Contour® PL: What value can a freestanding louvre support system add to façade projects?

Louvre systems require a suitable structure to support the blades and transfer loads back to the building. Traditionally, this can mean introducing secondary steelwork before the louvres can be installed, adding another element to the façade build-up.

Contour® PL provides an alternative approach. Using an integral aluminium frame of posts, mullions and rails, it reduces reliance on additional secondary steelwork while providing concealed support for the louvre blades. 

Why the support structure matters

Rooftop plant screening often needs to span open areas where there is no continuous structure immediately behind the louvres. At roof level, the weight and complexity of the structure required to achieve this also need to be considered as part of the wider façade design.

Contour® PL uses vertical aluminium posts, mullions and horizontal rails to create the supporting frame, with galvanised mild-steel brackets fixing the system back to the building structure. It can accommodate louvre spans of up to 3m, with different louvre blades, flashings, corners and mullion designs selected to suit individual project requirements.

A lightweight alternative

Using aluminium for the main frame creates a lightweight system that is particularly suited to rooftop applications, while providing strong, concealed support for the louvre blades in exposed locations. The system is also designed to be easy to install. 

Different blades from the Contour® range can then be incorporated depending on the screening, ventilation and weather protection requirements of the project, allowing the louvres and their supporting structure to be considered together.

Beyond louvre screening

The same support principle can also be adapted beyond its typical rooftop application.

At the Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital, Maple repurposed the system to carry the gold anodised vertical fins surrounding the main entrance.

Horizontal carrier arms were fixed to the vertical posts, allowing the fins to sit away from the building and achieve the architect’s intended design.

From rooftop plant screening to more bespoke architectural applications, Contour® PL provides an adaptable approach to façade support without introducing unnecessary complexity into the system.

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