p r o d u cts
The benefits of installing Breezway Altair
Louvre Windows in out-of-reach locations
I
t’s not uncommon to see designers
specifying windows near the ceiling
or above head height in residential
applications. These windows are commonly
known as highlight or clerestory windows
and besides looking great, they also offer a
number of specific benefits.
The main benefits of installing windows ‘up
high’ includes the ability to provide natural
light and ventilation into the home - which
reduces the over-use of air conditioning or
artificial lighting and, in most cases, to create
a thermal chimney effect. Thermal chimneys
are designed to allow hot, built-up air to
escape quickly while fresh air can flow in and
naturally cool the building.
Short, wide windows are popular for this
application and Breezway Altair Louvre
Windows are an obvious choice. Not only do
they maximise ventilation, but they remain
functional - unlike other window types which
don’t provide the same ventilation or require
more square shapes to function properly.
Another advantage of positioning windows
above head height is privacy. It removes
the need for blinds or curtains and
allows ventilation to be maximised whilst
maintaining privacy.
In addition to privacy, windows positoned
up high are usually an unpopular target with
intruders. As a result, windows installed up
high and out-of-reach can be confidently left
open at any time of day.
When Altair Louvre Windows are positioned
up high, it is important to consider how
the window will be operated as it will be
out of reach. Breezway offers a number
of customising options for these types of
applications.
By far the easiest control option is the
Altair Powerlouvre Window where end
users can simply push a button and let
the Powerlouvre open and close itself.
The Powerlouvre Window has motors
cleverly concealed within the frame and
can be operated by the AWA award winning
Powerlouvre Apptivate Control Unit.
The Apptivate allows Powerlouvres to be
operated by a touch sensitive wall plate,
remove control via a Powerlouvre App for
smartphones and tablets, or automatic
operation in response to temperature or
timer events to easily maintain comfortable
indoor temperatures. Powerlouvre Windows
can also be integrated into full building
automation systems.
When open, Breezway Louvres provide
abundant ventilation no matter what the
size, and, when closed, they seal efficiently
to block out noise, provide protection from
the elements and allow air conditioners to
run more efficiently if required. Therefore,
this is the most ideal option to ensure your
customers reap the benefits of installing
windows up high - so they can relax in their
home and live in comfort without even
getting off the couch!
For those situations where Powerlouvre
26 Australian Window Association Summer 2015
Windows are not feasible, Breezway offers
a manual option for end users. The Altair
Ring Handle is available and was designed
for compatibility with a Breezway Map Rod.
Using a Map Rod does require a measure
of hand-eye co-ordination, especially if the
window is very high up. The likelihood of the
end user operating these on a daily basis
may be limited due to the amount of effort
required.
Another alternative is the Altair Louvre
with a Low Profile Handle which is a less
obtrusive handle option and can also be
operated by a Map Rod. The Low Profile
Handle is only recommended if the handle is
within a metre of head height (lateral force
is required to fully close the window and this
becomes harder to apply as the window gets
further overhead).
For those who specify a keylock on their
windows, it is important to note that there
is no way to operate the Altair Keylock
using a Map Rod (keylocks on out-of-reach
windows cannot be locked and unlocked
and therefore offer no real benefit). It is
also worth bearing in mind that many home
insurance companies prefer locks or security
screens to be installed on all windows.
Therefore, it may be beneficial for t he end
user to opt for a security screen to be
installed so they can leave their windows
open, knowing their home is protected from
bugs and intruders.
For more information, please call Breezway on
1800 777 758 or visit www.breezway.com.au