EZ Shrouds 4 sided
Aluminium Window Shroud Specifications
Aluminium Window Shroud Specifications for Australian Architectural Projects
Aluminium window shroud specifications provide architects, designers, builders, engineers and developers with the information required to incorporate architectural shroud systems into project documentation.
EZ Windows manufactures custom aluminium window shrouds for Australian residential, commercial, education, multi-residential and architectural projects.
Our architectural window shrouds are available in welded and modular configurations and can be developed to suit project-specific window dimensions, façade requirements, projections, finishes and installation conditions.
This specification guide is designed to assist architects and designers during concept design, documentation, tendering and construction. Final product dimensions, fixing requirements and performance requirements should be confirmed against the approved project documentation.
Aluminium Window Shroud Specification Overview
An aluminium window shroud specification should clearly establish the required:
- Product
- Material
- Construction
- Dimensions
- Finish
- Fixing
- Installation
- Interfaces
- Documentation
- Quality requirements
The specification should be coordinated with the architectural drawings, window schedule, façade documentation and relevant engineering requirements.
Product Description
Provide custom-fabricated architectural aluminium window shrouds designed to surround and visually define external window openings.
Shrouds shall be manufactured to the project-specific dimensions and configuration shown on the approved architectural and shop drawings.
The finished assembly shall provide a consistent architectural appearance and be suitable for the intended external application.
Manufacturer
EZ Windows
EZ Windows designs and manufactures custom aluminium window shrouds for Australian architectural projects.
The manufacturer should be capable of providing project-specific:
- Product information
- Shop drawings
- Technical documentation
- CAD information
- BIM information where applicable
- Installation information
- Finish information
Product Types
The specification should identify the required shroud construction.
Available configurations include:
Welded Aluminium Window Shrouds
Factory-fabricated assemblies with welded corners and joints where required.
Suitable for applications where:
- Refined corner detailing is required
- Factory fabrication is preferred
- Minimal site assembly is desirable
- A premium architectural appearance is required
Modular Aluminium Window Shrouds
Shrouds manufactured as separate components and assembled during installation.
Suitable for applications where:
- Transport access is restricted
- Component handling is important
- Large shrouds are required
- Site assembly is acceptable
- Logistics require smaller components
Aluminium Material
Shrouds shall be manufactured from aluminium suitable for the intended architectural application.
Material selection shall consider:
- Environmental exposure
- Structural requirements
- Fabrication requirements
- Finish requirements
- Project-specific conditions
Where engineering requirements apply, material selection shall comply with the relevant project documentation.
Aluminium Window Shroud Construction
Construction shall be:
[Welded / Modular]
as nominated in the project documentation.
The construction method shall provide the required:
- Dimensional accuracy
- Rigidity
- Finish
- Appearance
- Installation compatibility
Dimensions
Shroud dimensions shall be as shown on the approved project drawings and shop drawings.
Dimensions may include:
- Overall width
- Overall height
- Projection
- Face width
- Return depth
- Internal opening
- Corner dimensions
Do not assume standard dimensions unless specifically nominated.
Custom Aluminium Window Shrouds
Where required, shrouds shall be individually manufactured to suit the project.
Customisation may include:
- Window size
- Projection
- Face width
- Returns
- Corner configuration
- Finish
- Fixing arrangement
- Façade interface
This allows the shroud to be coordinated with the architectural design rather than relying on a generic off-the-shelf component.
Window-to-Shroud Clearance
Provide appropriate clearance between the window and internal shroud dimensions to allow for:
- Installation tolerance
- Building tolerance
- Window movement
- Fixing components
- Sealants
- Project requirements
A nominal 10 mm clearance can be used as a design consideration where appropriate, but the final dimension shall be established by the approved project shop drawings.
Projection
Shroud projection shall be as shown on the architectural drawings.
Projection shall be coordinated with:
- Window position
- Wall construction
- Façade
- Architectural elevations
- Solar considerations
- Fixing requirements
Face Width
Face width shall be selected to achieve the architectural appearance indicated in the project documentation.
The face may be designed to provide:
- Minimal framing
- Strong architectural definition
- Deeper shadow lines
- Consistent façade rhythm
Returns
Shroud returns shall be manufactured to the dimensions shown on the approved drawings.
