KE Outdoor Design

What KE Outdoor Design does

KE Outdoor Design, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Noventa di Piave, Italy, designs and manufactures custom outdoor solar shading systems — bioclimatic pergolas with rotating aluminum louvers, retractable cassette awnings, tension shade sails, roller screens, and glass enclosure systems. The company operates as a core brand within FrontYard Group (formerly BAT Group, rebranded in 2025) alongside BAT and Giulio Barbieri, with wholly-owned manufacturing subsidiaries in Italy, the USA (KE USA Inc., Chester, NY — over 100,000 sq ft across three divisions), Spain (KE Gennius Ibérica), and Germany (Mobau Markisen, acquired January 2026).

KE's product architecture centers on extruded aluminum structures with automated louver and retractable-fabric mechanisms, wind/rain/sun sensor integration, optional perimeter LED lighting, and CE/EN 13561/EN 1090 compliance. The company distributes exclusively through a global network of factory-trained authorized dealers — KE Store in Italy, KE USA dealers in North America, Mobau Markisen in Germany — and supplements this with a direct KE Contract division for hospitality and commercial projects. Architects and designers are reached through approximately 150 parametric BIM objects on Syncronia and presence on Archiproducts, Archiexpo, and Landscape Designer.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through hardware sales of custom-made pergolas, awnings, and screens, with prices set per-project consultation rather than list pricing (budget tiers span €5,000 to over €30,000). Italian commercial buyers can also access operating-lease ('Noleggio Operativo') and Ecobonus/SuperBonus fiscal-incentive structures. End customers split between residential homeowners (SMB/long-tail via dealers) and enterprise hospitality/retail projects (hotels, resorts, restaurants, malls) handled through KE Contract, with notable references including Hotel Casa Bianca al Mare, Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz, Grand Hotel Dino, and Les Ormes Demain & Resort.

Name

KE Outdoor Design

Legal name

KE Protezioni Solari SRL

Website

https://keoutdoordesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KE Outdoor Design is an Italian manufacturer of custom motorized and manual outdoor solar shading systems — bioclimatic pergolas, retractable awnings, shade sails, and roller screens — sold globally through authorized dealers and a hospitality contract division, serving residential and commercial clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Solar Shading Systems

NAICS

Blind and Shade Manufacturing (33792)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Sunrooms, Screen Rooms & Enclosures (HSAPALAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Outdoor & Area Lighting (Street, Roadway, Parking, Flood, Sports/Architectural exterior) (IMAGAIAB)

Keywords

• Bioclimatic pergolas
• Retractable awnings
• Outdoor shading systems
• Exterior solar screens
• Shade sails

Headquarters

HQ city

Noventa Di Piave

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Outdoor Shading Products (Pergolas, Awnings, Sails): KE designs, manufactures, and sells custom outdoor shading products (bioclimatic pergolas, retractable awnings, roller screens, tension sails) through a global network of authorized dealers. Products are made-to-order/custom sized per customer requirements. Revenue is generated through dealer purchases and direct commercial project engagements. KE also offers leasing (Noleggio Operativo) for commercial customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

KE Outdoor Design designs and manufactures custom-made outdoor solar shading products including bioclimatic pergolas with adjustable aluminum louvers, retractable cassette and folding-arm awnings, exterior roller screens, tension shade sails, and panoramic glass enclosure systems. Products are sold through an authorized global dealer network and through a dedicated KE Contract division for commercial/hospitality projects, with options for motorization, wind/rain/sun sensor automation, integrated LED lighting, and 100% recyclable aluminum construction.

