CADARN maximum standard size remains 6 × 4 m / 24 m² per bay pathway.
OUTDOOR ARCHITECTURE · SYSTEM SELECTION
Bespoke louvre pergola vs kitset louvre pergola.
The choice is less about appearance than how much geometric freedom, span, structural qualification and site adaptation the project requires.
SHORT ANSWER
Use CADARN for controlled kitset geometry; use ARKEN where the architecture drives the system.
CADARN is strongest when the project fits its kitset size/bay logic and limited made-to-measure flexibility. ARKEN is the premium made-to-measure pathway for larger spans, reduced-column layouts, complex multi-bay architecture, rotating/retracting options and project-specific high-wind requirements.
KEY PROJECT POINTS
What should drive the decision.
These are project inputs, not substitute engineering or automatic product approvals.
Larger CADARN arrangements should read as multi-bay/double-bay systems.
ARKEN supports more architectural geometry and span flexibility.
Post locations can be a major design driver.
Drainage, screens/doors and site levels should be decided early.
Both require local foundation/structural integration.
COMPARISON
Use-case fit before product preference.
The table is deliberately directional. Exact configurations still require project and evidence review.
| Pathway | Best fit | Watch closely |
|---|---|---|
| CADARN | Kitset projects that fit repeatable bay geometry and want controlled cost/installation simplicity. | 6 × 4 m maximum standard size, post/bay logic, local cutting of 3 m posts where used, and accessory compatibility. |
| ARKEN | Bespoke architectural projects, larger spans, reduced columns, complex layouts and premium hospitality/residential applications. | Project-specific design, engineering, manufacturing lead time and exact structural qualification. |
Start with the plan, not the price
Overall dimensions, bays, desired clear span, post tolerance and connection to the building should determine the pathway.
Understand bay logic
Kitset systems stay efficient when geometry follows repeatable modules. Bespoke systems become more valuable as geometry and structural demands depart from that logic.
Treat enclosure as part of the architecture
Screens, sliding doors, lighting and drainage should be coordinated before posts and beams are frozen.
Keep VARDHUS separate
VARDHUS is a separate New Zealand modular-outdoor-architecture pathway and should not be presented as interchangeable with global ARKEN/CADARN.
PROJECT INPUTS
What to have ready before asking for the exact system.
A stronger brief shortens the gap between product interest and a useful technical/commercial response.
Destination
Overall footprint
Bay count
Required clear span
Post constraints
Wall-mounted/freestanding
Site levels
Wind exposure
Roof behaviour
Screens/doors
Drainage/downpipes
Finish/colour
EVIDENCE BOUNDARY
Structural capability belongs to the exact configuration, not the brand name alone.
Verify profile sizes, spans, post layout, wind/snow criteria where relevant, motor/control data, drainage and exact drawings for the selected configuration. Local foundations and statutory design remain project-specific.
FAQ
Questions project teams usually need answered.
Is CADARN bespoke?
CADARN is a kitset system with limited made-to-measure flexibility, not the bespoke architectural pathway of ARKEN.
What is the CADARN maximum standard size?
6 × 4 m (24 m²) per standard bay pathway.
Can ARKEN reduce centre posts?
ARKEN is the pathway for larger-span/reduced-column architecture subject to exact project engineering and system qualification.