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A cream cassette awning extended over the front of a Maltese limestone townhouse, shading a small table and potted plants

Home / Awnings

Cassette awnings

Fabric shade on folding arms that rolls back into a closed case on the wall. Made to measure for balconies, terraces and townhouse fronts.

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Cassette awnings

Shade that disappears when you do not need it

For balconies, terraces, townhouse fronts and shop fronts, where a pergola would be too much.

How it works

Cassette awning

Fabric on folding arms rolls out from the wall to give shade, then rolls back into a closed case. With the case shut, the fabric and arms are protected from sun, salt and dust, which keeps them in better condition.

Most are motorised with a remote. A wind sensor can retract the awning automatically when the wind gets up, and a sun sensor can run it out when the sun comes round.

  • ControlMotor with remote, or crank
  • Sensors (options)Wind and sun
  • FabricWide range of colours and stripes
  • Valance (option)Drop front, fixed or roll-down
  • Lighting (option)LED in the arms or case
  • Frame colourRAL powder-coat colours
  • FixingWall, soffit or ceiling
An anthracite cassette awning over a seafront balcony with two chairs, Valletta across the harbour. Illustrative image
Two cream cassette awnings shading restaurant tables on a limestone street in Valletta. Illustrative image
A wide sand-coloured cassette awning with a front valance over a lounge beside a villa pool. Illustrative image
A grey cassette awning with LED lights in the arms over a dinner table on a roof terrace at dusk. Illustrative image
A terracotta cassette awning over an outdoor kitchen and table in a Gozo farmhouse courtyard. Illustrative image
A dark green cassette awning over a small roof terrace with geraniums in Rabat, a church bell tower beyond. Illustrative image
Illustrative images

Malta notes

Three things to check

  • The wall. Soft limestone and old masonry need the right anchors. We check before we quote.
  • The wind. On a high or open balcony, a wind sensor is worth it.
  • The street. Awnings over a public pavement or on a scheduled building or conservation area may need permission. Check with a perit or the Planning Authority.
A retracted white cassette awning, its case closed on a limestone wall above French doors and shutters. Illustrative image
Closed: the fabric and arms are hidden in the case until you need them. Illustrative image.

Questions

Common questions

What is the difference between a cassette awning and an open awning?

A cassette awning closes into a case that covers the fabric and arms when it is rolled up, protecting them from sun, salt and dust. An open awning has no case. A cassette costs more but keeps the fabric looking better for longer, which matters in Malta.

Can an awning stay out in the wind?

No awning should stay out in strong wind. Every awning has a wind limit. A motorised awning with a wind sensor retracts itself when the wind gets up, which is worth having on an exposed balcony or a house you leave empty.

Can it be fixed to a limestone wall?

Usually, with the right anchors for the stone and a check of where the load goes. Soft limestone and old walls need care. The survey checks the wall before we quote.

Next step

Shade for a balcony or terrace?

Send a photo of the wall and the width you want to cover.

Request a site survey