Product overview

KE Outdoor Design is a manufacturer of outdoor solar shading solutions organized around several product families: (1) Pergolas — including bioclimatic pergolas with adjustable aluminum louvers (Kedry Prime, Gennius Vega), flat sliding-roof pergolas (Isola 2/Isola 3), and folding pergolas with retractable fabric (Pergole con telo avvolgibile); (2) Awnings — covering folding arm awnings (with and without cassette), canopy awnings, drop-arm awnings, and built-in awnings; (3) Roller Shades — with and without cassette, including built-in shading systems; (4) Sail Shades — KOLIBRIE, Kheope, and Kheope K13; (5) Glazing Systems — Glassroom/Sunlight and LINE GLASS panoramic sliding glass walls; (6) Retractable Tension Shade Systems — SPACE, SPACE WALL, HYDRA, HYDRA Wall, Pinnacle Two; (7) Exterior Solar Screens — SCREENY, KE Storm Rail, CS0, CS4, CS5, CS6; (8) Stationary and Industrial Canopies for permanent outdoor installations; and (9) Services — KE Contract (hospitality/commercial division), KE Academy (training), and Design & Personalization (customization). The portfolio serves both residential and commercial/hospitality segments with motorized and sensor-based automation options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gennius: Product line featuring louvered pergolas, retractable roof pergolas, and folding pergolas
• Kedry Prime
• KEDRY
• QUBICA
• KOLIBRIE
• Kheope
• Isola
• GENNIUS VEGA
• Space Wall
• Domina
• Glassroom
• Sunlight

