cost than motorised systems
- Frame powder-coated to any RAL colour
- Blades available in anodised aluminium finishes
OPTION 02
Motorised Adjustable
Blade angle adjusts automatically via a Somfy or Lutron motor. Solar-sensor triggered, schedule-controlled, or BMS-integrated. Optimises between solar exclusion and natural light admission throughout the day and across seasons.
- Continuous optimisation — shading in summer, light in winter
- Somfy, Lutron and KNX compatible
- Works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Alexa
- BMS integration for commercial buildings
- Blade groups controllable independently per zone
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
System data.
Indicative figures. Exact configurations determined during specification and may vary by project.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blade material | Extruded aluminium alloy | EN AW-6060 or equivalent |
| Blade profile | Aerofoil — 80mm, 100mm or 130mm chord | Selected by project |
| Blade finish | Anodised natural, bronze, or powder coat | RAL colour range available |
| Frame material | Powder-coated aluminium | Any RAL colour |
| g-value (fixed, optimised) | 0.07 – 0.15 | Orientation and spacing dependent |
| g-value (adjustable, closed) | 0.05 – 0.10 | Near-closed blade position |
| EN 14501 classification | Class A (external) | Most effective category |
| Motorisation | Somfy, Lutron, KNX | Fixed or adjustable systems |
| Max bay width (typical) | Up to 6,000mm | Subject to structural design |
| Max bay height (typical) | Up to 4,000mm | Subject to structural design |
Full structural calculations, fixings specifications and g-value data available for planning and building regulations applications on request.
APPLICATIONS
Where we install it.
Residential Extensions
Rear kitchen-dining extensions with large south or west-facing glazing. Fixed systems provide passive solar exclusion in summer without affecting winter light admission.
New-Build Residential
Specified at design stage for Part O compliance. We provide g-value data for TM59 thermal modelling and coordinate with architects and main contractors on installation sequence.
Commercial & Office
Open-plan offices with east or west glazing. Motorised systems integrated with BMS. Supports BREEAM Hea 04 (glare control) and Ene 04 (passive energy reduction).
Education
Classrooms with high internal heat gain. External louvre shading reduces peak temperatures and glare whilst maintaining natural light for learning environments.
Retrofit & Refurbishment
Existing buildings with underperforming glazing. External louvre frames can be surface-mounted to most facade types — a cost-effective alternative to full glazing replacement.
Hotels & Hospitality
Bedroom and function room glazing where overheating affects guest comfort. Fixed systems deliver consistent shading with no maintenance requirement.
PART O & PLANNING
External shading for compliance.
Since June 2022, Part O of the Building Regulations requires all new residential developments to demonstrate acceptable overheating risk. For south and west-facing elevations with significant glazing, external shading is typically the most effective compliance route — and far less disruptive than reducing window sizes.
We provide the g-value data, solar transmittance figures and EN 14501 documentation that your SAP assessor or TM59 consultant needs. We're familiar with the specification language that planning authorities and building control expect.
Part O Technical GuideFROM OUR WORK
MicroLouvre installations.
Images of real installations coming soon.
ALSO CONSIDER
Other external shading options.
MicroLouvre® is one of several external solar shading systems we install. It is worth comparing options before specifying.
Overview
All External Shading
Compare all external shading options we offer, including screens, awnings and solar film.
Guide
External vs Internal Shading
The physics of solar control and why position outside the glass makes such a difference.
Guide
Solar Heat Gain
Understanding g-values, SHGC and EN 14501 — the data behind shading performance.
Guide
Part O Guide
Overheating regulations and how external shading helps you comply.
GET STARTED
Discuss your project.
Tell us about the glazing you need to shade — orientation, size, building type — and we'll advise on whether MicroLouvre® is the right system, or whether another approach would serve you better.