Pergolas are among the most versatile features in garden design; offering structure without enclosure, shade without darkness, and definition without rigidity. Much like the best gardens themselves, a pergola lives somewhere between built and natural. In this article, we’ll explore how pergolas can shape garden spaces, help to cultivate the right emotion and bring balance to an outdoor space.
Blending Nature
Firstly, we understand that sustainability is a common feature of modern garden design and this is something that we keenly support in all of our garden designs. Pergolas are a great garden feature for those looking to bring more sustainable practices into their gardens. Many of the examples listed below are crafted from wood and wooden frames are great for blending the natural aesthetics of the garden with the more tailored aspects of our designs.
Pergolas have been historically used to blend the natural elements of a garden into the general aesthetics of the garden design, providing an outdoor space that feels like it belongs in the garden. Our ‘Beneath The Trees’ garden is a perfect example of this style of design, working with existing trees in the garden incorporating them naturally to work with the pergola. To complete the look and complement the design, we made use of rustic materials to support the pergola, giving it a distinct look that combines well with the natural environment.
Framing Space
Pergolas offer a way to define space without the need for walls or fences. They act as open-air rooms, framing the garden in gentle outlines. Whether nestled into a quiet corner or spanning a central path, a pergola gives spatial meaning, inviting movement, pause, or transition.
In the below example from our ‘Courtyard for The Senses’ garden, the pergola itself acts as another room in the home, providing a place to relax or entertain under cover. Supported by natural coverings as well as built-in curtains, this allows for control over the amount of natural light and provides the ability to create the environment and atmosphere that is desired. This is further supported by the inclusion of a central fireplace, generating a cozy and welcoming ambience and giving the pergola, as well as the garden, more functionality all-year round.
Encouraging Movement
Pergolas lend directionality to a garden. A series of arches along a path draws you forward, creating a sense of journey and rhythm. Whether formal or informal, this kind of structure subtly cues the way a garden is meant to be experienced.
Pergolas are often regarded solely as coverage or a way of zoning the garden. However, in this example from our ‘Embrace’ garden, we made use of the pergola as a key focal point in the garden and a way of emphasising the relaxing nature of the main water feature. This design is used in an otherwise open family-focused space but by giving the water feature this inherent structure, it pulls the attention and offers a place to unwind and relax.
Modulating Light & Shade
While a pergola may not provide full shelter, it offers dappled shade; a relief in summer and a canvas for shadow play. Slatted beams filter light, creating dynamic patterns that shift throughout the day and season. This can be used to create a naturally relaxing and distinct environment, such as with our ‘Tectonics’ garden. This garden design takes full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings of the garden and the open spaces to create a space that is naturally calming. The slatted roof allows for plenty of light coming through the dappled shade and the incorporation of a water feature in the wall helps to complete this effect, creating an interesting and relaxing experience with the reflections off the water.
Creating Atmosphere
Pergolas have a remarkable ability to make a space feel both open and protected. This duality is ideal for social spaces. This aspect of pergolas makes them an ideal setting for gatherings and outdoor eating, which demonstrated in our ‘Molten : Radiate’ garden. This garden takes full advantage of the open space available, represented in the pergola which is fully furnished with outdoor seating but still provides room for movement. To make the space more inviting, we’ve made outdoor lighting a feature of the design, giving the pergola a cozy feel for long nights out in the garden.
Customising Form
While often associated with timber and traditional proportions, pergolas can take many forms, such as minimalist steel arcs, asymmetrical beams, or even curved forms that mirror the landscape. Customisation lets the pergola echo the spirit of the garden as well as provide different functions depending on the season and the needs of the property.
One design that best encapsulates this particular aspect is our Curvilinear terrace design that features a bespoke pergola design. This pergola is a sectional design, allowing for a space that acts as a transitional space between the architecture of the property and the picturesque surroundings as well as a seating area. This helps to blend the living and entertaining space of the property seamlessly. The pergola also has custom-built retractable awning, allowing for more shade or more sun depending on the occasion. These are just two ways that a pergola can be used to bring more life into a design and shows the creativity you can bring into your approach.
Providing Protection and Privacy
The main feature of the pergola is the inherent coverage that it provides and this can be used in a great number of ways. We’ve discussed how a pergola can be used to provide or moderate the amount of shade available or how it can work as a separate zone in the garden all together, providing a space for entertaining or relaxing.
In the below example taken from our ‘Japanese Awakening’ garden, the pergola’s primary function is to provide protection and privacy for a stone clad hot tub. Naturally incorporated into the architectural design of the property, this design helps hide the hot tub, providing greater intimacy. The pergola then recedes into a small eating and dining space, incorporating that flow and subtle blending of spaces that is so key in many modern garden designs.
Pergolas are a popular feature in modern garden design, offering far more than just shade. Depending on your needs, they can create structure, atmosphere, and a focal point for your outdoor space. We hope these ideas inspire you to see the potential of a pergola in your own garden.
If you’re feeling inspired and would like help bringing your vision to life, our friendly, award-winning team is here to help. Many of our celebrated gardens feature pergolas; check out our garden portfolio for more examples, or get in touch using the link below. We’d love to hear from you!