Products and services

• Bioclimatic Pergolas with Adjustable Louvers Aluminum pergolas with rotating lamelle orientabili (adjustable louvers) that control sunlight, ventilation, and water drainage for outdoor living spaces in residential and hospitality settings. Includes Kedry Prime and related models.
• Pergolas with Sliding/Retractable Roof (Isola 2, Isola 3) Flat-roof pergolas with sliding/retractable roof (Isola 2, Isola 3 in the Gennius range) featuring a lowered profile that gives the structure a lighter, more elegant appearance.
• Attached Aluminum Pergola with Inclined Roof (Gennius Vega) Wall-attached aluminum pergola with inclined roof featuring luminous LED light inserts for diffused ambient lighting that doubles as a decorative outdoor element.
• Pergolas with Retractable Fabric Roof Folding pergola with retractable fabric roof that rolls up to open the space or closes for weather protection, offering flexible outdoor shading for residential and hospitality applications.
• Folding Arm Awnings Retractable awnings with extendable folding arms for flexible outdoor shade coverage over terraces, windows, and patio spaces.
• Domina Full Cassette Retractable Awning Full cassette retractable awning with reduced profile height enabling wall, soffit, or roof mounting. Maximum width 20 ft, maximum projection 11 ft 9 in, available in 5 color options with optional LED lighting. Designed for both residential and commercial applications.
• Premium Retractable Awnings (Bella Plus, Elite Plus, Regal) Premium retractable awnings in the KE product lineup including Bella Plus, Elite Plus, and Regal models with motorized operation for residential and commercial applications.
• Canopy-Style Awnings (Tende a cappottina) including QUBICA Canopy-style retractable awnings for window and facade shading, including the QUBICA line designed by Robby Cantarutti in FLAT, PLUMB, and Light versions with optional integrated LED strip lighting.
• Drop Arm Awnings (Tende a caduta) Vertical drop-arm awnings that descend for side-of-building or window shade applications, used primarily for sun and privacy screening.
• Built-in / Flush-Mount Awnings (Tende a incasso) Flush-mount/built-in awnings designed to be integrated into architectural structures for a clean aesthetic with the awning hardware concealed when retracted.
• Roller Shades with Cassette Housing Roller shades with enclosed cassette housing for window and facade applications, protecting the fabric from weather when retracted.
• SCREENY Exterior Solar Screen Range Zippered exterior solar screen systems for windows and patios, including the KE Storm Rail reinforced zip rail and CS0/CS4/CS5/CS6 cassette solar shade models.
• Kheope Shade Sail (including Kheope K13) Tensioned sail awning offering broad outdoor shading, designed for both residential and commercial applications including hotels, resorts, and pool areas.
• KOLIBRIE Shade Sail Shade sail made with nautical-derived materials for long-lasting durability, suitable for beach clubs, marinas, and residential applications.
• SPACE Retractable Tension Shade System Retractable tension shade system with inspectable cassette, adjustable guide width, fabric-wrapping tensioning system, and LED integration in guides for residential and commercial patio applications.
• SPACE WALL Self-Standing Tension Shade System Self-standing tensioned shade system with post supports and gas piston tensioning struts in guide rails. Maximum width 23 ft, maximum projection 18 ft, with adjustable guide width and integrated LED strip lighting option, designed for large patio spaces.
• HYDRA Retractable Tension Shade System Retractable tension shade system that won the Archiproducts Design Award 2020. Also available as HYDRA Wall for wall-mounted applications.
• Glassroom and Sunlight Glass Enclosure System Glass enclosure system (Glassroom) and its associated lighting element (Sunlight) for enclosing outdoor spaces with transparent panoramic glass walls, enabling year-round use.
• LINE GLASS Panoramic Sliding Glass Closure System Glass closure system for creating enclosed outdoor spaces with panoramic sliding glass walls, enabling year-round use of outdoor areas.
• Stationary Awnings (Weathermaster, American Classic, Dome, Waterfall) Fixed/permanent awning products designed for installation in all weather conditions, including patio deck canopies, fabric shed awnings, standing seam aluminum sheds, Bahama shutters, entrance canopies, and fabric recovers.
• Industrial Canopies and Architectural Elements Heavy-duty canopy structures for industrial and commercial applications including hanger rod canopies, sun louver canopies, and custom architectural elements.
• KE Contract (Hospitality & Commercial Project Division) Specialized division providing tailored solar shading solutions and project consultation for the hospitality, contract, and commercial sectors including hotels, restaurants, retailers, and event venues.
• KE Academy (Training Program) Professional training program for partners, dealers, and technical staff covering awning, retractable awning, and external cover products. Courses run monthly from November to February at the Noventa di Piave headquarters, combining theoretical presentations and practical demonstrations.
• Design & Personalization Service Custom design collaboration service working with architects, designers, and manufacturers to create bespoke pergola and awning solutions tailored to specific project requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Retractable awnings can reduce solar heat gain through windows and glass doors, lowering indoor temperatures and reducing air conditioning demand
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mobau MarkisencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026FrontYard Group completed the acquisition of Mobau Markisen, a German solar shading company based in Melsungen, Hesse. Mobau Markisen continues to operate under its own brand as 'Mobau Markisen, a KE company.' Approximately 50 employees. Marcel Discher remains Managing Director. The acquisition strengthens FrontYard Group's position in the German market.
