How to Specify Aluminium Window Shrouds

An Architect’s Guide to Specifying Custom Aluminium Window Shrouds

Knowing how to specify aluminium window shrouds means looking beyond a simple note such as “provide aluminium surround to window”.

A well-developed aluminium window shroud specification should clearly communicate the architect’s intended geometry, dimensions, projection, construction method, finish and relationship with the surrounding façade.

EZ Windows manufactures custom aluminium window shrouds, architectural window shrouds, aluminium window surrounds and external window shrouds for Australian architectural projects.

Shrouds can be manufactured in welded or modular configurations and customised around the architectural intent rather than forcing the designer to select from only predetermined standard dimensions.

For architects, early specification can provide greater control over façade depth, shadow, proportion, repetition and window detailing while creating a clearer path from architectural documentation through shop drawings and manufacture.

This guide explains the key information architects and specifiers should consider when documenting an aluminium window shroud.

Important: This guide provides general product and specification information. Project-specific design, engineering, fixing, waterproofing, certification and regulatory requirements must be determined by the appropriately qualified project professionals.

1. Define the Architectural Intent

Before selecting dimensions, establish what the shroud is intended to achieve visually.

Ask:

• Is the window intended to become a feature?
• Should the shroud be subtle or dominant?
• Is strong façade depth required?
• Is the design based on repetition?
• Should the shroud contrast with the façade?
• Should it match the window?
• Is the opening intended to appear horizontal or vertical?
• Are multiple windows being grouped?
• Will different shroud types identify different areas of the building?

This initial architectural decision influences virtually every specification that follows.

2. Identify the Window Opening

The starting point should be a clearly identified window or opening.

Document the relevant:

• Window reference
• Window width
• Window height
• Location
• Elevation
• Building level
• Shroud reference

On projects containing multiple shrouds, creating a dedicated window shroud schedule can substantially improve documentation clarity.

For example:

These values are illustrative only.

3. Specify the Internal Shroud Opening

The internal dimensions of the shroud should be clearly established.

The designer should consider the relationship between:

Window frame → clearance → shroud internal opening.

A shroud should not simply be assumed to match the nominal window dimensions exactly.

Allowances may be necessary for:

• Window manufacturing tolerance
• Shroud manufacturing tolerance
• Installation tolerance
• Fixing components
• Window fixing lugs
• Site variation
• Building movement
• Required installation clearance

General Clearance Consideration

As a general design consideration, approximately 10 mm clearance between the window size and the inside of the shroud may be appropriate in some EZ Windows applications.

However, this is not a universal project specification.

Final clearance must be established and approved for the specific project.

Where fixing lugs or other window components project beyond the nominal frame dimensions, these must also be considered.

4. Specify the Shroud Projection

Projection is one of the most visually important dimensions.

It determines how far the shroud extends from the façade.

Increasing projection can create:

• Greater façade depth
• Stronger shadow
• More pronounced window framing
• Greater visual emphasis

Reducing projection can create:

• Subtle window definition
• A lighter architectural expression
• Less dominant façade relief

Rather than selecting projection arbitrarily, architects should evaluate it in elevation, section and preferably a three-dimensional model.

Think About Shadow, Not Just Dimension

A 300 mm projection is not merely “300 mm of aluminium”.

It becomes a three-dimensional architectural element interacting with daylight.

The architect should therefore consider:

projection + orientation + window proportion + façade material + colour.

This is where a relatively simple fabricated component can substantially influence the architectural character of the elevation.

5. Specify the Face Width

The face width determines the visible frontal dimension of the shroud.

A wider face can create:

• Greater visual weight
• Stronger framing
• A more substantial architectural form

A narrower face can create:

• A finer frame
• Reduced visual weight
• A more minimal appearance

Face width and projection should therefore be considered together.

6. Select Three-Sided or Four-Sided Construction

EZ Windows can manufacture different shroud configurations depending on the architectural requirements.

Three-Sided Window Shrouds

Three-sided configurations can be used where the architectural design intentionally leaves one edge open.

Depending on the project, this may create a lighter or more directional architectural expression.

Four-Sided Window Shrouds

Four-sided shrouds completely frame the opening.

They can create a strong picture-frame effect, particularly around feature glazing.

The appropriate configuration should be clearly identified in the architectural drawings and shroud schedule.

7. Specify the Corner Geometry

Corners strongly influence the appearance of a custom shroud.

Depending on the project and manufacturing feasibility, the architectural concept may incorporate:

• Square corners
• Mitred appearance
• Welded corners
• Modular corner junctions
• Rounded corners
• Radius forms
• Other project-specific geometry

Complex geometry should be discussed early enough to determine manufacturing feasibility before the design is fully documented.

