Louvre roof
Useful where adjustable shade, ventilation and a closable roof plane are central to how the outdoor room is used.
- Adjustable blade angle
- Integrated drainage pathway
- Residential + hospitality use
New Zealand / Decision guide
Louvre roof, retractable roof or fixed roof for a New Zealand project?
The three pathways can all create useful outdoor shelter, but they solve different problems. Start with how much movement, weather control, opening area, drainage, maintenance and architectural integration the project needs.
Destination-specific planning Manual project review Exact-system evidence only
Direct answer
The short version.
Start with CADARN when adjustable louvre control is the main requirement; FASGAR when fixed or retractable non-louvred overhead cover is stronger; and AUVENOR where a more specialised moving architectural system better matches the project. Final wind, structure, drainage, consent and installation requirements remain project-specific.
Project decision
Separate the pathways before asking for pricing.
These comparisons are designed to narrow the project route. They do not replace local engineering, authority review or exact-system technical evidence.
Retractable roof
Useful where opening a significant portion of the roof is part of the experience and the project can accommodate moving components, controls and maintenance access.
Fixed roof
Useful where dependable permanent overhead cover and simpler operation matter more than changing the roof opening.
Comparison matrix
New Zealand outdoor-roof pathways
Site wind, exposure, drainage, structural support and local approvals still need project-specific review.
| Factor | Louvre | Retractable | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary benefit | Adjustable sun + ventilation | Open-sky flexibility | Permanent cover |
| Movement | Blade rotation | Roof retracts / moves | None |
| Weather strategy | Closable roof plane | Variable open / closed | Continuous cover |
| Maintenance | Motor + drainage | Mechanism + controls | Generally simpler |
| Typical project | Outdoor room / terrace | Hospitality / premium outdoor | Shelter-led space |
Project brief
Information worth collecting before quotation.
01Project address
02Use + occupancy
03Width × projection
04Attached / freestanding condition
05Wind exposure
06Coastal exposure
07Drainage route
08Power + controls
09Existing structure
10Consent / local professional requirements
Frequently asked
Keep the destination and scope explicit.
Does Apollo recommend one system for every New Zealand outdoor project?
No. The decision page is a shortlisting tool. Final suitability depends on the actual site, use, dimensions, exposure, selected system, available evidence and local project requirements.
Who handles local engineering, approvals and installation?
Apollo is supply-led. Local engineering, approvals, foundations, services, installation and other site works remain with the appointed local project team unless a written project scope expressly includes something different.
Is pricing calculated automatically from this guide?
No. Apollo uses a manual project-brief process so the selected system, quantities, destination, freight and project interfaces are reviewed before pricing.
Next step
Turn the shortlist into a destination-specific brief.
Send the site, dimensions, use, quantities, exposure information and known local requirements. Apollo can then review the relevant systems, evidence, freight and supply scope.