A new standard in retractable louvred roofs – POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series

Open to the sky. Sheltered in style.

An outdoor space that moves with the light, the weather and the moment. Fully open beneath a clear sky. Pleasantly sheltered when the sun becomes stronger. Atmospheric and comfortable as evening falls. With the POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series, outdoor living takes on a new dimension. This high-end retractable louvred roof combines exceptional openness with refined shelter. The louvres retract compactly to one side, opening the roof above. When rain arrives, they close to form a 100% watertight roof. Between these two positions, POLLUX offers complete freedom to play with light, shade and ventilation.

Limitless outdoor living

The finest outdoor spaces do not feel like an addition to a home. They feel as though they have always belonged there. Indoors and outdoors flow naturally into one another. Light enhances the sense of space. Surrounded by greenery, the outdoor living area becomes a place for tranquillity, long dinners, time together or simply a moment outside. POLLUX creates flexibility for luxurious outdoor living, filled with light, air and living space. As the louvres retract, they tilt slightly. They can stop in this position, allowing air to circulate freely while sunlight filters softly into the space. Elegant shadow lines move with the light, giving the terrace a different atmosphere throughout the day. As the louvres retract further, the roof largely disappears from view. The outdoor space opens up — from clear blue skies during the day to a canopy of stars at night. Prefer more shade? The position of the roof adapts effortlessly. When rain arrives, the louvres close and POLLUX provides complete shelter. Light. Air. Shade. Shelter. Always in balance.

One Elite series. Two ways to shape the light.

POLLUX is part of the CORNELS® Elite series: modular, bespoke canopies that bring together different forms of high-end outdoor living. Alongside the POLLUX retractable louvred roof, CORNELS developed ALYA CORNELS® Elite series within the same series, featuring tilting louvres. Both systems give light and space a character of their own.

POLLUX focuses on maximum openness. The louvres retract to open the roof of the canopy. In the slightly tilted intermediate position, they combine natural ventilation with softly filtered light.

ALYA approaches light from a different dimension. Its louvres tilt up to 110°, allowing sunlight, shade and ventilation to be controlled with great precision. Every change in louvre position changes the atmosphere beneath the roof. When the louvres close completely, ALYA also delivers 100% watertight performance.

And this is precisely where the Elite series sets itself apart.  POLLUX and ALYA can be combined within a single canopy. Above a lounge area, for example, POLLUX can open the space almost entirely, while ALYA above a dining area allows precise control of light, shade and ventilation. Two roof principles. One refined living space. One architectural whole. Limitless possibilities. Designed around outdoor living.

More space to live

Ultimately, an exclusive outdoor space is not about the canopy itself. It is about the moments that take place beneath it. The first sunlight on a quiet morning. A long table where indoors and outdoors come together. A sheltered lounge on a cooler evening. Good conversations with family and friends. Relaxed evenings together. Or simply the tranquillity of a place that feels entirely your own. The CORNELS® Elite series creates the architectural framework. Glass walls, screens and integrated lighting add comfort, atmosphere and shelter. The outdoor space can therefore adapt to the season and the moment. Open when the weather invites you outside. Softly filtered light when the sun is higher in the sky. Sheltered when rain or wind arrives. Intimately illuminated as evening falls. Luxury living, extended outdoors.

From open terrace to sheltered retreat

CORNELS® glass systems add another dimension to the outdoor space. Glass walls keep out wind and rain while their transparency preserves an uninterrupted connection with the surroundings. Depending on the chosen system, the various glass walls can also be partially opened or slid completely out of the way — ideal on days when a pleasant breeze is welcome on the terrace. When the low sun calls for shade or greater privacy, screens integrated into the wall systems reduce direct sunlight and can add privacy where desired. The result is an outdoor space that moves effortlessly between openness and shelter.

On a mild spring day, the roof and glass can open to let the outdoors in. As the sun rises higher, the slightly tilted louvres filter the sunlight while allowing air to circulate freely. If the wind picks up later in the day, closing a glass side immediately creates a calmer and more comfortable environment. Shelter creates a comfortable place to continue outdoor living through autumn and winter. Closed glass walls provide protection while maintaining the connection with the outdoors. A different experience in every season.

100% watertight. Beautifully engineered.

Design only truly has value when beauty and performance strengthen one another. When closed, the canopy and louvred roof deliver 100% watertight performance. The specially designed louvres guide rainwater directly towards the integrated gutters. The structure then drains the water through the columns. Accurately fitted gaskets, precision-welded joints and the integrated rainwater drainage system work together as one complete construction. CORNELS also separates cable routing from rainwater drainage. Technical components remain concealed, while electrical cabling is kept separate from water. Exactly as it should be. What remains are clean lines, refined detailing and effortless comfort.

Exceptional quality starts beneath the surface

True quality is something you experience. It is found in the details that are barely noticeable once installation is complete. With its roots and Headquarters in Amsterdam, CORNELS produces POLLUX in its own state-of-the-art factory in Istanbul. This gives CORNELS control over every important stage of the des ign and production process, from Research & Development through to delivery.

CORNELS also distinguishes itself through specific stages of its canopy production process. Aluminium components, for example, are first precision-cut to the exact dimensions required and only then finished with premium TIGER powder coating in CORNELS’ own in-house powder-coating line. This means the coating also protects the newly created cut edges. No untreated cut surfaces, but carefully finished components down to the smallest detail.

Skilled craftspeople weld the corner joints with great precision, ensuring the individual components fit together accurately. These are technical details that are barely visible, yet say a great deal about the high quality and 100% watertight performance of the system. Crafted with care. Engineered to perform.

