As medium to high-density housing becomes an increasingly established part of New Zealand’s urban living environment, creating apartments that people want to live in requires careful consideration of identity, outlook and the quality of the exterior environment. The repetition inherent in apartment design can result in flat or uniform exterior surfaces. However, introducing carefully considered secondary elements allows architects to articulate individual openings and create shadow, depth and visual interest across similar building structures.

A purpose-designed system for adding visual interest to facades

Juralco’s Louvrelite Window Surround System provides a purpose-designed solution for introducing this additional layer of detail. The Louvrelite window surround system is a decorative cladding element that is designed to be installed on top of a rainscreen cladding over a drained and ventilated cavity. Designed as a non-structural exterior cladding feature, the aluminium system frames window openings, helping transform a repeated practical element of apartment construction into a considered part of the architectural composition.

Flexible design options to suit each unique project 

Custom made in New Zealand to suit individual project requirements, Louvrelite Window Surrounds are available in three profiles: 150mm, 200mm and 250mm, providing flexibility to respond to different proportions and design requirements. The surrounds can also be powder coated in a wide range of Dulux colours, allowing the system to sit cohesively within an existing exterior palette or provide a unique colour contrast. This flexibility enables the surrounds to operate as a subtle textural detail or as a stronger design feature within the overall building composition. The system’s hidden fixings contribute to a clean design appearance, while aluminium provides a durable, low-maintenance material suited to exterior applications. As a non-structural element, the system offers a practical means of introducing additional dimension and refinement around window openings.

NZBC compliance backed by a PS1 

Beyond aesthetics, Louvrelite Window Surrounds are supported by PS1 documentation and have been designed to comply with New Zealand Building Compliance including B1 Structure, with reference to AS/NZS 1170.0:2002, AS/NZS 1170.1:2002, AS/NZS 1170.2:2011, AS/NZS 1664.1:1997, AS/NZS 1720.1:2022 and NZS 3404:1997. The system is suitable for NZS 3604 Wind Zones up to Very High, with an SED limit up to Wind Pressure ULS = 3.0kPa. Specification and installation are also supported through a nationwide network of installers, giving architects, specifiers and project teams access to support across their projects.

A smart solution for your apartment project

As New Zealand continues to move towards more compact forms of urban living, achieving quality outcomes will involve more than maximising building efficiency. With custom sizing, three profile options, hidden fixings, PS1 documentation, compliance support and a wide range of powder-coating options, Louvrelite Window Surrounds give architects and specifiers an adaptable way to introduce colour, depth and definition to apartments, turning repeated window openings into an opportunity to create stronger architectural character amongst high-density residential design.