Description
The Flexible Foundation for Modern Outdoor Living
Outdoor living expectations across New Zealand continue to evolve.
Homeowners, property investors, hospitality venues, developers, and commercial property owners increasingly want outdoor structures that can start simple and be upgraded over time. Rather than investing in a fully enclosed outdoor room or motorised louvre roof from day one, many projects begin with a strong architectural framework that provides immediate visual impact while allowing future enhancements as budgets and requirements change.
The Cerberus Aluminium Frame-Only Pergola has been developed around this concept.
Offering modern styling, durable aluminium construction, and exceptional flexibility, the Cerberus system creates a solid outdoor structure that can be customised and expanded over time with shade systems, outdoor blinds, lighting, privacy screens, and automation accessories.
Whether you're creating a patio cover, poolside entertaining area, outdoor dining space, café extension, or commercial courtyard, the Cerberus Frame-Only Pergola provides the ideal foundation.
What Is a Frame-Only Aluminium Pergola?
A frame-only pergola consists of the structural framework without a fixed roof system.
Instead of purchasing a complete covered structure immediately, owners can install the framework now and introduce weather management and comfort features later.
This staged approach provides greater flexibility while reducing initial project costs.
Popular future additions include:
- Shade sails
- Wave shade systems
- Outdoor blinds
- Privacy screens
- Decorative wall panels
- LED perimeter lighting
- RGB mood lighting
- Smart automation systems
Think of it as creating the structure first and customising the experience over time.
Why Frame-Only Pergolas Are Becoming So Popular
Modern outdoor projects are increasingly completed in stages.
Many homeowners prefer to establish the main structure before adding premium features, while hospitality operators often expand outdoor spaces as business demand grows.
Frame-only pergolas are ideal for:
- Staged building budgets
- Renovation projects
- Rental property improvements
- Hospitality venue expansion
- Future-proofed outdoor living
- Architectural landscaping projects
Rather than delaying construction until every feature can be installed, the framework can be completed immediately and upgraded when desired.
Built for New Zealand Conditions
New Zealand's climate presents unique challenges, ranging from coastal salt exposure and strong winds through to high UV levels and alpine conditions.
The Cerberus Frame-Only Pergola is manufactured from 6063-T5 aluminium, providing excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Unlike timber structures, aluminium will not:
- Rot
- Warp
- Crack
- Absorb moisture
- Attract insects
- Require regular repainting
This makes it suitable for coastal, urban, rural, and alpine environments throughout New Zealand.
Structural Specifications
The Cerberus system combines strength with a clean architectural appearance.
Framework Specifications
- Material: 6063-T5 Aluminium
- Posts: 100 x 100 x 2.0mm
- Beams: 150 x 100 x 2.5mm
- Standard Height: 2.5m
The square-profile design delivers a modern, minimalist appearance while maintaining excellent structural rigidity.
Contemporary Architectural Design
One of the key advantages of the Cerberus system is its versatility.
The clean lines integrate seamlessly with:
- Modern homes
- Contemporary villas
- Courtyards
- Outdoor kitchens
- Swimming pool areas
- Hospitality seating zones
- Apartment developments
- Commercial outdoor spaces
The framework creates visual definition and structure without feeling heavy or enclosed.
Standard Colour Options
The Cerberus Aluminium Frame-Only Pergola is available in:
- Black
- Grey
- White
For projects requiring architectural colour matching, Apollo NZ can provide bespoke powder-coated finishes.
Custom colour requests are available through Apollo NZ's bespoke colour service and surcharges apply.
Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Construction
Aluminium remains one of the most environmentally responsible construction materials available.
Benefits include:
- Fully recyclable
- Long service life
- Low maintenance requirements
- Corrosion resistance
- Reduced replacement cycles
- Excellent durability
The longevity of aluminium helps reduce long-term environmental impact while lowering ownership costs.
Designed to Grow With Your Outdoor Space
One of the biggest advantages of a frame-only pergola is flexibility.
The Cerberus structure is designed to accommodate future upgrades including:
- Shade sails
- Wave shade systems
- Outdoor blinds
- Privacy screens
- Decorative panels
- LED lighting
- RGB lighting
- Smart automation systems
This allows homeowners and businesses to start with a simple structure and progressively create a more advanced outdoor environment.
Optional Shade Sail Systems
Adding an overhead shade system provides immediate comfort benefits while maintaining airflow.
