Triangle, 153W, Aann. de Graaf, Bleskensgraaf, NL

The Dutch municipality of Molenlanden is located in the Alblasserwaard, the southern part of the Groene Hart (Green Heart). With its peat meadows, rivers and canals, it is a wonderful place for outdoorsy people to relax.

Here, a modern loft house has been fitted with unique louvers. Sunshield designed the loft, commissioned by Albert van de Graaf Carpentry and Construction Company in Bleskensgraaf (NL).

The house is created with a steel structure, and facades consisting primarily of glass. During the day, the house is bathed in daylight. However, the south-facing rear facade also allows in a considerable amount of heat.

Therefore, a louver system was installed at the gable end, the section above the doors. This begins as a rectangle at the bottom, but after half a meter, it expands into a triangle, reaching the peak of the roof.

The residence is situated in a rural setting. Therefore, the residents preferred wooden louvers. Because of their width of almost eight meters, the 153-W louver was chosen. 

Indeed, this louver is 153 mm wide. When fully open, the view between them is a full 14 centimetres. So, plenty of room for daylight, when open.

A major advantage of horizontal louvers is that you don't have to close them completely in the summer when the sun is high. If you want to block out the sun then, closing just a bit is enough.

The wooden louvers are made of untreated Western Red Cedar. Because the wood is untreated, it will turn grey over time. This is a natural process due to weather influences.

A major advantage of untreated wood is that it requires only little maintenance. Staining, oiling, or painting every few years is unnecessary. It's wood with the convenience of aluminium.

Because the facade is so wide, the louvers are divided into two lengths. Both sections are driven by the same motor, which is conveniently located in the centre. 

The aluminium components, such as the vertical supports, are coated in RAL 7021. The 30% gloss level gives the black-grey colour a matte appearance. The plastic parts are black.