
BIOCLIMATIC PERGOLA — DIRECT COMPARISON
Same frame. Two control modes.
The Luxa Sereno family shares one engineered aluminium structure — a 6063-T5 frame, EN 1991-1-4 wind load certification, TIGER Coatings powder coat, 0–115° louvre rotation. The only thing that changes between the 700 and the 500M is how you tell the louvres to move — motorised smart-home or precision crank handle.
Side-by-side specifications
| Sereno 700 | Sereno 500M | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | 6063-T5 aluminium | 6063-T5 aluminium |
| Louvre rotation | 0–115° | 0–115° |
| Wind load | EN 1991-1-4 zones 1–3 | EN 1991-1-4 zones 1–3 |
| Surface finish | Qualicoat Class 2 / GSB | Qualicoat Class 2 / GSB |
| Available sizes | 3×3 to 4×6 m | 3×3 to 4×6 m |
| RAL colour options | Any RAL | Any RAL |
| Control method | Remote + smart-home (RTS / Alexa / Google Home) | Crank handle (no electricity) |
| Wind sensor (optional) | Yes — auto-retract | Not applicable |
| Power requirement | 230 V mains + smart-home gateway | None |
| Voice control | Yes (Alexa / Google Home) | No |
| Off-grid suitability | Limited (mains required) | Excellent |
| Recyclability | 98% aluminium | 98% aluminium |
Which one is right for you?
Pick theLuxa Sereno 700
- →You want voice control or scheduled automation
- →You're integrating with a smart-home (RTS, Alexa, Google Home)
- →Hospitality / commercial use with frequent adjustments
- →Wind sensor with auto-retract is a safety requirement
Pick theLuxa Sereno 500M
- →Off-grid terrace, country house, garden cabin
- →No mains electricity at the install location
- →You prefer mechanical controls (no firmware updates ever)
- →Long-term cost minimisation — no motor service intervals
Frequently asked
Is the structural frame really identical between the 700 and the 500M?
Yes. Both use the same 6063-T5 aluminium extrusions, the same EN 1991-1-4 static calculation, the same TIGER Coatings GSB powder coat, the same hollow-post drainage and the same 0–115° louvre rotation. The only difference is in the louvre actuator and control electronics.
Can I upgrade a 500M to a 700 later?
Mechanically yes — the motor actuator housing is designed to retrofit on the same frame. Practically, factor in installation labour and one-time control unit cost. Discuss with your local PONARC dealer before specifying.
What's the difference in delivery time?
Both ship from the same production line. Standard lead times are 4–6 weeks for either model. Custom RAL colours add 1–2 weeks across the family equally.
Does the 500M work with Alexa or Google Home?
No — the 500M is a fully mechanical crank-handle pergola with no electronics. If you need voice control or scheduled automation, choose the motorised Luxa Sereno 700 instead, which integrates with RTS, Alexa and Google Home out of the box.