Designed to perform

A high-end terrace canopy adds lasting value to both the architecture and everyday outdoor living. POLLUX therefore combines elegant design with impressive performance. Depending on its dimensions and configuration, POLLUX offers:

• 100% watertight performance when the louvres are closed;
• retractable louvres for an open roof;
• slightly tilted intermediate positions for ventilation and filtered light;
• warranty for wind resistance up to 12 Beaufort;
• snow load capacity of up to 356 kg/m².Experience the freedom to open the roof as soon as the sun appears. To create shade as the temperature rises. And to remain comfortably outside when the weather changes.

Bespoke outdoor living

Every home has its own architecture. Every garden has different sightlines, proportions and patterns of natural light. That is why every POLLUX realisation starts with bespoke design. Wall-mounted. Freestanding in the garden. As a pool house beside the swimming pool or as a canopy above the pool itself. Integrated into the architecture. Or connected modularly to create a generous outdoor living space. Almost anything is possible.

The Elite series extends that design freedom even further. POLLUX and ALYA can come together within a single creation, giving different zones their own individual character without compromising the tranquillity of the overall design. And if you prefer no support columns across very large spans, CORNELS can engineer the construction in steel instead of aluminium. Another example of the distinctive bespoke possibilities. Colour and finish naturally follow the architecture. CORNELS offers POLLUX in all RAL colours and a variety of surface textures. A tone-on-tone finish allows the structure to blend subtly with the home, while contrast can add greater architectural definition.

Integrated LED lighting brings atmosphere and depth after dark. Somfy io technology adds intuitive control. Everything comes together around one objective: Elevate your outdoor space.

Award-winning performance

In 2026, the POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series won the Z&R Award for Best Outdoor Shading Product. The jury recognised a product in which innovation, technical quality, design and versatility come together. For CORNELS, the award above all confirms the ambition behind the Elite series: to push boundaries and continuously elevate outdoor living. Today’s standard is simply the starting point for what can be improved tomorrow.

Experience POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series

See just how far the roof opens. Experience how the light changes as the louvres tilt and retract. Examine the detailing up close. Discover how POLLUX, ALYA, glass and screens come together to create one exceptional outdoor living space. CORNELS works with a selected network of specialised dealers for advice, design and realisation. Discover what POLLUX could mean for your outdoor space. We will be pleased to connect you with a CORNELS dealer in your region.

Would you like to experience POLLUX and other CORNELS outdoor products for yourself? Visit the CORNELS showroom in Amsterdam or our factory in Istanbul and discuss your requirements personally with one of our specialists.

Contact us to arrange a personal appointment.

WE ELEVATE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about POLLUX

What is a retractable louvred roof?

With a retractable louvred roof, the aluminium louvres move towards one side of the roof. In this way, the POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series opens up approximately 80% of the roof area, creating an almost entirely open space. As the louvres retract, they tilt slightly. They can stop at any point in this position using the Somfy io controls, creating natural ventilation, softly filtered sunlight and elegant shadow lines.

In which direction do the louvres retract?

The direction is determined according to the requirements of the project during the design stage. Within each module, the louvres retract towards one side — for example towards the façade when the canopy is installed against the building, or away from the façade. They can also be configured to retract along either the length or width of the canopy. The dimensions of the individual project also influence the available configurations. Thanks to the modular construction, the direction in which the louvres retract can even differ from one module to another within the same project. This makes it possible to divide a large outdoor space into different zones, with individual roof sections opening in different directions.

What is the difference between POLLUX and ALYA within the CORNELS® Elite series?

Both systems are part of the CORNELS® Elite series, but each creates light and openness in a different way.

• POLLUX features a retractable louvred roof. The louvres retract compactly towards one side, opening up approximately 80% of the roof area.
• ALYA features louvres that tilt up to 110°, allowing highly precise control over light, shade and ventilation.
• Both roof systems are 100% watertight when the louvres are fully closed.

Can POLLUX and ALYA be combined within a single canopy?

Yes. This modularity is one of the key strengths of the CORNELS® Elite series. Thanks to the modular construction, POLLUX and ALYA can create different zones within one canopy. POLLUX can provide maximum openness above a lounge area, while ALYA above a dining area offers precise control over light and shade. CORNELS brings both roof principles together within one architectural whole.

Is POLLUX completely watertight?

Yes. POLLUX delivers 100% watertight performance when the louvres are closed. The louvres guide rainwater towards the integrated gutters, after which the structure drains the rainwater through the columns. Accurately fitted gaskets and precision-welded corner joints are among the technical features that allow CORNELS to guarantee this 100% watertight performance.

Can POLLUX be combined with glass walls?

Yes. CORNELS enclosures a.o. glass systems add additional shelter from wind and rain while maintaining transparency and preserving the view. Combined with glass, screens and lighting, POLLUX creates a comfortable outdoor living space that invites you to spend time outside throughout the year.

How strong is POLLUX?

This canopy with a retractable louvred roof offers exceptional structural performance. Depending on its dimensions and configuration, POLLUX comes with a warranty for wind resistance up to 12 Beaufort and supports a snow load of up to 356 kg/m².

Why does CORNELS powder coat the aluminium after cutting?

CORNELS first precision-cuts every aluminium component to its exact dimensions and only then applies the powder coating. This means the protective coating also covers the newly created cut edges. It minimises untreated cut surfaces and contributes to long-term quality and corrosion resistance. A distinctive production step for a bespoke product.

How much does a POLLUX CORNELS® Elite retractable louvred roof cost?

Every realisation is bespoke. Dimensions, configuration, colour, glass systems, screens, lighting and the individual project situation all determine the investment. A specialised CORNELS dealer translates your requirements into a bespoke design and a personalised quotation.