Movable wooden lattices design for exterior use is increasingly being developed, as the use of its benefits has grown exponentially. A broader knowledge of the material, its warmth, beauty and technical qualities are decisive aspects in the choice of wood as a covering for incredible façades. Sometimes it is not only part of the cladding but also moves and integrates with it by means of more or less complex systems of mobile elements. These can be sliding, folding, adjustable, sometimes manual, sometimes motorized.
Lattices design within the architectural envelope
Traditional wooden carpentry has given way to designs in which the building is conceived as a complete wooden volume. We can also find it with wooden panels that contrast with materials such as concrete, glass and metal.
The use of small but slender wooden squares is a recurrent design as façade cladding. This cladding changes the perception of the façade when it introduces mobile elements that open, close, orient or move, completely changing the image of the volume when they move.
With this type of elements the complexity of a wooden façade increases, it is not only a question of taking into account the keys that we already talked about in this popular post, _selection of the species, construction details, humidity content, finishing treatments…_ but new challenges appear…
Aspects to consider for the design of movable lattices
- Fittings: Select hardware guaranteed to be suitable for outdoor use, to allow the desired movement, to support the weight of each leaf and not to generate harmful reactions on the wood components…
- Fastening: The correct fixing of wooden elements is of utmost importance. The influence of the relative humidity on the wood and the resulting shrinkage and expansion movements is considerable. When thin and slender elements are used, proper fastening is essential to prevent excessive deformation. The most common solutions: wood elements are joined by means of dowels and adhesives suitable for use class 3. Metal frames that group the elements together and steel rods that “sew” the elements together are also used, among other techniques.
- Water retention: It is essential to avoid water accumulation in the design of these elements, to prevent wood rot.
- Reactions: It is important to be careful with the reactions that may occur between metal fasteners and different types of wood, as they could cause stains on the surfaces of the latter.
Some examples of lattices design
Sliding panels
Pivoting wood panels
The use of pivoting wood panels in exteriors is also quite common. In these situations, the movement of the panels allows to increase or decrease the entry of light into the interior of the space.
Folding wooden lattices
Wooden folding surfaces on facades, regardless of their direction, offer an effective solution for controlling sunlight and opening up larger facade surfaces. In this case, the guides play a crucial role in the movement and where the leaves retract.
Wooden orientable lattices
Undoubtedly, there are also incredible wooden orientable lattices. These louvers are composed of original wavy wooden slats that have the ability to rotate and fold, which allows them to transform the openings of the facade in various ways. It is an ingenious and aesthetic solution for controlling light and ventilation, as well as adding a unique design element to the building.
For the design of a facade with movable wooden elements, it is essential to have specialized personnel. Do not hesitate to contact us and ask for ideas in case of a project under development. Our technical department will be happy to provide you with multiple solutions and advise you on what you need.
