6 smart features to add to your louvre roof

Create more possibilities with your louvre roof

What we'll cover:

1. Rain sensors

Built-in weather response

New Zealand’s weather is often unpredictable, and Wellington in particular is known for sudden downpours. With a rain sensor fitted to your louvre roof, you don’t need to worry about being caught off guard. As soon as the first drops are detected, the louvres automatically close, providing instant protection for your furniture, flooring, and anything else beneath the cover.

This feature adds real convenience, especially if you’re not home to adjust the roof yourself. It means your outdoor area can stay set up the way you like it, without the hassle of packing things away or rushing outside when the weather changes. The sensor quietly does the work for you, keeping your space dry and ready to enjoy at any time.

Beyond the practical benefits, a rain sensor helps you get more consistent use out of your outdoor area. You can relax with friends, enjoy a family meal, or simply read a book outdoors without keeping one eye on the sky. The technology is discreet but effective, giving you the confidence that your outdoor living space is protected year-round, whatever the weather decides to do.

2. LED lighting

Brighten your evenings

Lighting is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to extend the use of your outdoor space. By integrating LED options directly into your louvre roof, you can enjoy evenings outside without relying on separate lamps or outdoor fixtures. Downlights are ideal for highlighting dining or lounge areas, while strip lighting provides a soft, continuous glow that creates ambience across the whole space.

Because the lighting is built into the roof structure, it feels seamless and tailored, complementing the modern design of the louvres themselves. This makes it easy to set the right mood whether you’re having a relaxed family dinner, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying the garden after dark.

LED lighting also offers practical benefits beyond ambience. Energy efficiency means you can enjoy longer evenings without worrying about power usage, and the discreet installation ensures your outdoor area retains a clean, uncluttered look. With lighting integrated into the roof, your outdoor space is not limited by daylight hours and becomes a year-round feature of your home.

3. Motorisation

Control at the touch of a button

One of the most appealing aspects of a louvre roof is how much control it gives you over your environment. With motorisation, that control becomes effortless. Instead of manually adjusting the blades, you can open, close, or tilt them at the press of a button. Remote operation is included as standard with our louvre roofs, and in many cases the system can also be linked with sensors or app-based controls for even greater convenience.

Motorisation brings greater precision too. The blades align perfectly every time, allowing you to fine-tune the balance between shade, sunlight, and airflow. On a hot afternoon, you might angle them for ventilation while blocking harsh sun, and later in the day you can close them fully to create a cosy sheltered space.

It also contributes to a clean, contemporary look. With no manual cranks or visible mechanisms, the system feels seamless and refined, integrating beautifully into the design of the roof. This makes managing your outdoor area both practical and stylish, giving you a space that’s easy to enjoy throughout the year.

4. Outdoor blinds

Shelter and privacy

Adding outdoor blinds to your louvre roof can transform an open structure into a comfortable, enclosed retreat. Designed to handle Wellington’s challenging conditions, these blinds are made with strong welded side zips and a weighted drop bar that keep them stable even in high winds. This means you can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about gusts of wind or driving rain disrupting your plans.

Outdoor blinds also create a sense of privacy, helping you feel more at ease when relaxing or entertaining. They provide shade during the day, reduce glare, and allow you to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to the elements. When combined with the adjustable louvres above, they give you complete control over light, airflow, and protection.

The best part is that these blinds can be automated, so you don’t need to roll them up or down manually. With the press of a button, you can create a sheltered, cosy environment that feels like an extension of your home. This makes the space usable year-round, giving you a comfortable and private setting whether you’re hosting guests or simply unwinding after a long day.

5. Glass sliding doors

Style and protection

For homeowners who want a more enclosed space, Glaslide doors are a premium way to enclose your louvre roof, giving you the option to enjoy your outdoor space while being fully protected from the elements. Made with durable tracks, wheels, and high-quality glass, they are designed to last while providing smooth operation and a refined finish. The strong magnetic latch system ensures secure closure, so your space feels safe and weatherproof.

Unlike solid walls, glass doors maintain natural light and views, allowing your outdoor area to feel open and connected to the garden. At the same time, they block rain and Wellington’s strong gusts, creating a sheltered space that is comfortable in any weather. Paired with heating strips or outdoor blinds, they transform your louvre roof into an all-season living area that feels like an extension of your home.

For homeowners who want both function and style, glass sliding doors strike the perfect balance. They add a polished finish to your outdoor room, making it practical, versatile, and welcoming throughout the year.

6. Heating strips

Comfortable evenings outdoors

Even in summer, Wellington evenings can cool down quickly. Integrated heating strips keep your outdoor space comfortable after sunset and make the area usable year-round when the days grow colder. Built into the roofline, they provide warmth without bulky freestanding units, maintaining the clean, modern look of your louvre system.

Inspiration

Here’s a look at how these additions could look in your space:

Conclusion

A louvre roof already gives you control over shade and shelter, but with smart features it becomes a complete outdoor living solution. Rain sensors, lighting, motorisation, blinds, and heating all add comfort, convenience, and flexibility, making your space ready for use in any season.

By choosing the right combination to perfectly fit your space, you can create an outdoor area that feels effortless to enjoy whether that’s relaxing on a summer evening, hosting family gatherings, or staying comfortable as the weather cools.

Thinking of creating your outdoor space?

Speak to our team today to find out what options might suit you.

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