Retract-only open-sky
Selected ARKEN configurations allow the aluminium louvre field to stack away toward one side without adding a separate rotating function. This creates a simpler path where the priority is opening or closing the roof.
ARKENArchitectural Louvre Systems
ARKEN OPEN · Retractable Louvre Roof Systems
ARKEN OPEN — Retractable louvre roof architecture that rotates and opens to the sky.
ARKEN's flagship open-sky pathway combines motorised aluminium louvre rotation with physical roof retraction. The roof can close for overhead shelter, rotate for controlled light and airflow, retract toward one side, or be configured around a centre-opening layout for a much stronger connection to the sky than a conventional rotating-only roof.
Rotate + physically retractUp to 90° louvre rotationSide or centre-opening pathway4-post reference up to 4 × 6 m
Open-sky mechanisms
Two ways to make the roof physically move away.
ARKEN OPEN now covers both a streamlined retract-only pathway and the flagship rotate + retract architecture. The right mechanism depends on whether the project needs blade-angle control as well as a large open-sky condition.
Rotate + retract flagship
The flagship pathway combines adjustable louvre rotation with physical roof retraction, allowing closed shelter, controlled light and ventilation, and a substantially open roof from one system.
Side-retract layout
The roof field can move toward one side to create a large clear opening while retaining the surrounding structural frame.
Selected centre-opening layout
Compatible flagship configurations can divide the retracting roof around a central opening for a panoramic open-sky effect. Exact stack zones and geometry are project-confirmed.
How the open-sky roof changes
Four useful roof conditions from one architectural platform.
The movement sequence is what separates the ARKEN open-sky pathway from a conventional rotating-only louvre roof.
Overhead shelter
Close the louvres to form the roof plane and route collected water toward the integrated gutter and drainage pathway.
Light + ventilation
Rotate the blades through the available angle range to tune direct sun, shade and natural airflow without retracting the roof.
Substantially open roof
Move the louvre field toward one side when the project needs a much larger open-sky condition than blade rotation alone can provide.
Panoramic sky
Selected layouts can be configured around a centre-opening arrangement, creating a dramatic open zone through the middle of the roof.
Retractable louvre roof selection
What is a retractable louvre roof, and how does it differ from a rotating roof?
A retractable aluminium louvre roof physically moves roof blades out of part of the opening to create open sky. A rotating-only louvre roof adjusts blade angles but remains overhead. ARKEN OPEN is the architectural pathway for a roof that retracts: some configurations retract only; compatible flagship models can also rotate the blades. Confirm movement, opening direction, stack zone and supported span for the selected model.
Need adjustable shade without clearing the roof?
A rotating-only louvre roof controls blade angle while the roof field stays over the space.
Compare ARKEN ROTATENeed a substantially open roof?
Review retract-only and rotate-and-retract designs, then confirm the opening, drainage, motor and existing-support interfaces before a supply quotation.
Review technical requirementsCompare retractable louvres with fabric roofs
Both approaches can provide open sky, but the roof materials, operating mechanisms, drainage and maintenance differ.
Compare the roof mechanismsRequest a project-specific ARKEN OPEN quotation
Give the opening dimensions, mounting, desired operation, site exposure, delivery destination and available support details. Apollo provides the roof system; the buyer arranges all site engineering and installation.
Request ARKEN OPEN supply quoteComparing louvre pergolas in New Zealand?
The NZ selection guide keeps local site and consent questions separate from ARKEN's global product specification and explains when CADARN kitsets may be more suitable.
Compare NZ louvre roof pathwaysOpen-sky architecture
See the roof behaviour, not just the pergola.
Compare opening direction, roof states and perimeter requirements. Final manufactured geometry follows the selected project configuration.
Side-retracted open-sky
Move the roof away from the view.
The large opening is the point: ARKEN is intended for projects where a rotating-only roof still feels too enclosed.
Centre-opening pathway
Create a panoramic opening through the roof.
A centre-opening configuration can preserve shelter zones while opening the architecture directly to the sky.
Integrated outdoor room
Coordinate roof, perimeter and use.
ARKEN-compatible screens, sliding glass and selected outdoor-living elements can be planned as part of the ARKEN package where compatible with the chosen system.
ARCHITECT + DEVELOPER PROJECT PATHWAY
Translate ARKEN OPEN into a specification-ready project brief.
Specify the actual movement of the roof, not only its appearance.
Current planning reference
Current supplier reference: 4 × 6 m four-post rotate-and-retract configuration. Retract-only and centre-opening routes require individual confirmation.
