What orientation should you choose for your pergola?

A pergola is a fixed structure that lets you enjoy your outdoors to the full. You can relax here without fear of bad weather or sunburn. In fact, this installation is available in several models: fixed-roof pergolas, bioclimatic models, with or without glass walls. Their orientation is key to making the most of them, from spring to autumn. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.

The fixed-roof pergola

This model is ideal for creating a pleasant, comfortable outdoor living space. It allows you to enjoy your terrace most of the year, and sometimes even in winter. It offers a modern, elegant design, perfect for enhancing the style of your home and adding a touch of chic. Another advantage is its wide range of possible applications. Self-supporting, it can be used toshelter part of the garden. Leaning against the house wall, it covers your terrace. This allows you to create an outdoor seating area or a relaxation zone with a bubble bath, for example.

With this lightweight construction, you benefit from ideal protection against solar radiation and heat. A welcome cool spot for quiet entertaining.

Key benefits

• Numerous models available (wood, aluminum)
• Easy to maintain
• Flexible installation
• Lightweight but permanent design
• Optimum protection against the sun’s rays and light showers
• Economical solution

Which orientation for the fixed-roof model?

All the benefits of a fixed-roof pergola lie in the fact that you can enjoy them all year round. Determining the perfect position for your structure is therefore essential. To do this, we need to take into account the sun’s natural path. Two options are recommended:

• Facing due south: with this orientation, you benefit from maximum sunlight throughout the day, whatever the season. So it’s the ideal solution if you want a constantly sunny space.
• Facing due west: this trajectory allows you to enjoy the sunshine at the end of the day, without experiencing heat peaks. Perfect for a shaded area in hot weather.

In both cases, with the shelter of your outdoor installation, you can enjoy additional comfort in your garden or as an extension to a terrace or veranda. So you can look forward to many relaxing moments alone, with your family or with guests.

The bioclimatic pergola

Designed with adjustable, articulated slats, the bioclimatic pergola differs from the fixed-roof model in this way: as the climate changes, sensors coupled to a motor activate the opening or closing of each slat. In this way, the temperature is constantly adjusted to provide you with tailor-made comfort.

A customizable solution

Available with a wide range of customization options, thebioclimatic system can also include the following elements:

• LED outdoor lighting
• A rainwater recovery function
• An evacuation system
• Integrated blinds

Featuring a sober look and generally designed in aluminum, this category of pergolas can be easily integrated into any context: leaning against the front of the house, above a swimming pool or in the heart of the garden. In addition to the electrical connections required if you wish to integrate lighting, you need to take into account the structure, which is imposing and requires substantial foundations. Elements can be added, such as a blind or integrated lights.

Maintenance of
bioclimatic pergolas
is more specific: each slat must be cleaned with care and appropriate equipment.

Key benefits

• Highly functional
• Solid construction (usually aluminum)
• Durable, rust-resistant materials
• Enhances comfort in all weather conditions

What orientation for the bioclimatic model?

Thanks to the possibility oforienting the slats, this model’s main asset is to protect you from rain and sunlight. You’ll always find the perfect balance between light and shade, depending on your immediate needs. Well-set up with an opening perpendicular or not to the wall, these structures offer a natural ventilation system that adds optimum comfort. Position is therefore a key point to consider before installing the selected model, as it’s important to benefit from sufficient sunlight to enjoy the sun to your heart’s content.

• Facing north or south: the slats should be positioned parallel to the façade, to capture maximum light. The direction of the blades should be to the left for north-facing installations and to the right for south-facing installations.
• Facing east or west: in this case, the adjustable slats must run perpendicular to the adjoining wall. For an easterly orientation, the blades should be opened to the right. If facing west, open to the left.