Open Cassette Awnings

Open cassette awnings are the simplest style of retractable awning, where the roller and arms remain visible rather than being enclosed in a cassette. For many commercial locations that already have some built in shelter, they offer a very practical and economical way to provide shade and light rain protection. They are widely used on UK shopfronts, cafés, bars and covered terraces, and remain a strong option for sheltered domestic patios and balconies too.

Samson Awnings supplies high quality open cassette awnings from leading European manufacturers, made to measure for commercial frontages and outdoor seating areas as well as homes. When the position is right, an open cassette awning can do everything required without the added cost or structural constraints of a semi or full cassette system.

Open cassette awnings are nearly always a torque bar system in their construction, so they have the ability to have variable and multi point bracket fixing positions when installing. More versatile for installing anywhere and offering greater stability in larger sizes.

What is an open cassette awning?

On an open cassette awning, the fabric cover is wound onto a visible roller and the folding arms sit beneath it with no full cassette box surrounding them. The awning is fully retractable, but when closed the mechanism and fabric roll can be seen rather than hidden inside a casing.

In simple terms:

• The awning provides the same level of shade and UV protection as other cassette types
• The fabric and mechanism are more exposed when retracted
• The look is more traditional and “honest”, you see the awning, not a box and some manufacturers have made the awnings look very arty in their designs.

This construction is well suited to commercial façades with existing protection, such as deep fascias, canopies or recessed entrances, where an enclosed cassette would bring little extra benefit.

Where open cassette awnings work well commercially

Open cassette awnings can be an excellent fit for commercial sites where the building already offers shelter and where good value across multiple units is important. They are often specified for:

• Shopfronts with deep fascias or fixed canopies above
• Cafés and coffee shops trading beneath covered walkways or arcades
• Bars and restaurants with recessed seating areas or balconies overhead
• Retail units and concessions beneath larger structural canopies

In these locations, the façade, soffit or overhead structure helps protect the awning when it is retracted, so a full cassette is not always necessary. An open cassette awning can then deliver the required shading at a more economical price point and with a simpler installation.

Key commercial benefits

For commercial operators, open cassette awnings can offer several advantages:

• Lower up front cost per frontage – particularly important when shading a row of shopfronts or a long terrace where multiple awnings are specified.
• Simple, robust construction – fewer casing parts and a straightforward design can mean less to damage in busy public environments.
• Easy maintenance and inspection – with the roller and mechanism visible, fabric condition and any issues are easier to spot and address.
• Brand visibility – the awning cover itself is fully visible when retracted, which can be ideal for strong fabric branding and corporate colours.

Where the building design supports it, this combination of practicality and value makes open cassette awnings very attractive in the commercial market.

Open cassette awnings for domestic use

At home, open cassette awnings are best suited to patios and balconies where the property already offers good protection. Typical examples include terraces below generous eaves, balcony soffits, over‑sailing roofs or recessed sections of wall.

A domestic open cassette awning is a sensible choice when:

• The rear elevation is well sheltered from direct wind and driving rain
• The homeowner prefers a traditional look with visible arms
• A lower‑cost awning is desired without sacrificing fabric quality
• A simple, reliable shading solution is needed for occasional use

The same principle applies as on commercial sites: if the building already protects the awning, there is often no need to pay extra for full enclosure.

Design, operation and fabric options

Although open cassette awnings use simpler hardware, they still offer a wide range of design and control options, making them suitable for both branded commercial frontages and high‑quality domestic terraces.

Typical options include:

• Manual or electric operation – from straightforward crank handles to fully motorised systems with remote controls and, on many models, optional smart app control.
• Adjustable pitch – so installers can optimise shading and encourage water run off within the awning’s design limits.
• High performance fabrics – with excellent UV protection, strong colour stability and a large palette of plain colours, stripes and patterns that can match brand colours or complement a property.

On some installations, a simple protective hood or top cover can be added above the roller to give extra shielding from rain and debris from above, while retaining the open underside.

Open cassette vs semi and full cassette for commercial projects

For commercial buyers, the choice between open, semi and full cassette awnings should be driven by exposure, building structure and budget.

In broad terms:

• Open cassette – best where the awning is naturally sheltered by the building or by a structural canopy, and where cost‑effectiveness and straightforward access are priorities.
• Semi‑cassette – adds greater protection and often uses a torque bar chassis, giving more flexibility for bracket positions on harder‑to‑fix façades or larger spans.
• Full cassette – gives the highest level of enclosure and a very neat closed appearance, more suitable for fully exposed elevations and where structural conditions suit end‑fix or more constrained bracket layouts.

In many commercial projects, different elevations might justify different cassette types. Open cassette awnings may be specified under covered walkways or fascias, while semi‑ or full‑cassette units are used on exposed corners or free‑standing frontages.

When an open cassette awning is not idea

There are clear situations where an open cassette awning is unlikely to be the best solution, particularly in the commercial sector. These include:

• Fully exposed façades facing prevailing wind and rain
• Elevated positions without any overhead protection
• Sites where tree debris, bird fouling or pollution would quickly contaminate an exposed roller
• Projects where a very discreet, enclosed appearance is needed when the awning is retracted

In such cases, a semi‑cassette or full cassette system usually offers better long term protection and a tidier closed look, even if the initial cost is higher.

Open cassette awning brands from Samson

Samson Awnings offers open cassette awnings from a range of respected European manufacturers, alongside semi and full‑cassette solutions. This means we can recommend open cassette designs where they genuinely make technical and commercial sense, rather than forcing a more expensive option where it is not required.

Across these ranges we can provide:

• Made to measure widths and projections to suit individual units or continuous runs
• Frame colours to match shopfront joinery, corporate branding or existing fascias
• Fabric choices from premium collections designed for heavy outdoor use
• Manual or electric systems, with group control and automation options for multiple awnings

Whether you are shading a single café frontage or a series of units on a parade, open cassette awnings can play an important role in controlling heat and glare while presenting a clear, consistent brand.

Markilux 1300

Weinor Topas II

Lewens Family Classic

Choosing an open cassette awning with Samson

For commercial clients especially, deciding whether an open cassette awning is the right choice begins with a realistic assessment of the site. If the façade or existing structure offers good overhead protection and exposure is moderate, an open cassette model can provide excellent shading performance with a strong cost–benefit profile.

When you speak with Samson Awnings, we will look at:

• How sheltered your shopfront, terrace or seating area really is
• The width and projection required across each run or unit
• How the awning will interact with fascias, signage, lighting and other features
• Whether an open cassette, semi‑cassette or full cassette design offers the best mix of durability, appearance and budget for each elevation

In many UK commercial settings and in plenty of sheltered domestic positions, a well specified open cassette awning is all that is needed, delivering reliable shade, improved comfort and visible branding at a very attractive price point.