8. Choose Welded or Modular Construction

One of the most important decisions is whether the project requires a welded aluminium window shroud or modular aluminium window shroud.

Welded Shrouds

Welded systems are factory fabricated into complete assemblies where practicable.

They can provide:

• Welded corners
• Continuous appearance
• Factory-controlled assembly
• Minimal site assembly
• Strong monolithic architectural expression

However, increasing shroud size can affect:

• Freight
• Handling
• Site storage
• Access
• Lifting
• Installation

Modular Shrouds

Modular systems divide the shroud into manageable manufactured components.

Potential advantages include:

• Smaller transportable components
• Easier handling
• Reduced freight volume
• Better suitability for restricted-access sites
• Easier interstate logistics
• Potential for individual component handling
• Greater flexibility for staged projects

The trade-off is that assembly occurs as part of the installation process.

9. Consider Logistics During Design

This is frequently overlooked.

An architect may design a large welded frame that looks straightforward on the elevation but becomes difficult to:

• Transport
• Unload
• Store
• Lift
• Move around scaffolding
• Position between structures
• Install on upper levels

This is precisely where early consideration of welded versus modular construction can protect the architectural intent.

Instead of discovering during construction that the intended component is difficult to handle, the manufacturing approach can be considered during specification.

10. Specify Rear Returns

Where required, rear returns can form part of the shroud geometry.

These should be clearly shown in section rather than assumed.

Document:

• Return depth
• Direction
• Relationship to façade
• Relevant clearances
• Intended interface

This is particularly important where the shroud interacts closely with cladding or other façade systems.

11. Consider a Fixing Flange

Depending on the project-specific configuration, a fixing flange may form part of the manufactured shroud.

The architect should clearly communicate whether a flange forms part of the intended design.

However, the presence of a flange should not be interpreted as project-specific structural engineering.

The adequacy of the fixing system, substrate and connection remains subject to the relevant project requirements and professional responsibilities.

12. Identify the Supporting Substrate

Do not specify the shroud in isolation from the building.

Identify what sits behind it.

Possible substrates or façade conditions may include:

• Timber framing
• Steel framing
• Masonry
• Concrete
• Structural steel
• Façade framing
• Other project-specific construction

The project team should determine the appropriate fixing solution for the actual substrate and loads.

13. Establish Fixing Requirements

Fixing requirements can depend on:

• Shroud size
• Projection
• Weight
• Substrate
• Building height
• Wind exposure
• Location
• Structural loads
• Building movement

Where engineering is required, the relevant project engineer should establish the fixing requirements.

EZ Windows can then manufacture in accordance with approved project-specific information within its agreed scope.

14. Coordinate the Waterproofing Interface

A window shroud is not the building’s complete waterproofing system.

Architectural documentation should coordinate the shroud with:

• Window installation
• Flashings
• Membranes
• Sealants
• Drainage paths
• Cavity systems
• Cladding
• Sills
• Building-envelope systems

The responsible design professionals should resolve these interfaces.

EZ Windows manufactures the nominated shroud and does not assume responsibility for the overall waterproofing design or certification of the façade.

15. Consider Falls and Drainage

Where horizontal surfaces are incorporated into the design, the project team should consider how water is intended to behave.

Depending on the approved design, project-specific manufacture may incorporate nominated:

• Internal falls
• External falls
• Sill arrangements
• Other drainage-related geometry

The required geometry should be clearly documented.

The designer remains responsible for determining the appropriate drainage and waterproofing strategy.

16. Specify the Powder-Coated Finish

Finish should be specified precisely.

Avoid simply writing:

“Black powder coat.”

Where possible, nominate the required:

• Colour
• Finish
• Powder-coating system
• Gloss level where applicable
• Environmental suitability
• Project-specific coating requirements

Shrouds can be coordinated with:

• Window frames
• Doors
• Aluminium battens
• Privacy screens
• Balustrades
• Cladding
• Other architectural metalwork

Alternatively, contrasting colour can deliberately emphasise the window.

17. Consider the Exposure Environment

The appropriate coating system may vary according to environmental conditions.

Consider:

• General urban environment
• Industrial exposure
• Coastal exposure
• Marine proximity
• Pollution
• Maintenance accessibility

The coating system should be selected according to the project environment and applicable supplier requirements.

18. Establish Manufacturing and Construction Tolerances

An architectural drawing can show perfect alignment.

The constructed building will contain tolerances.

