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Innovation is essential for new home construction, with new ideas and products constantly emerging. And, by enhancing visual appeal and improving the lives of residents, window shrouds do not disappoint.
Window shrouds are designed to wrap around the window frame and extend out from the flat exterior walls. As more and more architects and developers choose to incorporate this concept into their projects, you might like to know what all the fuss is about.
So, to inspire a new home, this article outlines the advantages of window shrouds and how you can make the most of them for your next residential project.
1. Increased privacy
When designing a modern home, you will be faced with a challenge – how to maximise natural light while also maintaining a sense of privacy. Due to the high demand for houses, new homes are often grouped together within clear view of each other. On top of that, the view from the street can often make a home feel quite exposed.
Fortunately, window shrouds allow new homeowners to let the sunlight in without being visible to neighbours or passersby. Obscuring the direct view of windows from above, below, and the sides, the shroud acts as a screen to create a feeling of seclusion and separation. This is particularly beneficial for second-story windows which tend to be occupied by bedrooms.
2. Better sun shading
By softening the impact of the sun and increasing solar shading, window shrouds are a practical solution that balances comfort and practicality. Though everyone wants their home to be flooded with warm natural light, too much sun can be a bad thing. From irritating reflections when watching TV to unwanted glare and heat, you don’t want to underestimate the effects the sun can have.
By protruding out from the window frame, shrouds help to filter direct rays and eliminate the damage they can do to internal furnishings. The home will still have an inviting, cosy glow, but occupants can enjoy their space without experiencing harsh glares.
3. Protection against the elements
When it comes to the stormy New Zealand weather we all know so well, aluminium window shrouds can provide two benefits – improving the lifespan of your windows and protecting your interior from the elements.
Since window shrouds protrude from the home’s exterior, rain and snow will fall on this instead of on the window frame. This way, rainwater will not make direct contact with the glass and will simply trickle down the shroud to the ground. With this extra layer of protection, the windows will last much longer and require far less maintenance.
On top of that, even if the window is open, the shroud will help to shield the interior of the home from any sudden stormy weather, ensuring carpets, drapes, and furniture are kept safe and dry.
4. Achieve better energy efficiency
Incorporating energy-saving solutions in new homes is critical – especially as homeowners are always looking for ways to reduce expenses.
By deflecting the sun's excessive heat, window shrouds help maintain a comfortable temperature within a home. Without having to crank up the air conditioning, occupants can keep their energy bills low, which is especially helpful in long, hot summer months. Without this, the AC unit will have to work much harder to cool the home to a bearable level.
5. Aesthetic appeal
Of course, when designing a house or residential development, the overall style and external look must come into play. Whether you want your home to stand out or blend seamlessly with its surroundings, installing window shrouds could be the finishing touch you need.
As well as giving texture and depth to the building’s facade, window shrouds are finished with your choice of powder-coat. Not only is this resistant to corrosion, but it also gives you the opportunity to choose a contrasting colour or achieve a timber look. Whether it be in keeping with the rest of the exterior design or a bold and eye-catching statement, window shrouds are an effortless way to transform an otherwise uniform structure.
Window shrouds for housing developments
As far as architectural solutions go, window shrouds are a cost-effective, customisable, and practical way to tie a project together. For that reason, they are popular with many new residential developments.
Create a cohesive look
By using consistent colours, textures, and angles on each new house, window shrouds can help to unify the entire development. While still maintaining a degree of individuality, these homes will look like they belong.
Achieve a secluded feeling
With new residential developments, houses tend to be built close together with little privacy. By screening most of the view of windows, shrouds ensure the homes still feel like a personal haven and not an exhibition.
Window shroud designs
At Aurae, we have a range of aluminium window shroud configurations you can choose from for your new project. Depending on your window sizes and colour choices, you’re sure to find a solution to integrate into your new home build.
Aurae window shrouds are available with:
- Standard sizes from 150x50mm to 450x50mm.
- Thinner profiles down to 20mm wide.
- A variety of fixing brackets for any cladding type.
- A wide range of powder-coat colours, including woodgrain finishes.
All of our window shrouds comply with ASNZ standards so you know you are getting the best quality product that will stand the test of time.
If you want to achieve something unique with window shrouds, we can work with you to come up with a custom solution. Or browse the selection of shrouds in our standard range to find one that fits your needs. Just enquire now to let us know your vision, and we'll do what we can to bring it to life.
