Types of pergolas in garden and wooden porches with examples - Green Ecologist

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Porches and pergolas in garden

Taking advantage of our garden properly is not only an option, it is more an obligation to meet the particular needs of the residents of the house who need to optimize the terrace-garden space to achieve greater enjoyment.

Here, different elements will come into play that will improve the space and among them, the most commonly used are the pergolas, according to Pergomadera, or the wooden porches to a lesser extent, which will not only be decoration elements, but will also have a well-defined functionality and a key situation whose objective will be to take advantage of the sun in a correct way.

Among the two main elements that this article places us, we must identify its peculiarities and characteristics:

What are pergolas?

The meaning of what is a pergola it is based on the linked and light architectural structure. It can be made of different materials such as concrete, aluminum or wood, made up of pillars - columns that will support the beams (Sleepers).

Pergolas are light structures that serve to protect us from the Sun and delimit a specific space

Secondarily and because of the type of framework that constitutes its structure, it is optimal for "creeper plants" to provide shelter and shade along a path.

What is a porch?

It is a solid covered structure where - at a minimum - one of its faces will have a vertical facing (Normally the facade - wall of the house) which can be made up of different materials.

The functionality of a porch is to protect against the sun and atmospheric elements

Location

If we want to know how to build a porch or properly think about the location of our wooden pergola. First we will have to do some small information tasks to understand how our garden will work:

  • It is recommended to make a sketch of our garden with approximate measurements on a squared sheet.
  • Determine the orography of the land; if it is flat or is there a mound, if it is sloping or if there is a hondana.
  • Know the general climate of the area. Not only will it help you to choose the most suitable species of plants, but we can also verify where the sun rises and sets and in which directions we have more wind. In short, which orientations will be better for a more peaceful rest and enjoyment.
  • Determine the irrigation points. In every garden it is essential to know where the water is in order to optimize irrigation and not build on an area where there should be a garden.
  • What uses will our garden have? … If it is only for family gatherings or parties, if we want a more minimalist or traditional design garden, if it is a productive garden with fruit trees or based on plants and aromatic herbs … etc.
  • Determine the living and enjoyment areas that we will divide into two parts:
    • Sun area: For example next to a swimming pool, on a lawn, next to a pond, an area to contemplate the garden … etc. This is where we will locate the pergola.
    • Shaded area: As it is normally a space more intended for a longer rest or it is the point where food is practiced, it is advisable to place it as close as possible to the house or attached to the house itself, which will achieve two things; ease of access to the dwelling and the use of the dwelling wall as a «cooling» and support element.

Types of pergolas

Although the imagination can go very far when it comes to building and manufacturing these architectural elements in our large garden. It is true that regardless of the price, if they are cheaper or expensive, we can differentiate them three types of pergolas main:

1.- Pergolas according to material

Thanks to technological advances and the existing market offer in the different types of pergolas and porches in front of department stores such as Leroy Merlin, Brikodepot or on the Pergomadera website, it offers us a wide range of different materials.

The range of porches as in Pergolas made of aluminum or any metallic material, wood, bamboo, reed, covered with canvas, plastic, precast concrete or construction, and more modern with mechanized technology to provide bioclimatic abilities.

There is a great variety of porch models and for all prices. But, it should be noted that as a noble material, more ecological and that provides a greater feeling of comfort, wood is the perfect one!

The wooden pergola is perfect; easy to install, movable, inexpensive and fits in all situations

The wooden pergolas they are par excellence; simple to install, inexpensive, easy to move and provide a suitable balance to any terrace and garden. In addition, combined with synthetic grass we can change the decoration of a space quickly.

2.- Pergolas according to shape

In terms of measurements there is a wide range of possibilities, from standard, which are cheaper and we can even find many second-hand, to custom-made that are a little more expensive but that fit perfectly in the home.

Mainly, the shape of the pergolas focus on a square or rectangular look (With flat roof or one water, or two) and those that the part of the roof has a rounded termination.

In the case of types of porches We can designate them as totally closed or in openings on their sides.

Verticals that have lattices can be combined very well with a vertical garden that is easy to assemble and brings freshness to the terrace.

3.- Pergolas according to covered area

These roofs can be covered by occupying the entire surface or partially (both on the roof and on the sides) according to needs, but the more the roof surface is occupied by the structure and material, the more resistance it acquires.

Calculation

If the main functionality is taking advantage of the sun or protection, it must be taken into account that we must do some calculations to maximize its efficiency.

Not from the structural calculation that this will depend on the corresponding professional, but if we would like to remember that here what is called sunlight plays a fundamental role on the design of the porch or, where appropriate, the pergola.

In a few words, it is … "The study that allows us to determine in what periods of the year and at what times an architectural element receives direct solar radiation and we will have more sun or shade"

Due to the complexity of the subject, you can see more information on how to design an eaves before the sun and its characteristics.

Modern examples

In the trends of the most modern porches, straight and geometric lines are combined causing a continuous extension of the house based on the philosophy of minimalism.

Great heights and large volumes configure the structure that gives shade to housing. Various examples of modern porches We can see them from the houses designed by Ramón Esteve's studio …

Eccentricities and that they fit well, rarely happens. A porch example What is surprising is the one designed by the Dutch studio Wiel Arets Architects. The deck is actually a wonderful pool.

As to examples of pergolas Modern that we can buy follow the same trend of straight lines, rectangular shapes and in many cases mechanized that even control the entry of the sun.

Or with a minimalist design combining with the latest in materials such as the following examples …

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