Reference only · not certified project capacityFour coordination priorities
- Select retract-only versus rotate-and-retract behaviour
- Confirm retract direction and blade stacking or parking zone
- Coordinate controls, power, weather sensors and safety logic
- Check rainwater routes and enclosure / supporting-frame interfaces
Evidence before purchase
- Exact selected model and profile schedule
- Project-specific engineering and fixing requirements
- Shop drawings, drainage and power interfaces
- Order-specific inclusions, warranty and documentation
Roof movement, clear opening and motor/controls compatibility must be confirmed for the chosen configuration.
Current technical reference
Useful specification for early project planning.
These figures are drawn from current product information. They are planning references, not a substitute for the final project-specific engineering and documentation package.
Published data for the current open-sky ARKEN model.
Current ARKEN OPEN model-specific planning reference; larger and multi-bay layouts require project engineering.
Final opening direction and movement arrangement are confirmed against the selected project configuration.
Exact coating system and coastal warranty require project confirmation.
Dimensions, colour, interfaces and accessories are resolved around the project brief before manufacture.
Current manufacturing documentation supports smartphone and selected building-control pathways on compatible motorised configurations. Exact ARKEN control hardware is confirmed for the quoted project.
Supplier smart-control information references automatic rain response and high-wind blind protection on compatible configurations. Final sensor logic is project-confirmed.
Current manufacturing information publishes both voltage pathways on selected motorised louvre systems. Final motor, certification and destination voltage are confirmed for the quoted ARKEN configuration.
Useful where separate roof, lighting or accessory zones are required. Exact channel assignment and controller compatibility remain project-specific.
Current manufacturing literature publishes warm-white, white and RGB pathways across selected systems. Final drivers, zoning and controls are confirmed before order.
Apollo will only rely on certificates once the model-specific documents are received and checked.
Why this pathway exists
Architecture first. Product model second.
A genuinely changing roof
ARKEN does more than alter blade angle. The louvre field can physically move away from the opening, changing the space from sheltered architecture to a substantially open roof.
Keep wide views cleaner
The current ARKEN OPEN reference supports a four-post 4 × 6 m configuration, helping preserve sightlines and usable floor area without a centre post in that reference layout.
Plan the water route as part of the structure
Closed louvres, perimeter collection, beam gutters and drainage posts are treated as one roof-water pathway. Site discharge remains part of the project design.
Build the perimeter around the roof
ARKEN-compatible guided screens, sliding glass, integrated lighting and selected outdoor-living elements can be coordinated with the structure rather than added as unrelated afterthoughts.
Smart control
Control the outdoor room as one coordinated system.
Selected ARKEN motorised configurations can combine handheld remote control, smartphone operation, lighting, compatible blinds and sensor automation. The exact controller and integration package is confirmed against the selected roof platform.
Tuya-based smartphone control
Selected ARKEN motorised roof platforms support smartphone control through a Tuya-based app pathway, allowing remote adjustment from a phone or tablet.
Handheld remote control
A dedicated remote-control pathway remains available for straightforward roof operation without relying on a phone for everyday use.
Destination voltage + control zoning
Selected current platforms publish 110 V and 230 V motor pathways plus 1-channel and 5-channel remote-control options. Apollo confirms the exact motor, voltage and control zoning for the destination before order.
Roof · lighting · blinds
Supplier smart-control information describes coordinated control of the roof, lighting and compatible blinds from the same control ecosystem on supported configurations.
Building-control integration pathway
Selected compatible motorised platforms support wired smart-home integration and voice-control pathways. Exact controller and protocol mapping are confirmed for the quoted ARKEN configuration before order.
Rain + wind response
Optional sensors are published for automatic rain response and high-wind blind protection. Sensor behaviour, thresholds and connected accessories remain configuration-specific.
Optional project add-on
Add an integrated outdoor kitchen when the space is designed for cooking and entertaining.
The coordinated outdoor-kitchen pathway can be coordinated alongside the ARKEN structure rather than treated as unrelated furniture. Kitchen services, heat clearances and appliance compliance remain project-specific.
304 stainless outdoor kitchen
The current compatible outdoor-kitchen pathway uses a full 304 stainless modular system for residential and commercial outdoor use.
Grill + cooking module
Current supplier variants include built-in grill and multi-fuel cooking pathways, with pizza-oven options referenced within the same outdoor-kitchen family.
Sink + preparation cabinet
A sink-cabinet module allows food preparation and wash-up to be integrated into the covered outdoor zone where local plumbing and drainage can be provided.
Refrigeration cabinet
A refrigerator-cabinet pathway is available for a more complete outdoor entertaining layout, subject to destination appliance specification and electrical requirements.
Plan services before manufacture
Gas or fuel type, ventilation, heat clearances, plumbing, wastewater, power, appliance certification and local code requirements must be resolved as part of the project brief.
Manufacturing and supply documentation
Factory-prepared components with a defined supply scope.
Apollo supplies the selected product and available manufacturer documentation. The purchaser independently arranges and manages all site measurement, engineering, foundations, contractors, approvals and installation; Apollo does not coordinate those local services.