These may arise from:

• Window manufacture
• Shroud manufacture
• Framing
• Masonry
• Concrete
• Cladding
• Installation

The shroud specification should therefore allow for appropriate project-specific tolerances rather than assuming every surrounding component will be dimensionally perfect.

19. Use Shop Drawings to Confirm the Manufacturing Intent

Shop drawings provide an important bridge between architectural intent and fabrication.

Depending on the project, an EZ Windows shop drawing may identify:

• Shroud reference
• Overall dimensions
• Internal opening
• Projection
• Face width
• Returns
• Corner arrangement
• Modular or welded construction
• Relevant fixing features
• Finish

The project team should review applicable shop drawings before manufacture.

Why Shop Drawing Approval Matters

A small misunderstanding on paper can become a repeated manufacturing issue across dozens of openings.

Approving the relevant information before production helps establish that the intended manufacturing configuration has been understood.

20. Incorporate the Shroud into CAD and BIM

Architectural window shrouds should ideally be considered during design development rather than being introduced at the end of documentation.

CAD and BIM/Revit information can help architects evaluate:

• Projection
• Proportion
• Alignment
• Repetition
• Window relationships
• Façade depth
• Material coordination

This also improves the ability to communicate the intended geometry to consultants, builders and estimators.

21. Give Each Shroud Type a Reference

For projects containing multiple shroud configurations, use a simple coding system.

For example:

SH01 — Standard bedroom shroud

SH02 — Living-room feature shroud

SH03 — Stairwell shroud

SH04 — Entry feature shroud

This can simplify:

• Architectural drawings
• Schedules
• Shop drawings
• Pricing
• Manufacturing
• Packaging
• Installation coordination

22. Create an Aluminium Window Shroud Schedule

A dedicated schedule can include fields such as:

This provides one central source of project information.

23. Coordinate Shrouds with Privacy Screens and Battens

Where the building also uses architectural aluminium privacy screens or battens, consider the metalwork together.

The architect can coordinate:

• Colour
• Projection
• Alignment
• Spacing
• Geometry
• Window positions
• Screen positions

This can create a more coherent architectural language across the façade.

24. Avoid Over-Specifying Unnecessary Manufacturing Detail

Architects should clearly specify the architectural outcome and critical project requirements.

However, avoid unintentionally restricting appropriate manufacturing methods unless a particular detail is essential to the design.

The specification should clearly distinguish between:

architectural requirements and fabrication methodology.

Where appropriate, early manufacturer consultation can help determine whether the desired architectural outcome can be achieved more efficiently.

25. Avoid Under-Specifying the Shroud

At the opposite extreme, a note reading:

“Provide aluminium window shroud.”

leaves too many questions unanswered.

At minimum, consider documenting:

• Dimensions
• Projection
• Face width
• Configuration
• Construction type where required
• Finish
• Interface requirements
• Relevant fixing requirements
• Shop drawing requirements

The clearer the specification, the less room exists for interpretation during pricing and construction.

26. Specification Clarity at Tender Stage

Good documentation is not only about manufacturing.

It can also improve tender-stage clarity.

When competing builders and subcontractors are pricing the same clearly defined shroud package, there is less ambiguity about what has actually been included.

A clear specification can help reduce uncertainty around:

• Geometry
• Quantities
• Finish
• Construction
• Scope
• Documentation
• Installation responsibilities

This can make tender comparisons more meaningful.

27. Sample Aluminium Window Shroud Specification

The following provides a starting framework only and should be adapted by the project specifier.

Product

Custom architectural aluminium window shroud.

Manufacturer

EZ Windows.

Configuration

Welded or modular construction as nominated within architectural documentation.

Geometry

Three-sided, four-sided or project-specific configuration as shown on architectural drawings.

Dimensions

Refer architectural window shroud schedule and approved project documentation.

Projection

As nominated on architectural drawings.

Face Width

As nominated on architectural drawings.

Returns

As documented.

Finish

Powder-coated finish in nominated colour and coating system suitable for the project requirements.

Fixing

In accordance with approved project-specific fixing requirements.

Façade Interface

Coordinate with windows, cladding, flashing, membranes, sealants and surrounding building-envelope systems in accordance with project documentation.

Shop Drawings

Provide where required for review prior to manufacture.

Manufacture

Manufacture following applicable project approval of the required manufacturing information.

28. What Information Should You Send EZ Windows?

For preliminary pricing or project review, useful information can include:

• Architectural elevations
• Window schedule
• Relevant sections
• Shroud details
• Dimensions
• Projection
• Quantity
• Finish
• Project location
• Desired construction method
• Required programme

If some details remain unresolved, identify them clearly rather than making assumptions.