• ES-SO (European Solar Shading Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 March 2025BAT Group (parent of KE) is Industry Sponsor of ES-SO, the European Solar Shading Organization. ES-SO promotes solar shading as essential for building comfort management and energy efficiency. KE supports the Global Shading Day initiative celebrated annually on March 21st, which raises awareness about solar shading benefits for sustainability and energy efficiency.
• SyncroniacoreTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2019KE Outdoor Design joined the Syncronia platform to provide BIM objects, 3D CAD models, specifications, and catalogues to architects and designers. Approximately 150 parametric BIM objects (rfa, rvt, ifc formats) and 3D models for AutoCAD and 3DMax are available for download. Syncronia, founded in 2011, serves as a virtual showroom and interaction hub between design professionals and brands.
• FrontYard Group (formerly BAT Group)coreOthersFrontYard Group is the international parent holding company of KE Outdoor Design (along with BAT and Giulio Barbieri brands). The group is a leader in design and production of solar shading solutions. CEO Stefano Aurelio Zocca leads the group. KE's CEO Simone Mazzon manages KE Protezioni Solari. The group completed acquisition of Mobau Markisen in Germany in January 2026.
• Raytent / GiovanardiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKE uses Raytent fabric by Giovanardi — a regenerated acrylic fiber made from 50% recycled manufacturing waste from mass-dyed acrylic fabrics. This partnership supports KE's green philosophy and circular economy goals. The consortium collects textile waste from curtain manufacturers to produce the sustainable fabric.
• FederlegnoArredo (FLA)minorOthersKE is an Associate of FederlegnoArredo (FLA), an Italian industry association for wood and furniture that has supported the development of Italian companies since 1945. KE's accreditation with FLA supports international quality and safety standards compliance.
• Piscine CastiglioneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPiscine Castiglione listed as a KE partnership on the website. Both companies serve outdoor/pool environments, creating natural cross-promotion opportunities for shading around swimming pools.
• VaraschinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVaraschin (outdoor furniture manufacturer) listed as a KE partnership on the website footer, indicating a co-marketing or referral relationship for complementary outdoor living solutions.
• Robby Cantarutti (Industrial Designer)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobby Cantarutti is the industrial designer who conceived the QUBICA awning, available in Light, Plumb, and Flat versions. The QUBICA was featured at HostMilano 2019, showcasing KE's collaboration with external designers.
• Gesiot, Fi.MAR, Zini Comm, CheTenda, Alfe SystemminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSelected KE dealers at HostMilano 2019 included Gesiot, Fi.MAR, Zini Comm, CheTenda, and Alfe System, representing the dealer network that supports KE product sales and installation.
• Legance & EY (M&A Advisory)minorOthersFrontYard Group was assisted by Legance and EY for legal aspects related to corporate and M&A (including Mobau Markisen acquisition). EY also provided financial, tax, legal, and labor due diligence.
• ES-SO (Global Shading Day)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKE supports Global Shading Day (March 21st) organized by ES-SO, promoting solar shading as a tool against global warming and for energy-efficient buildings.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Renson: Belgian manufacturer of outdoor living and solar shading solutions including bioclimatic pergolas (Camargue, Algarve), awnings, and ventilation. Directly competes with KE in the high-end European pergola and outdoor enclosure category with similar architectural specification channels.
• Weinor: German manufacturer of retractable awnings, pergolas, and terrace roofing. Competes head-to-head with KE in the European premium shading market with comparable dealer/installer distribution and similar customization capabilities.
• Gibus: Italian manufacturer of bioclimatic pergolas, retractable awnings, and outdoor living solutions. Closest direct Italian competitor to KE with overlapping product portfolio including adjustable-louver pergolas and cassette awnings.
• Markilux: German premium awning and pergola manufacturer serving residential and commercial markets. Comparable business model with dealer network, custom awnings, weather/sun automation, and similar pricing tier.
• Palmiye: Turkish manufacturer of bioclimatic pergolas, retractable roofs, and glassroom enclosures. Directly comparable product line to KE with similar engineering and increasingly active in European hospitality projects.

Broad incumbents

• Warema: Largest German sun shading and plastics specialist with broader external/internal shading, conservatories, and building-automation portfolio. Larger scale than KE and offers competing awnings and pergolas alongside a deeper automation platform.
• Somfy: Global leader in motorization and smart-home controls for shading. While primarily a component supplier, Somfy-branded shading systems and partner integrations overlap with KE's motorized pergola and smart-sensor product.
• Hunter Douglas: Global window coverings and shading manufacturer (interior blinds plus exterior ZIP/powered screens). Broader portfolio than KE but competes directly on exterior roller shades and architectural solar screens.

Regional players

• Sunsetter: North American retractable awning brand serving US residential/SMB markets. Overlaps with KE USA's Domina, Bella Plus, and Elite Plus product positioning in the US dealer channel.

Others

• Solis: European outdoor shading and awning component supplier; adjacent industry player serving as both competitor and potential supplier of motors/fabric to the outdoor shading ecosystem where KE competes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KE Outdoor Design