Scissor Bioclimatic Pergola (Rolling Roof): Fully Retractable
Last updated:
The scissor bioclimatic pergola, also called a rolling roof, is a motorised aluminium roof whose panels gather at one end so the terrace opens fully to the sky. Closed, EPDM gaskets seal it against rain. It suits restaurant and hotel terraces, wide commercial spans and residential projects.
Scissor bioclimatic pergola over a residential terrace with angled louvres and LED strip lighting along the frame
How the rolling roof works
A louvred pergola can tilt its slats, but even fully open the slats stay in the plane of the roof. The scissor system works differently: a motor drives the roof panels along the frame and gathers them toward one side, so the opened roof leaves a clear opening instead of angled slats. When you want cover, the panels travel back and meet at their seals.
The practical result is a space that can behave like a roofed room at lunch in a downpour and like an open courtyard in the evening. For a restaurant that sells the view or the night sky, that single difference often decides the choice over a louvre-only pergola. If you need constant fine adjustment of shade rather than full opening, compare the piston bioclimatic pergola, or read the overview of bioclimatic pergola systems.
Construction and materials
The frame and panels are made from aluminium 6063-T6 F25 profiles with electrostatic powder coating, and the fasteners are stainless. EPDM gaskets provide the water seal between panels and at the edges. Rain that lands on the roof is led away through integrated channels and posts rather than visible piping.
Two carrier profile sizes, 130 x 150 and 137 x 170, are used as purpose-designed supporting beams, which lets the manufacturer size the structure to the span, snow zone and wind exposure of each project instead of forcing a catalogue dimension. An optional polyurethane infill is available for the panels.
Underside of scissor bioclimatic louvres opened against blue sky with warm LED line along the beam
Lighting, motors and control
LED lighting is built into the channel: 12V Samsung silicone strip at 4 cm intervals, with RGB or dimmer control as an option. That gives even, low-glare light along the perimeter without separate fittings on the roof.
Drives come from Somfy, Mosel or Cuppon at 120 Nm. Control by remote or app is standard practice on these projects, and rain and wind sensors can be added so the roof can close without staff. Heaters and side zip screens can be tied to the same system.
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Profile | Aluminium 6063-T6 F25 |
| Coating, fasteners | Electrostatic powder coat, stainless |
| Sealing | EPDM gaskets |
| Motor | Somfy / Mosel / Cuppon, 120 Nm |
| Single module, max | 400 x 765 cm or 700 x 457 cm |
| Multi-module | Up to 6 modules, 1531 cm span |
| Wind test | UNE-EN 13659, Class 6, 112 km/h |
| Snow load | EN 1999 (Eurocode 9), 100 kg/m² |
| Roof load | 25 kg/m² distributed, 50 kg point load |
| Lighting | 12V Samsung LED, RGB / dimmer optional |
| Warranty | 5 years motor, 2 years mechanical |
The two single-module maxima are alternative envelopes: a wider and shallower module or a narrower and deeper one. Confirm which orientation your site needs when you request the quotation.
Scissor bioclimatic pergola in a garden with dark red posts and roof panels closed
Application: restaurant terrace
One of the reference applications is a restaurant terrace in Türkiye with a wide span: a scissor bioclimatic roof that opens fully, with LED lighting and integrated rain drainage. It shows the hospitality logic well, because the same terrace has to work at lunch in the rain and on a clear evening.
Why the scissor type fits this use:
- The roof opens completely, so tables are not under slats on fine evenings.
- Lighting is built in, so there are no separate fixtures to add or maintain on the roof.
- Drainage runs inside the structure, so the facade and seating zone stay clean.
- Several modules can be combined to reach a wide terrace span, up to six modules and 1531 cm.
Aerial view of a closed louvred scissor bioclimatic roof over an outdoor dining table beside a pool at dusk
For operator-side questions such as terrace licensing and layout, see bioclimatic pergolas for HoReCa.
Other applications
Hotel terraces and pool decks follow the same logic as the restaurant case, with higher unit counts. On villa and residential terraces the roof gives a lounge that can be closed against rain or opened to the sun. Wide-span commercial areas, such as arcades or courtyards, benefit from the long multi-module capability.
Cream louvres of a scissor bioclimatic roof tilted open above a balcony terrace, seen from below
When another system fits better
The scissor roof is not the only choice. If you want tilting louvres that stay in place for permanent shade control, a piston system is simpler. If you only need a retractable shade fabric over a small area, an awning is lighter. Where the stack of panels cannot be accommodated at one end of the frame, review layout first, because the stacked panels need somewhere to rest. Heavy snow regions also need the structural check before ordering.
Supply and warranty
Our manufacturing partner in Türkiye produces the system to order, per project. Dealers and contractors receive engineering to the site's wind and snow conditions, and quotation is by project. Standard warranty: five years on the motor, two years on mechanical parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a scissor pergola and a louvred pergola?
In a scissor (rolling roof) system the panels gather to one end and the roof opens fully. In a louvred system the blades rotate in place and the roof stays closed to the sky-line even when open.How large can a scissor module be?
One module can reach 400 x 765 cm or 700 x 457 cm. Up to six modules can be joined for a span of 1531 cm.Is it waterproof?
Closed, EPDM gaskets seal the roof, and integrated channels drain the water through the posts.What wind and snow data are available?
The system is tested to UNE-EN 13659 Class 6 (112 km/h) and referenced to EN 1999 for 100 kg/m² snow load. Heavier site conditions are checked in the project calculation.Can lighting be included?
Yes. 12V Samsung silicone LED strip is built into the channel, with RGB or dimmer options.What warranty is given?
Five years on the motor and two years on the mechanical parts.Request a quote with module size, location and use for a project-specific offer.
Related: Bioclimatic pergola overview · Piston bioclimatic pergola · Bioclimatic pergola prices · Project gallery · Export and project supply