Factory-prepared components
The supplier publishes a pre-cut, pre-drilled manufacturing pathway with factory pre-assembly and testing before shipment.
Installation documentation
Current supplier support includes detailed installation information and 3D tutorial material for the installation team.
Remote technical support
Supplier remote video support is available as part of the current support pathway when clarification is needed during installation.
Destination-specific release
Motor, voltage, controls, coating, drainage, engineering and local compliance requirements are still confirmed for the actual destination and project.
Project applications
Where this ARKEN system fits.
ResortsHotelsRestaurantsPremium residencesPool terracesCourtyardsRooftop spacesCommercial outdoor rooms
Published wind and snow figures are being held out of Apollo's primary sales copy until model-specific reports and test conditions are received. Final span, loading and compliance remain project-specific.
Plan · specify · compare
Supporting pathways for ARKEN OPEN.
Use the parent category, technical guidance and project tools to confirm application, evidence and supply requirements without creating duplicate search pages.01 · Parent categoryarkenOpen pathway 02 · Knowledge / planningarken architectural louvre roof planning guideOpen pathway 03 · Project planningoutdoor room plannerOpen pathway 04 · Project readinessclimate exposure selectorOpen pathway 05 · TechnicaltechnicalOpen pathway 06 · Project planningoutdoor architecture project briefOpen pathway
Product snapshot
ARKEN OPEN
Flagship motorised open-sky aluminium louvre pathway combining 0-90 degree blade rotation with physical roof retraction. Current planning reference: up to 4000 x 6000 mm on four posts, 6063-T5 aluminium, 150 x 150 x 2.5 mm posts, 200 x 208 x 2.0 mm beam/gutter and 210 x 45 x 2.0 mm louvres, with side-retracting or centre-opening pathways. Final motor, controls, loads, coatings, engineering and destination compliance are project-confirmed.
ARKENRoof & Louvre SystemsListed product pathway
Configuration
Project Configured
Materials
Aluminium
TechnicalTechnical documents not yet centralisedDrawingsDrawing review by projectRegionalGlobal project reviewRelated3 related product optionsSupply modelSupply-only · manual project quotation
Related systems
ARKEN Architectural Louvre Systems · CADARN · Velaris Outdoor Blind Systems
Planning tools
Final configuration, engineering, certification and destination requirements are reviewed for each project.
Project planning
Useful product details at a glance.
Configuration, technical evidence, interfaces, exposure or destination requirements need product-specific review before the final supply package is confirmed.
Final engineering, testing, approvals and destination requirements are confirmed for the actual project where applicable.
Connected project pathway
Everything you need to take the next project step.
Product rangeARKEN Architectural Louvre Systems
Project-manufactured rotating, retractable, large-span, multi-bay, glass-enclosed and retrofit louvre-roof pathways for premium architectural projects.
Open pathway Planning guideARKEN Architectural Louvre Roof Planning GuidePlan a bespoke architectural louvre project around spans, roof movement, drainage, enclosure, exposure, structural interfaces and local responsibilities.
Open pathway PlannerOutdoor Room PlannerCoordinate roof, side enclosure, drainage, cooking, circulation and service requirements around the complete outdoor room.
Open pathway TechnicalARKEN Technical CentreReview current ARKEN reference specifications, profiles, drainage, coatings, motors and available technical evidence.
Open pathway Project briefOutdoor Architecture Project BriefCompile dimensions, roof behaviour, enclosure, site conditions, destination and project interfaces for ARKEN review.
Open pathwayRelated pathwayClimate Exposure Selector
Regional project pathwayARKEN Architectural Louvre Systems for Pacific Island projects
Review this system against the actual island, coastal exposure, wind or cyclone criteria, freight route and local project responsibilities before the final configuration is selected.
Technical informationNeed a datasheet, drawing, test report or tender submittal?
Request technical information No current public document is registered against this exact page yet. Tell Apollo what the project needs and the team can review the current product/configuration-specific information available.
BUILT INTELLIGENCE
Research connected to this project pathway.
Outdoor systemsMotorised Louvre Roofs: A Guide for Architects, Developers and Homeowners
An architectural guide to motorised louvre roofs, retraction, span planning, drainage, controls and technical specification.
Read intelligence CADARNCan You Add a Louvre Roof to an Existing Pergola? A NZ Retrofit ChecklistCan an existing timber, steel or aluminium frame support a motorised louvre roof? Review structure, size, drainage, fixings and NZ project requirements before ordering.
Read intelligence Outdoor systemsEnclosing a Pergola: Zip Screens, Sliding Glass or Fixed Privacy Panels?Compare zip-screen outdoor blinds, sliding glass and fixed privacy panels for NZ pergolas, including shade, wind, rain, views, drainage and support requirements.
Read intelligenceARKEN project brief