Returns shall coordinate with:
- Window frame
- Wall construction
- Façade finish
- Fixing
- Waterproofing
Corner Construction
Corner construction shall be:
[Welded / Modular]
as nominated.
Corners shall provide consistent:
- Alignment
- Geometry
- Finish
- Projection
Finish
Finish shall be selected in accordance with the project colour schedule.
Specify:
- Colour
- Finish
- Coating system
- Required quality
Where applicable, powder-coated finishes should be selected for the intended environmental exposure.
Powder Coating
Powder coating shall be suitable for the intended architectural application.
The nominated colour and finish shall be confirmed before manufacture.
Finish selection should consider:
- UV exposure
- Environmental conditions
- Coastal exposure
- Project location
- Maintenance requirements
Colour
The architectural documentation shall nominate the required colour.
Possible approaches include:
- Matching aluminium windows
- Matching doors
- Matching other façade elements
- Contrasting architectural feature
The final colour shall be confirmed before manufacture.
Surface Finish
Finished surfaces shall be free from unacceptable:
- Scratches
- Dents
- Coating defects
- Visible fabrication defects
- Contamination
Inspection requirements should take account of the intended viewing distance and architectural application.
Fixing
Shrouds shall be fixed in accordance with the approved project-specific fixing details.
Fixing may include:
- Mechanical fixings
- Fixing lugs
- Brackets
- Cleats
- Angles
- Subframes
- Other approved support systems
The fixing method shall be appropriate for the:
- Shroud size
- Projection
- Weight
- Substrate
- Wind exposure
- Project requirements
Structural Support
The supporting structure shall be capable of carrying the applicable loads imposed by the shroud.
Consider:
- Dead load
- Wind load
- Projection
- Fixing loads
- Building movement
Where engineering is required, the final arrangement shall be confirmed by the relevant project engineer.
Wind Loading
External shrouds may be subject to wind forces.
Wind loading shall be assessed according to the specific:
- Building location
- Building height
- Exposure
- Shroud geometry
- Projection
- Surface area
Project-specific engineering requirements shall take precedence.
Substrate
The fixing substrate shall be identified before manufacture and installation.
Potential substrates include:
- Concrete
- Structural steel
- Timber framing
- Masonry
- Reinforced lightweight framing
- Project-specific support systems
Fixing should connect to an appropriate supporting substrate.
Building Movement
The shroud installation shall allow for relevant building movement.
Consider:
- Thermal movement
- Structural movement
- Façade movement
- Window movement
Long or continuous shrouds may require specific movement considerations.
Waterproofing
Shrouds shall be coordinated with the building-envelope waterproofing system.
The installation shall not compromise:
- Flashings
- Membranes
- Drainage
- Cavity systems
- Window perimeter sealing
Waterproofing details shall be coordinated before installation.
Drainage
The shroud and surrounding façade shall be detailed so that intended drainage paths remain unobstructed.
The installation shall not:
- Block weep points
- Obstruct flashings
- Create unintended water traps
- Prevent drainage
Sealants
Where sealants are required, the nominated product shall be compatible with the adjoining materials and intended environmental exposure.
Sealant requirements should be documented in the project-specific details.
Compatibility
The shroud shall be coordinated with surrounding materials including:
- Aluminium windows
- Aluminium doors
- Brickwork
- Render
- Stone
- Timber
- Metal cladding
- Fibre cement
- Other façade systems
Installation
Installation shall be carried out in accordance with:
- Approved shop drawings
- Manufacturer documentation
- Project specifications
- Approved fixing details
- Relevant engineering documentation
The installer shall verify the shroud position before final fixing.
Installation Sequence
A typical installation sequence may include:
- Confirm approved drawings.
- Verify window dimensions.
- Confirm substrate.
- Inspect shroud.
- Prepare fixing locations.
- Position shroud.
- Check level.
- Check plumb.
- Check projection.
- Complete fixing.
- Coordinate waterproofing.
- Check final alignment.
- Protect finished surfaces.
The actual sequence shall be determined by project conditions.
Welded Shroud Installation
Welded shrouds shall generally be installed as complete assemblies where practical.
