The humble pergola has been around for a while in Australia, traditionally a wooden structure often used as a frame for climbing plants in the garden. However, with material and design improvements, along with technological advancements, the modern louvred pergola is a different prospect altogether.
With insights from Michelle Sha, Marketing Manager at Luxi Living, we delve deeper into this innovative shade solution and what it has to offer for Australian homes.
Unique qualities of a louvred pergola system
A modern louvred pergola is a shade solution designed for modern living. It’s a shelter system that’s characterised by adjustable roof blades that allow you to set the exact level of shade and shelter you want and need.
Michelle says that this versatility opens up the possibilities of what an outdoor space can be.
“The louvred pergola system gives you more options to change your outdoor living space. If the sunlight or rain is too strong, you can close the blades completely and stay sheltered. If you want more air or light, you can open it up as much as you need. It also allows homeowners to extend their living space and effectively add another room to the house.”
The amount of time we spent in our homes during COVID highlighted just how important these spaces have become to us. Modern louvred pergola systems and the features they offer make them the perfect choice for a variety of setups.
“People want relaxing, safe spaces at home, and outdoor areas have become essential since COVID. Louvred roofs offer a cost-effective way to expand living space without building a new room. They can easily transform into a sheltered outdoor room, sunroom, or open space based on your needs.”
The adaptable and versatile nature of the louvred pergola system has also been enhanced by technological conveniences. Motorisation, and more recently, the integration of smart technology, puts control literally at your fingertips, as Michelle explains.
“Our motorised louvred pergola systems also have LED lights for evening use, and the smartphone app gives you great control, allowing you to open and close the blades and adjust the level of lighting and colour in some models.”
A solution designed with the environment in mind
Modern pergolas have also been acclimatised to the local conditions over time through design and construction enhancements. Given the varied and often harsh Australian climate, it’s a crucial factor for the longevity of any product or solution exposed to the weather.
This starts with the quality and suitability of the materials used, which Michelle describes in detail.
“We use powder-coated 6063-T6/T5 aluminium, which has a great lifespan and protection from rust and warping. We also have extra support inside the framing, which makes the structure much stronger, and the double-layer aluminium louvres provide great heat insulation.”
These shelters have also been developed to offer protection and performance in times of rain, with additional accessories available to enhance this further.
“The drainage system directs the flow of water down through a cavity in the posts to the ground, which is much more discreet than water flowing over the edge of the roof. You can also add an internal drainage system that feeds water into a collection tank or drain. There are even rain sensor accessories, which will automatically close the blades if it starts raining.”
Wind is also an important factor and a potential threat to any shade solution. Luckily, this has also been accommodated with most reputable suppliers providing detailed information about the wind resistance of their pergolas, some of which can withstand wind speeds up to 220 km/h.
“We have very detailed information on our website for wind resistance, but if people are unsure, our structural engineers can offer advice to help them choose the right pergola for their needs.”
Custom options and choices galore
Versatility is one of the strong virtues of louvred pergola systems, and another trait that demonstrates this is the customisation options available. Michelle explains that almost every facet of a pergola can be tailored to suit your requirements, including size, colour, installation type, mode of operation, shutter and door choices, and more.
“You can have manual pergolas or motorised models with LED lights. You can have shutter or glass walls for more privacy. You can have sliding doors, bifold doors, or a combination of both. There are different types of wall brackets for wall-mounted pergolas — so there are lots of options.”
One thing that stands Luxi Living apart is the number of options available in the standard range, which is vast. The significance of this is that while you can order a custom solution if you have very specific requirements, it’s nearly always more cost-effective to pick one that’s already packaged and ready to go.
Michelle says they’re able to cover a lot of bases through their standard range, enabling customers to get a great return on investment.
“We have a great range, including freestanding, wall mounted, manual and motorised. We also have sizes ranging from 2 x 2m to 8 x 4m, so there’s something for everyone.”
Trends and ideas to inspire you
The versatility of louvred pergolas has also led to people using them in inspiring ways, in conjunction with other outdoor living products. One emerging trend is to use them to create alfresco dining areas for friends and family, no matter what the conditions, as Michelle explains.
“More and more people are installing outdoor kitchens under their pergolas with BBQs and fire pits, along with dining furniture for mealtimes. This creates a really nice intimate setting for gatherings.”
Others are recreating the comforts of the living room for a completely relaxed atmosphere.
“Outdoor sofa settings with a coffee table are also a popular setup. Some take it a step further with an ethanol fire table for a bit of ambience and warmth on cooler days and evenings.”
Homeowners were also adopting accessories that allow them to enclose their spaces, effectively turning them into private sanctuaries or sunrooms in some instances.
“There are some great options to add glass doors, blinds and shutters so you can enclose the space, and with outdoor heaters, you can maintain a very comfortable temperature too. Your patio can become a sunroom, which is fantastic, especially in winter.”
Easy to install, easy to enjoy
To cap it all off, modern louvred pergolas have been designed for quick and intuitive installation, a part of the process that has always been a pain point for even the most experienced DIYers. This has largely been addressed with clear instructions and downloadable guides, plus design-conscious decisions that have been incorporated.
That being said, Michelle says there’s still professional support available for those who need it.
“Our pergolas are designed for easy installation, and we get a lot of great reviews saying how easy they are to install. We do have an installation team and service if required, and customised pergolas can be a little complex, so we do recommend them for that.”
Once installed, a modern louvred pergola system does take care of itself, besides a bit of basic maintenance. They instantly allow you to get more out of your outdoor areas, allowing you to use them during hot days and wet days, from sunrise and long after the sun has gone down.
Michelle also says their products are backed by robust warranties. For most, this is the final piece of the puzzle, allowing you to completely relax and enjoy your refreshed outdoor spaces with peace of mind.
“Our pergolas have a nice aesthetic, designer quality to them, and we offer a 10-year warranty for the structure, and a 3-year warranty for the motor. We deliver right across Australia but also have showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for customers to come and see these products for themselves.”
