Choose the mechanism first
Fixed roofs, rotating louvres, retracting louvres and retractable fabric systems create different structural, drainage, control and maintenance requirements.
Specification Records / Global
Specify the outdoor room as a coordinated structure, weather and service system.
Apollo's outdoor architecture range spans modular and bespoke louvres, fixed and retractable roofs, guided blinds, shade and adaptable enclosure systems. Use the project behaviour—opening, shelter, enclosure, drainage and operation—to select the product pathway before detailed specification.
Global / overseas search owner Manual project review Exact-system evidence only
Direct answer
The short version.
For outdoor architecture, define the roof behaviour, span, attachment, drainage, wind and coastal exposure, future enclosure, power and controls, maintenance access and local structural responsibilities before selecting the final system. Do not transfer dimensions or performance claims from one roof or blind family to another.
Project decision
What matters before product selection.
Use these points to structure the first project conversation. Final suitability stays tied to the actual site, selected system and local project team.
Treat enclosure as part of the brief
Blinds, glazing and screens change wind behaviour, fixing zones, privacy, airflow and daily operation. Future enclosure should be declared before the primary structure is frozen.
Evidence remains system-specific
Wind, span, motor, coating or weather-performance information must be tied to the exact selected product and configuration. Historical or unrelated supplier evidence is not a substitute.
Keep local interfaces explicit
Foundations, existing-building adequacy, waterproofing, electrical connection, drainage discharge, local engineering, approvals and installation remain project-specific responsibilities.
Comparison matrix
Outdoor architecture specification pathway
Use movement and project scale to narrow the family.
| Need | Primary pathway | Specification focus |
|---|---|---|
| Modular louvre roof | CADARN | Size, mounting, operation, drainage, enclosure |
| Bespoke louvre roof | ARKEN | Span, bay geometry, structure, controls, glazing |
| Fixed / fabric retractable roof | FASGAR | Roof material, travel/stack, drainage, weather operation |
| Adaptable roof + enclosure | AUVENOR | Movement, screens, controls, services |
| Side weather control | VELARIS | Opening size, guides, fabric, wind, controls |
Project brief
Information worth collecting before quotation.
01Product family
02Footprint / opening
03Attached or freestanding
04Span / bay geometry
05Wind / snow / coastal exposure
06Drainage route
07Power / controls
08Blinds / glazing / screens
09Finish
10Required technical evidence
11Local foundations / engineering / installation
Frequently asked
Answers without oversimplifying the project.
Should an architect specify ARKEN and CADARN interchangeably?
No. CADARN is Apollo's modular/kitset louvre pathway while ARKEN is the bespoke architectural pathway. Their geometry, project scale and documentation expectations differ.
Can a generic wind rating be used across every outdoor roof?
No. Wind performance depends on the exact system, dimensions, supports, enclosure and evidence available for that configuration.
Where are current blind documents located?
Current registered VELARIS buyer, installation, care and control guides are available through the Technical & Specifier Centre and the VELARIS product pathway.
Next step
Turn the research into a real project brief.
Send the site, dimensions, intended use, quantities and known local requirements. Apollo will review the relevant product pathway and keep local engineering, approvals and site-work responsibilities explicit.