WINDOWS Magazine Summer 2013 | Page 16

Diamond Louvres has two main louvre window systems; Diamond Plus, a manually operated louvre window system and AutoLouve, the latest innovation in motorised louvre window automation. The Diamond Plus louvre window is a traditional, manually operated louvre window system with an insect screen integrated into the frame design. AutoLouve is a motorised louvre window operated by a concealed linear motor specially designed for buildings that require greater efficiency of air control and easy operation. The systems have both been designed to work with popular commercial framing systems. A louvre window system in the curtain wall of a 16-storey multilevel residential building in Melbourne is just one of the many design and construct projects the team at Diamond Louvres has undertaken. By incorporating new framing designs, the team developed a framing system that integrated the louvre window with the curtain wall. The louvre component of the facade was factory fitted and glazed into the curtain wall panel removing the need to site glaze the louvres at a high-rise level. The Diamond AutoLouve system is the only one of its type that can operate a full height window with a single motor that is concealed inside the window frame. Compatible with both residential and commercial buildings, it comes complete with a fail-safe link that protects from personal injury or motor burn out. When the AutoLouve is connected directly to a CBUS system, the mortised operation and computer control of the window make buildings highly energy efficient by allowing natural ventilation to reduce the reliance on air conditioning systems. Special oversized glass was also a requirement of the project and the Diamond clip blade holder was able to accommodate them without modification. The Diamond clip is designed to hold the louvre in place without the need to penetrate either the louvre clip or the glass blade to prevent the glass from falling out. From the customer’s point of view, this was a major consideration as the Diamond clip is engineered for use on elevated and over head applications. The clip and bearing assembly is so strong that when tested to a wind load of 7.76 kPa, the system showed no deformation of the components and operated normally after the test was compete. While Diamond Louvres essentially supplies louvre window systems, the product range has been increased to include the perimeter framing for the Diamond Plus and AutoLouve systems that are supplied in pre-fabricated kits. This provides a cost competitive option for the fabricator rather than purchasing fully manufactured and glazed louvre windows. To ensure that products comply with the necessary standards and regulations, Diamond Louvres update and review all its products on a regular basis. Diamond Louvres Australia also maintains critical relationships with its suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and continuity in supply as well as marketing support for system fabricators. Services from Diamond Louvres Australia extend beyond the supply of louvre components to a full design and support service for projects requiring specialised applications of louvres in the building design. The Diamond Louvres team leads the ]\