Beautiful Shutters That Actually Work
Age-old weatherproofing finds a place on all styles of windows and doors
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
Growing up in the suburbs, it seemed that one out of every two houses had shutters ... but none of those shutters actually worked. Their function was decorative, a means of evoking a style instead of doing what shutters traditionally do: modulate light and privacy, protect windows from wind and rain, and close off a building when the occupants are away.
But shutters that actually work can still be found in new buildings, be it in tropical climes or in ways that they don't even resemble shutters. What follows are a variety of shutter applications, from the traditional to the contemporary.
But shutters that actually work can still be found in new buildings, be it in tropical climes or in ways that they don't even resemble shutters. What follows are a variety of shutter applications, from the traditional to the contemporary.
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| This vernacular French country building illustrates not only the function of shutters in action but also various applications. The top floor uses double shutters at each window, while downstairs the squarish window is covered by only one shutter. Even the numerous doors include shutters. |
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Moist, tropical climates are ideal for shutters, as the louvers can shed water and provide shade, all the while admitting breezes. Note the two types of shutters in this example: in the foreground are hinged shutters, but in the background are sliding shutters for a larger opening.
Here is an awning-type window shutter that sheds water and provides shade when open. When closed, it protects the house in the event of a hurricane.
An inside view of an awning-type shutter, this time with louvers, clearly shows how the shutter can admit filtered light, even as it protects the window from rain.
by Alterstudio
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This contemporary application features large sliding shutters in front of a terrace. The wood-slat shutters match the adjacent cladding to create a seamless wrapper for the house.
This house in Australia features a horizontal corner window with a generous awning and a narrow shutter on the side. As the shutters close ...
...note how the piston arms tuck behind the awning ...
...and how the awning itself matches the wall ...
...to create a seamless wrapper when the shutters are closed.
by mark gerwing
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Another atypical application is this stair in a condo where shutters line both sides. The mix of sliding and swing shutters serves to "modulate the public/private spectrum as well as to craft the amount of sunlight penetrating the upper and lower rooms," according to the architect.
by mark gerwing
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Their placement and variation in open/closed position also create interesting views across the skylit stair.
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| And how about these large sliding doors? Shutters? No, but they serve a similar function, all the while impressively opening the interior to the outdoors. What was solid and closed easily becomes transparent and open. |
Comments
Horizon Interior Shutters The uses for shutters are extensive. Inspiration pictures are always an asset.
21 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings John, being a native New Orleanian, shutters, like hurricanes, are just a way of life for me. As my wooden shutters on my 50 year + house need to be replaced, I'm opting for metal ones. The shutters on that Australian house are the most ingenious I've ever seen: they just disappear when closed to become part of the facade design.
21 months ago · Like
Villa Lagoon Tile I love the Italian style double shutter or casement windows with shutters mounted on the windows . Sometimes the shutters are on the interior and sometimes as in this photo, on the exterior. I never see these types of windows in the States unfortunately. 
21 months ago · Like
rdonal When you say shutters....I automatically think of New Orleans. Weathered, black, white or colorful, New Orleans sure knows how to use them! 
21 months ago · Like
patscats2 We live in hurricane territory so when we built this house we were glad to be able to put movable shutters. No more plywood!!! They are so easy to make and very inexpensive. 
21 months ago · Like
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1gkelly1 The shutters on the Australian house are the most aesthetically pleasing and purposeful use of shutter examples that I have seen. I question the location (in a walkway), but I can see myself using the idea in a different location. Kudos.
21 months ago · Like
microhouse Here's hoping shutters make a comeback. They are a great environmental control. Shutters reduce solar gain while allowing air circulation in the summer. Saving energy and money.
21 months ago · Like
CAROLE MEYER Workable shutters were a must on my new house plan.....however, I forgot that with the design of my iron work, I would NOT be able to close them. Oh well, live and learn, we are in Oregon so have no need to close them against the weather. I make myself feel better and not so stupid by just admiring the fact that if I had not designed the ironwork to stick out....I could have closed them!! Carole Meyer 
21 months ago · Like
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Horizon Interior Shutters There is such a variety of exterior shutters styles. However, 80 - 90% of exterior shutters sold are louvered or raised panel. You may find the standard styles at http://www.shutterland.net .
5 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Nov. 9, 2012.
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