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Carports - or vehicle shelters - are becoming more and more popular for outdoor living, and their design is constantly evolving. The main trend at the moment? The aluminium carport, whose aesthetic appeal is matched only by its strength and durability. Whatever the case, a designer carport has a lot going for it! Whether you want to protect your car from the elements or simply add extra storage space to your home, it's essential to choose the carport that suits your style (modern, Scandinavian, rustic...). At AKENA, we can help you reconcile aesthetics and practicality in your carport project. From popular materials to customisation options, here's a look at the features of a designer carport.

What materials should you choose for a carport that combines functionality and style?

Whether your carport is attached to your house, your garage or completely independent, the design carport must above all fulfil its main function: to protect your vehicles from the elements.

Aluminium, the ideal protection for your garden

Increasingly popular, aluminium is light, strong and easy to maintain. It's currently one of the best value for money materials on the market! One of its advantages is that it can be customised. In other words, you can design your designer aluminium structure down to the last centimetre: roof (curved, flat, solar?), type of pillars, colour and textured appearance of the aluminium, type of lighting... A top-of-the-range made-to-measure solution that's still affordable!

Wood, to add warmth to your new space

At AKENA, you can opt for a contrast between the colour of the aluminium and that of your wood-tone adjustable privacy screens. In this way, you can give your carport a timeless design style, without having to worry about maintenance. Our blinds are made with fixed all-aluminium slats. Available in opaque versions with solid or slotted slats to allow light to pass through, they can be installed on one or more of the fronts of your carport, delimiting the space while providing effective protection.

Akena Carport - Adossé - Aluminium

Want to find out more about a designer aluminium carport? Our teams will be happy to provide you with a quick, no-obligation quote. It only takes a few clicks to get an estimate for your custom-built carport online! Ask for your quote.

What are the latest design carports?

Would you like your carport to be an attractive addition to your property? If so, it's a good idea to take a look at the various designs available. These vary greatly: lean-to or freestanding structures, flat or curved roofs, etc. What budget do you want to allocate to your project? What aesthetic codes would you like to see?

A multitude of styles to suit you

Harmoniously integrating a shelter such as a carport into your house and grounds is no mean feat. While it's important not to clash with the front of your home, it's not out of the question to be imaginative! Here are some of the most popular styles at the moment:

  • The minimalist carport: focus on simplicity and clean lines, with straight lines and angles. This type of carport is perfect for modern, contemporary homes built after 2012. A design carport with a minimalist style can only enhance your home and add value to it, appearing less imposing than a wooden carport. Slim pillars, a slotted roof, an open structure - at AKENA, everything is designed to give priority to aesthetics and functionality.
  • The solar carport: how can we ignore bioclimatic construction at a time when the environmental impact of our building stock is under the microscope? Based on our aluminium carport model, this new version incorporates photovoltaic panels. Faced with the growing need to optimise energy consumption and keep bills under control. AKENA has extended its range of carports by adding a variant equipped with solar panels. By opting for a solar carport, you're doing two things: you're providing high-quality, long-lasting protection for your vehicle while generating your own energy.
  • The industrial-style carport: who said this trend had to be confined to the interior? Combining aluminium and wood, the industrial style is ideal for future carport owners looking for a bold, modern design.
Akena Carport - Parking voiture

Our creative ideas for reinventing the carport

Although carports are primarily designed to protect your vehicle, there are a number of useful ways of customising them to make them more functional and attractive. Here are a few ideas:

  • Add LED lighting to create a pleasant and practical night-time atmosphere thanks to the motion detector.
  • Install climbing plants or trellises to add a touch of greenery to your carport. This effect can be continued with a very contemporary green roof.
  • Opt for a suitable floor covering, such as waxed concrete or interlocking paving stones.
  • Design bespokestorage spaces to optimise the use of your carport (bike storage, wall cupboards, etc.). It is generally advisable to include these options when designing your carport and to opt for an enclosed structure.
  • Think about the features that will make it easier to move around your carport, particularly the driveways and landscaped areas.

Which is more aesthetically pleasing, a closed or open structure?

As you can imagine, the type of opening for your carport largely determines its design. The more traditional carport can be enclosed. This also allows you to store personal belongings under cover. More open, the carport has a more contemporary look, in keeping with the times.

Advantages and disadvantages of an open carport

This type of carport is generally the most suitable solution for sheltering your vehicle, and offers excellent value for money. The open carport consists of a roof supported by posts, without walls or side partitions. Although it doesn't offer as much protection as an enclosed carport, it does have a number of advantages:

  • Quick and easy access to your car
  • Better natural ventilation

 

A true example of contemporary design!

Enclosed carport adjoining the garage: as practical as it is attractive

The closed carport, combining functionality and design, is an alternative to traditional garages. Its aluminium structure blends harmoniously into the architectural environment of the house. This model provides more comprehensive protection against the weather. By enclosing your car, it protects it effectively while remaining easily accessible. This configuration considerably reduces the risk of damage. What's more, the enclosed carport protects your possessions from prying eyes, helping to deter any acts of vandalism or attempted theft. With the option of converting it into additional storage space, a workshop or a living area, it is a practical multi-functional addition to enhance your outdoor space.

Choose to add fixed privacy screens, allowing you to play with natural light while protecting your vehicles from the elements.

The main benefits:

  • A protected space for your car
  • The possibility of creating a discreet, easily accessible storage space

Whatever the case, current trends in design carports offer a multitude of choices in terms of styles and customisation options, so you can create a space to suit your needs and taste. At Akena, we advise you every day on your carport installation projects. Which design will you choose? Let us guide you.

Akena Carport - Adossé - Brise vue

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