Bioclimatic pergolas: what are they and why install them in your garden?

At this point, the concept of bioclimatic pergolas comes into our lives more strongly than ever. These shading elements help us to enjoy the outdoor spaces, even in times of high heat.

What is the function of a pergola? What can it do for us? How can we implement it in our urban terraces? In today’s article, we will try to answer these and many other questions regarding outdoor terrace design. We started!

It’s been a few years since they took me to one of the most beautiful corners of our city for the first time. This space is located within the Ciutadella park in Barcelona. In fact, it becomes one of the gifts left to the city after the 1929 exhibition.

The site in question is l´Ombracle, a unique building by the architect Josep Fontseré. In it I discovered the true meaning of what a shadow space is. The truth is that the entire building seems to be a cutter, or rather, a cracker of natural light.

The functional origin of the building was destined to house a collection of tropical plants. In fact, during the days of the exhibition it became a type of bioclimatic enclosure.

Ultimately, he was pardoned from the post-event destruction and has remained unscathed to this day. Different restorations have been preserving their initial integrity. A work that has been possible thanks to the effort made by those responsible for preserving our architectural and artistic heritage.

The shadowed space in our Mediterranean culture has a dreamlike meaning. We must not forget that the siesta is part of our anthropological definition. And, now that we talk about it, we ask ourselves … What would a good nap be without a good shade in which to shelter ourselves?

Great meals, gatherings, discussions and reflections have been made in our culture on the shade of a fig tree or a vine. The current version of a vine, in our “modern” times, and more specifically in the usual environment of our cities, would come to be the pergola.

Thus, we could define the bioclimatic pergola as the most intelligent solution to create a shaded space on the terrace or garden of any home. A type of element that, unlike the most common pergolas, is built using a system of adjustable slats. This structure is capable of being modified to regulate the ambient heat, the light that enters the terrace, as well as the degree of humidity and the movement of the air. As it is a type of adjustable structure, depending on how the slats are placed, more light and air or nothing is allowed to pass through, making it a perfect bioclimatic space or awning to protect itself from rain and even snow.

First of all, and before solving all your doubts about the pergolas, it is important to know that these shade accessories must be architectural elements of a light and removable character. In fact, these bioclimatic roofs are subject to a series of functional restrictions, under the context of urban planning legislation of a specific municipality. For this reason, there are currently a series of regulations that are established by the technical construction code. A law that, repeatedly, is more or less restrictive. It all depends on the district or municipality that generates it.

At Molins Design, as a design studio where we deal with complex outdoor projects, we take these regulations into account. A type of laws that directly influence us when designing any pergola or other type of exterior enclosure.

When manufacturing any shade system we can use different design options and construction materials. Aluminum pergolas with adjustable slats are the most widespread and installed on terraces and gardens of all kinds, due to a perfect value for money.

Aluminum becomes a very light and weather resistant material, which also guarantees very easy maintenance. In addition, these aluminum pergolas acquire a clean, modern and timeless design. Characteristics that, today, are the most interesting in terms of outdoor elements and furniture.

Likewise, its installation can be done in any location on the terrace. As we have highlighted, it can be placed in the place that we want to create more shade. Although, in many cases it also works as an outside corner or part attached to the interior house. A place that usually becomes a living room or dining room to host different meetings and family meals at any time of the year.

The good thing about bioclimatic pergolas is that they can be installed easily, without having to carry out any construction project. These bioclimatic roofs are supported by their own structure of adjustable slats. Therefore, it is enough to locate the necessary support points for the system to work independently.

As you may have already imagined, bioclimatic pergolas accept different extras that make them much more comfortable and efficient. If you want to create a very versatile space on your terrace or garden, which you can take advantage of both in summer and winter, these types of elements will be essential.

You can add glass panels, sliding systems or the odd motorized bioclimatic blind or pergola. All of them, elements that will help you to personalize and adapt the roof or awning of the garden to each moment of the day, according to the weather.

Wind and rain sensors are also frequently installed in this type of shade elements. Something that is usually effective to avoid that, when we are away from home and the weather starts to be bad, the pergola is left open.

In addition, there is the possibility of locating design dimmable led bands, bluetooth speakers or sound bars. Accessories that will make light and your favorite music the protagonists of all your outdoor dinners.