29. Architect’s Pre-Specification Checklist

Before finalising the shroud specification, check:

• Architectural intent established
• Windows identified
• Shroud references created
• Internal dimensions established
• Clearance considered
• Projection established
• Face width established
• Three-sided/four-sided configuration selected
• Corner geometry established
• Welded/modular approach considered
• Transport and access considered
• Rear returns documented
• Fixing interface considered
• Substrate identified
• Engineering responsibility established where required
• Waterproofing interface coordinated
• Falls/drainage considered where relevant
• Powder-coated finish nominated
• Environmental exposure considered
• Tolerances considered
• Shop drawing requirements established
• CAD/BIM requirements considered
• Shroud schedule completed
• Installation responsibility established
• Compliance responsibilities understood
• Warranty requirements reviewed

30. Common Aluminium Window Shroud Specification Mistakes

Mistake 1 — Specifying Only the Window Size

Window size and shroud opening are not necessarily identical.

Appropriate clearance and interfaces must be considered.

Mistake 2 — Forgetting Projection

Projection is fundamental to both appearance and physical configuration.

Mistake 3 — Designing Without Considering Transport

Very large welded assemblies can create avoidable logistical problems.

Consider modular construction where appropriate.

Mistake 4 — Leaving the Finish Vague

Specify the nominated colour and coating requirements clearly.

Mistake 5 — Ignoring the Substrate

A shroud ultimately needs an appropriate project-specific fixing interface.

Mistake 6 — Treating the Shroud as Waterproofing

The shroud must be coordinated with the building-envelope design rather than assumed to replace it.

Mistake 7 — Waiting Until Construction to Resolve the Detail

Early consideration generally provides architects with greater control over the final architectural outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do architects specify aluminium window shrouds?

Typically by documenting the geometry, internal dimensions, projection, face width, configuration, finish, relevant interfaces and project requirements within drawings, schedules and specifications.

What clearance should I allow around the window?

Approximately 10 mm may be useful as a general design consideration in some EZ Windows applications, but the final clearance must be determined and approved for the specific project.

Should I specify welded or modular shrouds?

Consider the desired architectural appearance alongside size, transport, access, handling and installation requirements.

Can window shrouds be custom sized?

Yes. EZ Windows manufactures project-specific configurations rather than restricting architects solely to predetermined standard sizes.

Can shrouds have rounded corners?

Project-specific curved, radius and rounded configurations may be possible subject to design and manufacturing feasibility.

Can I specify three-sided shrouds?

Yes. Three-sided and four-sided configurations can be manufactured depending on the project.

Can EZ Windows provide shop drawings?

Shop drawings can be provided where applicable as part of the agreed project process.

Can architects access CAD and Revit/BIM resources?

Available architectural resources can be provided for relevant EZ Windows products and project requirements.

Does EZ Windows engineer the shrouds?

EZ Windows is the manufacturer, not the project’s engineering consultant. Where engineering is required, it should be undertaken by the appropriately appointed project engineer.

Compliance Responsibility

EZ Windows manufactures products according to the approved information provided within its agreed scope.

EZ Windows does not assume responsibility for determining the project’s:

• Architectural design
• Structural engineering
• Façade engineering
• Waterproofing design
• Building compliance
• Regulatory compliance
• Certification
• Suitability for a particular application

These matters remain the responsibility of the appropriately appointed project professionals and responsible parties.

Refer to the Aluminium Window Shroud Compliance page for the complete position.

Warranty

Product and finish warranty coverage is subject to the applicable EZ Windows warranty terms.

Powder-coating coverage depends on matters including the nominated coating system, environmental exposure, installation and maintenance requirements.

Refer to the Aluminium Window Shroud Warranty page for complete information.

Specify EZ Windows Aluminium Window Shrouds

EZ Windows works with architects, designers, builders and project teams requiring custom architectural aluminium shrouds manufactured to project-specific requirements.

Our capabilities include:

• Custom dimensions
• Custom projections
• Welded construction
• Modular construction
• Three-sided shrouds
• Four-sided shrouds
• Rounded and radius configurations
• Rear returns
• Fixing flange options
• Powder-coated finishes
• Shop drawings
• CAD resources
• BIM/Revit resources
• Technical documentation
• Project-specific manufacturing

The objective is simple:

Give architects the freedom to design the shroud they want — then provide a clear pathway from specification to manufacture.

Request Architect Specification Resources

Designing or documenting a project with aluminium window shrouds?

Download / Request the EZ Windows Architect Spec Pack

Request CAD Details

Request BIM / Revit Resources

Request Technical Information

Request a Project Quote

Speak With EZ Windows

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