Jan des Bouvrie Awning Review: Dutch Designer Style for British Gardens
Some products are purely functional. The Jan des Bouvrie awning is not one of them. From the moment a visitor sees it installed, they notice it — its square cassette, its architectural proportions, its designer pedigree. If you've been wondering whether the JDB lives up to its premium reputation, this review is for you.
Who Is Jan des Bouvrie?
Jan des Bouvrie (1942–2015) was one of the most celebrated interior designers in the Netherlands and internationally. Known for bold, geometric forms, clean lines and a signature use of white space, his work spanned interiors, furniture, ceramics and — in collaboration with leading awning manufacturers — outdoor products. The awning range that bears his name was designed with the same philosophy that underpins all his work: that function and beauty are not opposites.
The JDB's distinctive square cassette — immediately recognisable and architecturally considered
What Makes the JDB Different?
The most immediately striking difference between the JDB and other awnings is the square cassette. Where most awnings use rounded or oval cassette profiles, the JDB's cassette is precisely square in section. The effect is clean, linear and architectural — it looks like it was designed to be part of the building, not added as an afterthought.
Beyond aesthetics, the JDB offers:
- Full cassette housing — the fabric is completely enclosed when retracted, providing maximum protection from dust, UV and moisture
- Motorised as standard — with Somfy-compatible smart controls for home automation integration
- Optional integrated LED strip lighting built into the front bar — providing subtle, even illumination for evening use
- Optional integrated Bluetooth speaker system
- Projection up to 4 metres, width up to 6 metres
- A curated premium fabric collection developed specifically for the JDB range
Customer Installations
Above: three recent JDB installations by the Kingsmere team. Each demonstrates how well the square cassette adapts to different property styles — from a classic brick extension to a contemporary render-clad facade.
"We looked at other brands before going with Kingsmere's JDB and nothing else came close. The quality of the cassette, the fabric choices, the installation — everything was exactly right." — Eric Johnson, Hampshire
More Customer Installations
Is the JDB Worth the Premium Price?
The Jan des Bouvrie sits at the top of the Kingsmere range alongside the Windermere and Thirlmere. It commands a premium over the Coniston and Kentmere. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your priorities:
- Buy the JDB if: The architectural appearance of the cassette matters to you; you're adding it to a new-build or architect-designed home; you want the integrated LED and speaker options; you want a product that will make a statement
- Consider alternatives if: Your primary priority is value for money; your property has a more traditional character that suits the oval cassette of the Coniston better; projection requirements are modest enough for the Kentmere
Specifications at a Glance
- Cassette profile: Square — distinctive designer aesthetic
- Maximum projection: 4 metres
- Maximum width: 6 metres (join permitted for wider spans)
- Operation: Motorised (Somfy) as standard, smart home compatible
- Fabric collection: 50+ premium fabrics including designer exclusives
- Extras: LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, wind sensor, sun sensor
- Guarantee: 5 years parts and labour
See the JDB in Person — Book a Free Survey
Our surveyors will bring the JDB fabric collection to your home and show you how the square cassette would look mounted on your property. All surveys are free, with no obligation to proceed.
Book My Free Survey