Installation shall account for:
- Assembly size
- Weight
- Handling
- Access
- Fixing
- Alignment
Large welded assemblies may require additional lifting or handling equipment.
Modular Shroud Installation
Modular shrouds shall be assembled in accordance with the approved drawings.
Components shall be:
- Correctly identified
- Correctly oriented
- Properly joined
- Correctly aligned
- Securely fixed
The final assembly shall provide consistent geometry and finish.
Tolerances
Manufacturing and installation shall allow for reasonable construction tolerances.
Relevant tolerances include:
- Structural opening
- Window position
- Wall construction
- Façade construction
- Shroud manufacture
- Installation
Final tolerances shall be established in the project documentation where required.
Shop Drawings
Prior to manufacture, provide project-specific shop drawings where required.
Shop drawings should identify:
- Shroud dimensions
- Projection
- Face width
- Returns
- Window relationship
- Fixing
- Corners
- Components
- Finish
- Installation requirements
Shop Drawing Approval
Manufacture shall proceed in accordance with the approved project process.
Where approval is required, the manufacturer shall not proceed with fabrication until the relevant drawings have been reviewed and approved.
CAD Documentation
Provide CAD information where available and appropriate for project documentation.
CAD information may assist with:
- Architectural detailing
- Elevations
- Sections
- Façade coordination
- Design development
BIM and Revit Documentation
Where available, provide BIM/Revit information appropriate to the project.
BIM content can assist architects and designers with:
- Model coordination
- Window schedules
- Façade coordination
- Documentation
- Specification
BIM content should accurately represent the nominated product.
Technical Documentation
Technical documentation may include:
- Product data
- Technical data
- Installation information
- Fixing details
- Finish information
- CAD
- BIM
- Warranty
- Compliance information where applicable
Quality Assurance
The manufacturer shall maintain appropriate quality control throughout:
- Material selection
- Fabrication
- Welding
- Assembly
- Finishing
- Packaging
- Delivery
Finished products shall be inspected before dispatch.
Delivery
Shrouds shall be packaged appropriately to minimise damage during:
- Handling
- Transport
- Storage
- Site installation
Packaging shall protect finished surfaces and vulnerable corners.
Site Storage
Store shrouds:
- Off the ground
- In a clean location
- Protected from impact
- Protected from contamination
- In accordance with finish requirements
Do not stack components in a manner that can damage the finished surfaces.
Protection
Protect completed shrouds from:
- Scratches
- Mortar
- Concrete
- Render
- Adhesives
- Metal swarf
- Construction dust
Protection should remain in place until appropriate construction activities have been completed.
Inspection
Inspect installed shrouds for:
- Correct dimensions
- Correct location
- Level
- Plumb
- Projection
- Alignment
- Fixing
- Finish
- Waterproofing interfaces
Maintenance
Aluminium window shrouds should be inspected and cleaned periodically.
Maintenance may include:
- Cleaning
- Visual inspection
- Finish inspection
- Sealant inspection
- Fixing inspection where applicable
Cleaning procedures shall be suitable for the nominated finish.
Environmental Exposure
Material and finish selection shall consider the project’s environmental exposure.
Particular attention should be given to:
- Coastal locations
- High UV environments
- Industrial environments
- High rainfall
- Urban pollution
Compliance
Project-specific compliance requirements shall be determined according to:
- Building classification
- Project location
- Applicable regulations
- Façade design
- Material selection
- Engineering requirements
Where compliance documentation is required, appropriate project documentation shall be provided.
Specification Schedule
The following schedule can be used as a starting point for project documentation.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Product | Custom aluminium window shroud |
| Manufacturer | EZ Windows |
| Construction | Welded / Modular |
| Material | Aluminium suitable for application |
| Dimensions | Refer architectural drawings |
| Projection | Refer architectural drawings |
| Face width | Refer architectural drawings |
| Returns | Refer shop drawings |
| Finish | Refer colour schedule |
| Fixing | Refer approved fixing details |
| Substrate | Project-specific |
| Waterproofing | Coordinate with façade design |
| Installation | Manufacturer/project requirements |
| Shop drawings | Required where nominated |
| CAD | Where applicable |
| BIM/Revit | Where applicable |
| Warranty | Refer project documentation |
Short-Form Specification
For projects requiring concise documentation:
Architectural Aluminium Window Shrouds
Provide custom-fabricated aluminium window shrouds manufactured by EZ Windows, or approved equivalent, to the dimensions, configuration and finish shown on the architectural documentation.
