Designing outdoor spaces that work in every season

Australian homeowners love making the most of their outdoor spaces, but our climate doesn’t always cooperate. Long summer evenings can be interrupted by a sudden downpour, while harsh midday sun often makes a deck or patio uncomfortable to use. Traditional fixed pergolas provide shade, but lack the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions.

This is where louvred roof systems come in – engineered to deliver comfort, usability and style, no matter the weather. 

Here, we speak to A’besco Blinds & Awnings general manager Gil Bennett who shares how the latest architectural detailing and advanced technology are making louvred roof systems the ideal solution for creating outdoor spaces that work year-round.

The rise of louvred roof systems in Australia

In recent years, louvred roof solutions have become a sought-after answer for homeowners, architects and designers. By integrating adjustable aluminium blades into a pergola structure, these systems allow precise control over light, airflow and shelter. Tilt the louvres open to capture a cooling breeze, angle them to filter strong sunlight, or close them completely to stay dry when rain sets in.

“For Australian conditions – where four seasons can arrive in one day – this level of adaptability is more than a luxury,” shares Gil. “It’s a way to maximise the value and usability of outdoor spaces throughout the year.”

Introducing the Camargue Louvred Roof

Among the solutions available, A’besco Blinds & Awnings’s Renson Camargue Louvred Roof stands out for its architectural refinement and technical performance. Unlike many pergolas that appear as afterthoughts, the Camargue has been designed as a seamless extension of the home.

“The structure is sleek, minimal and versatile. With spans up to 4.5 m and depths reaching 7 m, it can cover generous outdoor living zones, which makes it perfect for entertaining areas, outdoor dining spaces or poolside retreats.”

The design is modular, meaning it can be adapted to fit a variety of homes, from modern townhouses to coastal retreats, and six predesigned templates offer a solution for every style of architecture. 

Weatherproof performance

A common frustration with outdoor shelters is their performance in poor weather. The Renson Camargue is engineered to withstand winds of up to 160 km/h and manages rainfall of up to 150 l/m² per hour. For Australian homeowners, that means confidence: whether it’s a blustery Melbourne day or a heavy downpour in Queensland, the pergola holds steady.

Water is efficiently channelled away through integrated gutters and columns, keeping the space dry and usable.

“This means that instead of retreating indoors, families can continue to enjoy their outdoor living areas, regardless of what the skies deliver,” says Gil. 

Smart technology for modern living

The Renson Camargue isn’t just about shelter, it’s about convenience. Operated by a Somfy motor and remote, the louvres can be adjusted at the push of a button. For those who prefer a fully connected home, integration with the Somfy TaHoma app allows control via smartphone, scheduling, or linking with wider smart-home systems.

Optional extras such as integrated LED lighting, heating, and automated screens make it possible to transform the pergola into a true all-weather room. 

Customisation that reflects Australian design tastes

No two Australian homes are the same, and the Camargue responds with customisation options that respect personal style. Side elements include glass sliding walls, fabric screens or aluminium panelling, all of which can be seamlessly built into the frame. This keeps the clean architectural lines intact while allowing each installation to feel unique.

Pre-designed style templates, such as “Earth Oasis” or “Tech Cocoon”, provide inspiration, showing how finishes, colours and accessories can be combined to suit different lifestyles and aesthetics. Whether you prefer a natural timber look, a crisp minimalist palette, or a technology-driven retreat, the Renson Camargue can be tailored to reflect it.

Why Australian homeowners are choosing louvred roofs

Instead of viewing outdoor areas as seasonal spaces, more homeowners want year-round functionality. The Camargue Louvred Roof addresses this need directly:

• Adaptability – respond to changing weather instantly.
  
  
• Durability – engineered for Australia’s variable climate.
  
  
• Aesthetic integration – a design-led addition that enhances property value.
  
  
• Smart operation – ease of use through motorisation and app control.
  
  

For architects and designers, the Camargue also provides assurance: its modular construction and integration options mean it can complement a range of architectural styles while meeting clients’ performance expectations.

Explore the Renson Camargue Louvred Roof system by A’Besco Blinds & Awnings