Benefits include:
- UV protection
- Reduced heat gain
- Improved comfort
- Glare reduction
- Enhanced outdoor usability
- Added wind stability
Available colours:
- Black
- Grey
- White
Shade sails offer an economical alternative to full roofing systems while maintaining an open-air feel.
Optional Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor blinds can be added at any stage to improve weather protection and privacy.
Available options include:
- Manual operation
- Motorised operation
- Multiple fabric openness factors
- Privacy mesh fabrics
- High wind-resistant systems
Outdoor blinds help manage:
- Sun exposure
- Wind
- Rain
- Privacy
- Temperature control
LED & RGB Lighting Options
Lighting transforms an outdoor structure from a daytime feature into an evening entertainment space.
Available options include:
- LED perimeter lighting
- RGB colour-changing systems
- Adjustable brightness
- Warm white lighting
- Cool white lighting
- Hospitality mood lighting
Lighting systems can be integrated during initial installation or added later.
Cerberus Aluminium Frame-Only Pergola Pricing
NZD Pricing
Excluding GST
Delivery to local depot additional
| Size | Frame Only | Frame + Shade Sail | Frame + LED/RGB | Full Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3m x 3m | $1,700 | $1,900 | $2,000 | $2,200 |
| 4m x 3m | $2,100 | $2,300 | $2,500 | $2,700 |
| 4m x 4m | $2,700 | $2,900 | $3,200 | $3,400 |
| 5m x 3m | $2,500 | $2,800 | $3,000 | $3,200 |
| 6m x 3m | $2,900 | $3,200 | $3,500 | $3,700 |
| 6m x 4m | $3,700 | $4,100 | $4,500 | $4,700 |
| 6m x 5m | $4,500 | $5,000 | $5,500 | $5,700 |
| 6m x 6m | $5,300 | $5,900 | $6,500 | $6,700 |
| 7m x 3m | $3,300 | $3,700 | $4,000 | $4,200 |
| 7m x 4m | $4,200 | $4,700 | $5,200 | $5,400 |
| 8m x 3m | $3,700 | $4,100 | $4,500 | $4,700 |
| 8m x 4m | $4,800 | $5,300 | $5,800 | $6,000 |
| 8m x 5m | $5,800 | $6,500 | $7,100 | $7,300 |
| 9m x 4m | $5,300 | $5,900 | $6,500 | $6,800 |
| 9m x 5m | $6,500 | $7,300 | $8,000 | $8,200 |
| 10m x 3m | $4,500 | $5,000 | $5,500 | $5,700 |
| 10m x 4m | $5,800 | $6,500 | $7,100 | $7,600 |
Post Configuration Requirements
To maintain structural integrity, larger pergolas utilise additional support posts.
4 Post Models
- 3m x 3m
- 4m x 3m
- 4m x 4m
- 5m x 3m
- 6m x 3m
- 6m x 4m
- 6m x 5m
6 Post Models
- 7m x 3m
- 7m x 4m
- 8m x 3m
- 8m x 4m
- 8m x 5m
- 9m x 4m
- 9m x 5m
- 10m x 3m
- 10m x 4m
Additional posts improve rigidity and simplify future upgrades such as blinds, shade systems, and lighting installations.
Custom-Made Cerberus Pergola Solutions
In addition to standard sizes, Apollo NZ can provide custom-made Cerberus pergola configurations.
Ideal for projects requiring:
- Unique spans
- Architectural integration
- Building attachment
- Commercial applications
- Landscape-specific layouts
- Custom dimensions
Custom solutions allow the system to integrate seamlessly into new or existing outdoor environments.
Frame-Only Pergola or Shade Sail System?
For many projects, pairing the Cerberus framework with a wave shade or sail system provides an outstanding balance between affordability, appearance, and comfort.
Benefits include:
- Excellent sun protection
- Natural airflow
- Fast installation
- Modern architectural appearance
- Cost-effective weather management
The combination works equally well in residential, hospitality, and commercial applications.
The Smart Way to Build Outdoor Living Spaces
Not every outdoor project requires a fully enclosed room or motorised louvre roof immediately.
However, every successful outdoor space benefits from a strong structure that allows future growth.
The Cerberus Aluminium Frame-Only Pergola provides a durable, low-maintenance, and highly adaptable foundation that can evolve alongside your needs.
Whether you choose a simple frame, a shade sail configuration, lighting package, or a fully customised outdoor entertainment area, Cerberus delivers the flexibility modern outdoor living demands.
