Based on the louvre effectiveness score, performance louvres are sorted into rain defence classes, with “A” being the most effective in preventing rain penetration, and “D” being the least effective.
Designed in Singapore for Global Impact
INNIVATE’s performance louvres are designed to protect against the onslaught of wind-driven rain, especially in Asia. WIth over 60 years’ experience, INNIVATE has established itself as the louvre system experts in markets from Asia to the US.
Our performance louvres are known for their tried and proven build quality, and we continue to push boundaries through collaborative innovation, empowering our clients to customise solutions and design for better living.
PERFORMANCE LOUVRES
Designed in Singapore for Global Impact
INNIVATE’s performance louvres are designed to protect against the onslaught of wind-driven rain, especially in Asia. WIth over 60 years’ experience, INNIVATE has established itself as the louvre system experts in markets from Asia to the US.
Our performance louvres are known for their tried and proven build quality, and we continue to push boundaries through collaborative innovation, empowering our clients to customise solutions and design for better living.
Evaluating performance louvres: the INNIVATE checklist
Performance louvres are sometimes also known as ventilation louvres. For ventilation (or “performance”) louvre systems, the main objective is to allow air to pass through, while protecting against rain or water entry and, in some cases, preventing breakout or break-in noise.
Conflicting technical criteria in the industry has made specifying performance of these louvres tricky. In our experience, here’s what architects and building designers should look out for:
1. Rain Defence Effectiveness
2. Airflow Effectiveness
The aerodynamic coefficient, derived from wind tunnel testing, is used to calculate the airflow effectiveness of a performance louvre. The higher the coefficient, the more air passes through freely.
It is the only accurate method that provides a true comparison of performance, and should be used in designing the actual airflow requirements of a building during detailed design. It should not be confused with free area percentage, which is a suitable method at the building planning stage only.
3. Noise Reduction Effectiveness
Acoustic louvres are measured for transmission loss at Octave Band Centre Frequencies. 6dB is added to transmission loss values to get the free-field noise reduction ratings.
Acoustic louvres can sometimes also be given a Weighted Sound Reduction Index or “Rw” rating, expressed in decibels. The higher the Rw figure, the better the sound insulation provided.
Recommended design considerations for performance louvres
a. Site location and exposure
b. Local weather conditions
c. Location and exposure of louvres on building
d. Airflow rate and direction through louvres
e. Maximum acceptable pressure drop
f. Degree and depth of water penetration acceptance
g. Any special solutions for sloping applications
h. Aesthetic appearance
Performance louvres: a must-have for sustainable, green buildings
In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) sustainability standards include energy performance, resilience to climate change, maintability etc. Verified projects are awarded the BCA Green Mark 2021, an internationally-recognised green building certification tailored for the tropical climate. Building designers gunning for the BCA Green Mark cannot ignore how performance louvres are critical in making our buildings comfortable as well as cost- and energy-efficient. Well-designed louvres defend against rain and maximise natural ventilation, thus reducing the need for artificial cooling.
Increasingly, one-size-fits-all no longer cuts it. INNIVATE’s performance louvre systems are beautiful, bespoke solutions that are more than skin deep; they are made from fully recyclable aluminium too. It’s our responsibility to create buildings that are not only beautiful, but sustainable and healthy for both occupants and the environment. See how our louvres have contributed to green buildings here.