Whatever the weather: MX-3 from Markilux

​​If you ask restaurateurs and hoteliers about their guests’ seating preferences these days, you will hear one thing again and again: people prefer to be outside – on balmy summer evenings as well as on cooler days, and even when light rain showers are forecast. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a wider shift in thinking – including at home, where those with a terrace or at least a balcony have felt particularly fortunate. Especially when outdoor activities were mostly limited to uneventful walks, our gardens, terraces and balconies became popular places to pass the time.

Even though the situation thankfully seems to be easing, one thing is certain: since the coronavirus, we perceive outdoor space differently than we did a year and a half ago. The nice thing is that we have become a bit more flexible. And that summer – which, at least from a Central European point of view, is usually over sooner than we’d like – can be extended a little longer with the right means. Or started earlier. To make this possible, German manufacturer markilux offers awnings that not only defy the sun’s UV rays, but also, to a certain extent, the elements.

For half a century, the company has been developing and producing patio, conservatory and window awnings in Emsdetten, Westphalia, and about two years ago introduced the MX-3 model. What sets this high-quality cassette awning apart is that customers receive a product tailored to their individual needs instead of off-the-shelf sun protection. According to Michael Gerling, Managing Director for Technology and Production at markilux, a decisive sales factor is the variety of colour options. Customers greatly appreciate this choice of numerous colour and design variants, especially with regard to the Selection MX special effect lacquers for the awning panel finishes – even if the trend is still more towards grey and non-colour shades.

In terms of design, the experts at markilux have managed to keep MX-3 extremely compact and to complement the basic linear form with harmonious rounded contours. It combines the best of tried-and-tested awning models, says Michael Gerling: ‘The proven technology of our folding-arm awnings has been even further refined, and this operates in the background. But in the foreground, you see a new ensemble of forms. The side caps no longer stand on their own. Instead, they flow in an arc into the slightly curved front profile, whose elongated, angular shape is based on the look of the Markilux 970’ – a much more angular, award-winning model from the manufacturer. The MX-3 model has also deservedly won the Iconic Award as well as the German Design Award.

Last but not least, awnings should of course be as timeless as the architecture whose facades they adorn. Whether the cassette stands out in a bold hue or blends in discreetly is purely a matter of taste – just like the choice of fabric. The latter can be easily replaced by qualified personnel should preferences change one day. That, too, is the hallmark of an excellent product.

The markilux MX-3 is available in a maximum width of six metres and a projection depth of three metres. The awning is operated either with a crank drive or an exceptionally quiet io remote-controlled motor, as well as optionally with an RTS radio motor. And this model has even more additional features to brag about: namely, it is smart. Thanks to wind and sun sensors, the awnings can retract and extend independently. But the especially resistant fabric will not leave you sitting in the rain. To make your stay under the protective sail even more comfortable in the evening, dimmable LED lines or LED spots can be integrated underneath the cassette to provide atmospheric illumination of the terrace floor or building wall. An optional radiant heater provides pleasant warmth in cooler temperatures.

The fact that the terrace and balcony have become many people’s new favourite spots is perhaps one of the most positive side effects of this difficult time. Sitting outside is not only healthy, but also thoroughly relaxing and rejuvenating – and having access to that every day is like being offered a little piece of paradise.

© Architonic