POLLUX CORNELS® Elite wins Z&R Award 2026
Recognised for innovation, engineering and outstanding technical performance
The POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series has won the Z&R Award 2026 in the category Best Outdoor Shading Product. With this distinction, the independent expert jury recognises a retractable louvred roof that combines high-quality engineering, strong technical performance, durable finishing and maximum design freedom.
Z&R, the trade platform for the solar shading and outdoor living industry, organises the award and assesses the entries on criteria including innovation, engineering and quality.
POLLUX stands out through the strength of its overall concept. It is not one individual feature that makes the difference, but rather the combination of 100% watertight performance with the louvres in the closed position, powder coating after cutting, high wind and snow load resistance, carefully engineered water drainage and cable routing, and modular integration within the CORNELS® Elite series. It is precisely this technical coherence that distinguishes POLLUX within the high-end terrace canopy segment.
100% watertight with the louvres in the closed position
One of the key technical characteristics of the POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series is its 100% watertight performance with the louvres in the closed position. This watertightness results from the precise interaction of several technical components. Precision-welded corner joints, high-quality rubber seals, the specially developed louvre profile and the integrated rainwater drainage system together form one carefully engineered system.
The louvres guide rainwater in a controlled manner towards the integrated gutters. From there, the system drains the water through the columns. At the same time, the construction keeps rainwater drainage and cable routing completely separate, allowing water and electrical services to follow their own dedicated routes within the system. It is precisely this combination of construction, sealing and water management that makes POLLUX 100% watertight with the louvres in the closed position.
Powder coating after cutting for maximum corrosion resistance
The finishing is equally distinctive, with CORNELS opting for a technically advanced solution that directly contributes to the durability of the system. CORNELS first cuts the aluminium components precisely to size and only then applies the powder coating. This ensures that the cut edges also receive a complete protective coating. This process maximises corrosion resistance and gives every individual component a high-quality, durable finish. This sets CORNELS apart through a manufacturing method that is exceptional within the industry.
For the finish, CORNELS uses high-quality TIGER powder coating, available in a wide range of colours and textures. For projects in coastal areas, an additional seaside coating provides extra protection against the effects of a saline environment.
Engineered for high wind and snow loads
POLLUX distinguishes itself not only through watertightness and corrosion resistance, but also through its structural strength. Depending on the dimensions, the POLLUX CORNELS® Elite series offers a guarantee for wind loads up to 12 Beaufort and snow loads up to 356 kg/m². POLLUX therefore combines refined design with an exceptionally high level of stability and structural load-bearing performance. This combination characterises the design philosophy of the CORNELS® Elite series: engineering and design reinforce one another. High technical performance does not compromise the aesthetics, but forms an integral part of the design.
Fully retractable with control over light and ventilation
POLLUX also stands out through its fully retractable louvred roof. During opening, the louvres first tilt and then retract. This gives the system different possibilities for regulating natural light and ventilation. From soft, filtered light to a fully open roof, the outdoor space adapts effortlessly to the moment and the desired use. With the louvres in the closed position, POLLUX provides complete protection against rain.
A modular part of the CORNELS® Elite series
POLLUX forms part of the modular CORNELS® Elite series and therefore integrates seamlessly with other systems within the same series. Within a single design, the fully retractable POLLUX louvred roof can, for example, be combined with the ALYA tilting louvred roof from the CORNELS® Elite series. This creates different roof zones within one architectural composition. The side walls also form an integral part of the design. The canopy can be extended with sliding glass walls, motorised glass balustrades, screens and other CORNELS enclosures. This modular structure offers extensive freedom to combine different functions and zones within a single outdoor space, fully aligned with the architecture, use and desired degree of openness and shelter.
Designed as a complete outdoor living solution
It is precisely this modularity that makes POLLUX more than just a terrace canopy. Roof, walls, glass systems, solar shading, lighting and controls together form one integrated overall concept. Whether freestanding, wall-mounted or fully integrated into the architecture, every configuration aligns with the project and its surroundings. POLLUX also offers extensive possibilities for personalisation in its finishing. Options include a wide range of RAL colours, integrated LED lighting and louvre insulation for additional thermal and acoustic comfort. The result is a high-quality outdoor living solution in which design, engineering and comfort form one cohesive whole.
