LORENOVE: exterior joinery

A long-standing expertise in industrial joinery since 1936

Founded in Luisant by André Lorillard, Lorenove began as a small workshop before evolving into a structured industrial model. This transformation accompanied changes in the building sector, particularly the industrialization of construction systems and the rise of prefabrication.

Today, the company designs structures of exterior carpentry Customized solutions are available, utilizing a variety of materials: PVC, aluminum, wood, mixed solutions, and HPC composites. This diversity allows us to tailor our response to the specific constraints of each project, whether it involves energy-efficient renovation or new construction.

In practice, design offices and project managers integrate these solutions into projects where the thermal performance of the building envelope constitutes a central issue, in connection with the requirements of RE2020.

French production structured around industrial sites

Lorenove boasts 100% French manufacturing, spread across eight industrial sites. This organization allows for control of the production chain, from design to implementation.

This positioning addresses several challenges in the sector:

• traceability of materials
• Compliance with French and European standards (CE marking, DTU 36.5 for the installation of joinery)
• reduction of logistics delays

In practice, local manufacturing also facilitates adaptation to regional specificities, particularly in terms of climate or building typologies.

However, an operational limitation may appear: custom production, although qualitative, involves longer lead times than standardized solutions, which may impact some projects with tight schedules.

The introduction of PVC, a major technological turning point

In the 1980s, Lorenove incorporated PVC into its product ranges, driven by Jean Lorillard. This choice marked a significant evolution in window and door systems.

PVC offers several technical advantages:

• good thermal insulation
• limited maintenance
• controlled cost

This innovation changes manufacturing methods and expands architectural possibilities. It also supports the increasing demands in terms of energy performance of buildings.

"The introduction of PVC has profoundly transformed production methods and uses in exterior joinery."

However, this material also has limitations, particularly in terms of rigidity over large dimensions, which necessitates reinforcements or hybrid solutions.

Projects involving complex and heritage structures

Lorenove works on a variety of projects, including technical and heritage projects. The company has notably participated in the restoration of windows for the Louvre Museum and the design of joinery for the Viaduc des Arts in Paris.

These projects illustrate the teams' ability to adapt to different contexts:

• historic buildings subject to strict regulatory constraints
• structures requiring specific architectural integration
• high finishing requirements

In this context, craftsmen and installation companies must comply with precise requirements, often defined by heritage architects and inspection offices.

A concrete example: in heritage renovation, the identical reproduction of joinery profiles requires specific processes, compatible with conservation constraints while integrating improved thermal performance.

A national network serving renovation projects

The development of the Lorenove network allows for progressive coverage of the territory. This organization facilitates project support, from the consultation phase to installation.

Services typically include:

• On-site diagnosis and measurements
• technical recommendation adapted to the building
• Installation compliant with DTU standards

This comprehensive approach addresses the growing needs in energy renovation, where the quality of implementation directly influences the final performance.

With over 300,000 customers, the company emphasizes personalized support, provided by technical advisors capable of integrating the specific constraints of each home.

Training as a lever for quality implementation

Created in 2001 in partnership with AFPA, the Lorenove School of Trades plays a structuring role in the professionalization of the network.

Located in Chartres, at the heart of the production site, it trains internal teams and concession partners in installation techniques and regulatory developments.

"The transmission of know-how is an essential lever for guaranteeing the quality and durability of the works."

In a sector where problems related to poor installation are frequent (thermal bridges, leaks, air leaks), this skills development represents a major challenge.

The training programs include, in particular:

• the implementation rules (DTU, NF standards)
• sealing techniques
• adaptation to existing supports during renovation

An offer aligned with the challenges of the building envelope

Exterior joinery plays a key role in the overall performance of a building. It directly influences:

• heat loss
• airtightness
• acoustic comfort

In this context, the solutions proposed by Lorenove are in line with the objectives of reducing energy consumption and improving occupant comfort.

However, actual performance depends heavily on the overall coherence of the project: high-performance joinery installed on a degraded or poorly insulated building envelope will not achieve the expected gains.

Integration into a comprehensive approach, led by a project manager or a thermal design office, therefore remains essential.

Lorenove illustrates the evolution of a long-established player towards an industrial approach adapted to contemporary building requirements. Through local production, a diverse range of materials, and a structured network, the company is addressing the current challenges of exterior joinery, where the quality of design and installation determines the long-term performance of the structures.