Face-fixed
The box and guides sit on the face of the wall. It suits most existing buildings, leaves the full opening clear and is the easiest to service. The box is visible, so it is colour-matched to the frames or walls.
Recessed
The box sits inside the reveal under the lintel and the guides inside the reveal. It looks tidier from the street, but it needs enough reveal depth and slightly reduces the daylight opening, because the box takes up the top of the window.
Built-in
On new builds and extensions the box can be hidden behind render, a soffit or a fascia, leaving only the guides visible. It needs planning with the builder or architect so the lintel, insulation and access hatch for servicing are designed in from the start.
Shopfronts
On shops the box usually sits behind the fascia board, which many councils prefer. Where there is no room behind the fascia, a face-fixed box with a hood is used, and on some listed or sensitive frontages an internal shutter behind the glass is the only acceptable option.
Access for servicing
Wherever the box goes, it must be possible to open it to reach the motor and barrel. Concealed boxes need an access panel; we check this at survey so a future motor change does not mean breaking into a finished wall.
Sizing the box
The box has to hold the rolled-up curtain, so its size depends on the drop and the lath profile: taller shutters need bigger boxes. House window boxes are typically around 137–250 mm, while shopfront and industrial boxes are larger. The survey confirms the space above the opening before a position is agreed.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change; check with the relevant authority for your property.