Designing Retractable Roof Systems Guidelines

Architects and designers can use this page learn and understand the technical design guidelines for designing retractable roof systems. They can integrate retractable motorised patio awnings systems or roof systems into the construction and design of their building or outdoor areas for homes and commercial premises.

We are living Outdoors

With the growing popularity of renovation and new home design in Australia centred around the outdoor living space.  Hence there is an opportunity to increase the use, flexibility and effectiveness of these open spaces in all seasons. Retractable Awning Provide the solution.

Retractable and Operable Pergola systems can be fitted to existing buildings or integrated into the overall design of new building. This can be done in conjunction with the design team. Designers can match materials from the existing design around the pergola or new materials which highlight the overall design.

Here you can find out more about retractable roof systems.

On this page you can find our more about the various ways architects and designers can integrate the retractable awnings available in Australia. Additionally there ideas on integrating retractable pergolas into outdoor spaces to ultimately enhance the outdoor living experience.

The information on this page is an accumulation of knowledge from the Awning Worx Team and their combined experience from Australian, Asian and European Markets. Awning Worx operates a small technical team designing and installing custom commercial and high end residential projects around Australia and Asia.

Each Product outlined has different advantages and serves slightly different functions and purposes. For the following main features differentiate each product.

Retractable Roof Systems

Retractable Roof Systems refer to a range of retractable awning systems which provide sun and rain protection to large outdoor areas. They are can open and close within a minute give fully flexibility to the outdoor space. There are additional options to close the sides with glass or fabric screens as well as having LED lights and heating systems.

How they work

Our Retractable Roof Awnings retract concertina style rather than rolling due to the heavy waterproof fabrics. Fabric Retractable Roof Systems have become popular in the last 10 – 15 years. This is because they solve the problems of wind and rain which conservatory folding arm awnings could not. They are engineered such that they can clear span large areas without putting additional load on the surrounding structure. This is unlike traditional shade sail or fixed tension membrane systems might. With a retractable roof system the tension is held in the fabric not the supporting structure. Their construction cost is often lower than that of a traditional fixed timber or steel construction roof and gives the flexibility for the area to be outdoor or indoor.

Benefits for our Restaurants and Hospitality Venues

For Hospitality Venues retractable roof systems can provide income protection for outdoor dining areas and function areas when the weather changes. The ability to open and close a the system is additionally useful in the control of temperature. They often work effective with the combination of gas or electric heating and fans or misting systems.

Stand alone systems or integrated

Fabric Retractable roof systems can be stand alone with steel and aluminium framing or integrated in to complex architectural frames. Just add any modern building material like timber, steel, concrete or facade cladding. They can also include a very specialised sub group of retractable roof systems made from metal and/or glass for large applications like sporting areas where you are looking to clear span widths greater than 20 meters.

Retractable Roof Systems should carry the following Australian Design and Construction Standards

Structural Design and Compliance

National Construction Code 2016 (NCC)

AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 Structural Design Actions: Part 1: Permanent Imposed and Other Actions

AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 Structural Design Actions: Part 2: Wind Actions

AS/NZS 1664,1:1997 Aluminium Structures: Part 1 Limit Design State

AS 3600:2009 Concrete Structures

AS 4100:1998 Steel Structures

Find out More

To find our more about what retractable roof systems can do for your project Awning Worx can review your project and can offer you the different design solutions.