Shrouds shall be manufactured as welded or modular assemblies as nominated and shall be suitable for the intended external architectural application.
Provide project-specific shop drawings confirming dimensions, projection, returns, window clearances, fixing arrangements, corner construction and finish prior to manufacture where required.
Install securely to the approved supporting substrate using the specified fixing arrangement.
Coordinate installation with the window system, façade, waterproofing, flashings, membranes and drainage.
Finished shrouds shall be free from unacceptable visible damage and shall provide a consistent architectural appearance.
Performance Specification Considerations
Where a project requires performance-based documentation, the specification should establish the relevant project requirements rather than relying on generic product claims.
Potential considerations include:
- Structural loading
- Wind loading
- Environmental exposure
- Finish durability
- Building movement
- Waterproofing
- Façade integration
- Installation tolerances
The relevant consultant should determine project-specific performance requirements.
Architect Specification Checklist
Before issuing the specification, confirm:
- Product selected
- Manufacturer identified
- Welded or modular construction selected
- Dimensions documented
- Projection documented
- Face width documented
- Returns documented
- Window clearance coordinated
- Finish selected
- Fixing strategy established
- Substrate confirmed
- Waterproofing coordinated
- Shop drawings required
- CAD/BIM requirements established
- Installation requirements documented
- Maintenance requirements established
Why Specify EZ Windows?
EZ Windows designs and manufactures custom aluminium window shrouds for Australian architectural projects.
Our systems are developed for architects, designers, builders and developers seeking a coordinated architectural solution from design through to manufacture and supply.
EZ Windows can provide support throughout the specification process, including:
- Product selection
- Technical information
- Shop drawings
- CAD
- BIM/Revit
- Fixing information
- Installation information
- Finish selection
- Project coordination
Architectural Specification Support
For architects and designers, early product coordination can help reduce uncertainty during construction.
EZ Windows can assist with:
Concept Design
Product selection and preliminary dimensions.
Design Development
Shroud geometry, projection and façade coordination.
Construction Documentation
Technical information, drawings and specification support.
Tender
Product scope and documentation.
Construction
Shop drawings, manufacture and installation information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should an aluminium window shroud specification include?
It should establish the product, manufacturer, material, construction, dimensions, finish, fixing, installation and relevant project requirements.
Can aluminium window shrouds be custom made?
Yes. Architectural shrouds are commonly manufactured to project-specific dimensions and configurations.
Should I specify welded or modular shrouds?
The appropriate system depends on project size, access, transport, architectural requirements and installation methodology.
Can EZ Windows be nominated in the architectural specification?
Yes. Where appropriate, the project specification can nominate EZ Windows as the manufacturer or supplier.
Does EZ Windows provide shop drawings?
Project-specific shop drawings can be provided to confirm dimensions, construction, fixing and interfaces.
Does EZ Windows provide CAD and BIM?
CAD and BIM/Revit resources can be provided where available and appropriate to the nominated product.
Can shrouds be powder coated?
Yes. Finish and colour should be selected according to the project requirements and environmental exposure.
Are aluminium window shrouds suitable for commercial buildings?
Yes. They can be designed for a wide range of commercial and architectural applications subject to project-specific requirements.
Are aluminium window shrouds suitable for schools and universities?
Yes. They can be used across education projects, including repeated architectural window configurations.
Can the specification include installation requirements?
Yes. Installation requirements should be coordinated with the approved shop drawings, fixing details and building-envelope design.
Who determines the final fixing requirements?
The fixing arrangement depends on the project. Where engineering is required, the relevant project engineer should establish the final requirements.
Request an Aluminium Window Shroud Specification
Need to specify architectural aluminium window shrouds on your next project?
EZ Windows can assist with:
- Product selection
- Technical information
- Specifications
- CAD
- BIM/Revit
- Shop drawings
- Fixing details
- Installation information
Request the EZ Windows Specification
Request CAD & BIM Resources
Speak With EZ Windows About Your Project
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