ouvrants

Ouvrants is a French architectural term referring to the movable elements of a window, door, or other opening that can be opened. They are the parts of a fenestration or doorway designed to provide access, ventilation, or light, in contrast with fixed elements such as the dormant or frame that do not move.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from ouvrir, to open, with the agent suffix -ant. In practice, an ouvrant is any leaf or panel of a window or door that can be operated to open or close the opening.

Types and operation: Ouvrants can take several forms. Battants are hinged leaves that swing on side hinges, as in many traditional windows and doors. Coulissants are sliding leaves that move horizontally along tracks. Pivotants rotate around a central pivot and can be used for doors or specialized windows. Some openings combine actions in one unit, such as tilt-and-turn or other multi-operable systems. The performance of an ouvrant depends on hardware (hinges, rollers, pivots), sealing, and the interaction with the fixed surrounding frame, or dormant.

Context and usage: In carpentry, architecture, and window design, the term ouvrant designates the movable parts that define the opening’s operation, ventilation, and access. It is used in technical specifications, construction drawings, and historical descriptions of fenestration and door sets. The concept encompasses various styles and technologies, from traditional wooden casements to modern multi-point locking and insulated systems.

See also: fenestration, dormant, battant, coulissant, pivot.