Next gen: controllable living spaces

“Opening roofs are very popular because of their versatility,” Louvretec’s Rebecca King says. “They allow for the creation of a functional outdoor room that is an extension of the home. Our Opening Roof louvre blades open and close up to 180 degrees, allowing for extensive customisation of protection from the elements or enjoyment of the sun.”

Louvretec has a range of eight different styles of opening roof, but of late one of the most coveted styles is the recent addition to the collection, the Retractable Opening Roof. This system sees the louvre blades able to retract away, creating 75 per cent open space overhead when desired.

When views are important, sliding glass doors designed for outdoor use work in conjunction with operable roofs to create versatile outdoor living areas. “Our Sunflex glass doors are frameless and are designed to protect and enhance outdoor areas without compromising views,” Rebecca says.

“These doors allow for the creation of an outdoor haven in which to enjoy the outdoors, even in winter. With daylight savings coming to an end, we are finding people are looking for ways to continue the outdoor living they enjoyed in summer. Because they are glass, these doors provide significant protection and heat retention when the temperatures start to drop, and they also reduce surrounding noise.”

When wind is a factor on a site, a number of factors need to be considered, including what the wind zoning is. “Wind zones start at low and go through to extra high,” Rebecca says. “This is something our design team will check, and base the options available around. Depending on what wind zone a home is in, the level will affect what louvre spans can be installed.”

Whatever option is chosen, each element can be automated to incorporate rain sensors, or to follow the sun throughout the day, a process which can be altered at any point to enhance the enjoyment of the area.

Make sure you visit Louvretec on ArchiPro here to see what you could achieve with your outdoor spaces this winter.