Between creating a cosy cocoon and making the most of your outside space, relaxing at home can be a real balancing act! A pergola might just be the perfect option to prolong your time outdoors. Halfway between a veranda and a patio awning, a retractable pergola can act as an extension or a transitional space between the interior and exterior of your home. You can protect yourself from bright sunlight or the evening chill and create your ideal relaxation area.
On the terrace, by the pool or in the middle of the garden, you can choose to install your pergola in a variety of different spots. However, bear in mind that installing a pergola requires level ground to ensure proper anchoring. Whether you're working on concrete, slabs or simple pads, the base must be able to support a year-round structure. Depending on your chosen location, there are several possible solutions.
Tip: There may be regulations in your area governing how far pergolas must be installed from your neighbours. We strongly recommended that you do the necessary research before embarking on a project.
The horizontal structure (roof) is supported by the facade of your home using wall brackets and by two vertical posts at the front. This option is generally more affordable and creates a real link between your indoor and outdoor spaces. You can find differents styles of pergolas with fabrics or adjustable slats (bioclimatic).
Built on four vertical posts, these structures are completely independent and can be installed wherever you like, as long as the ground is flat. They therefore do not rely on any walls, offering a separate outdoor living space to suit every season.
What type of pergola would you like to install?
Roll-up or retractable canvas pergola
The pergola is fitted with canvas to protect you from the sun. This option offers affordable solar protection, folding away completely to let more light into your home during the winter months. If you live in an area that is exposed to strong winds, you should always roll up the vertical exterior blinds to avoid damaging the structure.
There are many different roof models in this range:
This premium pergola is finished with taut canvas. It provides optimal protection from the sun, rain and wind.
A standard pergola with folding canvas.
Halfway between a veranda and a pergola, this roll-up taut canvas pergola has a solid freestanding structure and is more resistant to the wind than italian & spanish style pergolas.
Pergola with tilting slats or bioclimatic pergola
This model offers the perfect balance between comfort and style. It allows you to make the most of your terrace all year round, whatever the weather. By tilting the slats, you can adjust the light levels and protect yourself from the heat. When they are closed, you will be sheltered from the sun, rain and wind. Thanks to its air circulation, this design never becomes stuffy. They may be more expensive, but bioclimatic pergolas are particularly resistant to temperature variations and have an extremely long lifespan.
There are two roof options for your bioclimatic pergola:
This premium pergola option lets you make the most of your terrace or patio all year round.
This system allows you to open a section of the roof thanks to its retractable slats. The perfect design to let in more light: you can tilt the slats or retract them completely.
To choose the best structure for your pergola, the most important factors to bear in mind are your lifestyle and your desired aesthetic.
Although they are typically made-to-measure, the average pergola dimensions are 4 x 6 metres, but it all depends on your chosen location. We also recommend calling in a professional at this stage of the project.
1. A minimum height of 2.20 metres facilitates air circulation and lets you enjoy your pergola without feeling cramped. Avoid building over 3 metres to ensure a good level of protection, and always ensure that there are no obstacles (e.g., swinging shutters, openings on the upper floor, etc.).
2. Then measure out your desired length, being careful not to overfill your garden: leave yourself some free space. Plan for a minimum of 1.20 metres to make the most of your pergola.
3. Finally, the average width of a pergola is around 3 metres. This measurement is important because it will ensure the stability of the structure.
If you opt for tilting slats, there are a range of standard widths to give you a clear point of reference. Made-to-measure options are also available.
With an electric pergola, you can protect yourself from the rain or the hot sun, and you can also protect your garden furniture from bad weather. Thanks to their sensors, electric pergolas can automatically adjust their slats or canvas to suit the weather.
Thanks to voice controls, you can create the ideal space to entertain your friends. When you launch "Evening with friends" via your voice assistant or your smartphone, the pergola's fabric or slats will close, the exterior blinds will be lowered to keep out the cold, the music will start, and the lights will come on to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Attached pergolas allow you to regulate the temperature of your home. You can keep your house cool in the summer while enjoying the views through your windows, eliminating the need for air conditioning; in the winter, your pergola will let in the warmth from the sun.
Motorising your pergola will ensure that the slats/canvas open and close smoothly. If any obstacles are detected, the motor will stop automatically, protecting your pergola and increasing its lifespan.
Somfy motorisations for your pergola's roof
The Louver io control unit is used to control pergolas with tilting slats. Its waterproof box can withstand bad weather and protect the connections. Compatible with 24V actuator motors, the control unit has many advanced settings, some of which are pre-programmed. The slats are programmed to open slightly in frosty conditions, and they will close automatically when it starts to rain. If it snows, the control unit will open the slats to protect the pergola. The Louver control unit is equipped with obstacle detection.
The Sunea io is ideal for motorised pergolas, including pergolas with roll-up canvas. This universal motor guarantees unparalleled comfort and protects your pergola and your terrace.
The Pergola io radio motor is designed for retractable canvas pergolas. The most efficient option in the range, it ensures the perfect canvas tension for a long lifespan! This silent and reliable motor is compatible with the centralised TaHoma switch for easier control.
With the addition of weather and temperature sensors, you can sit back and really enjoy the moment. The sensors are used to automatically open the canvas, adjust the slats, or roll up the canvas of your pergola. Even if you are not at home, they will ensure that your garden furniture stays dry and the pergola is protected from strong gusts.
And to prolong your al fresco evenings and personalise the ambiance, you can install LED lights on the slats of your pergola and connect them to a centralised TaHoma switch box. The Somfy lighting control systems are compatible with most LED lights.
You can even connect a Sonos speaker to create a warm and welcoming world all your own!
Do not hesitate to contact one of them for advice and to find out which interior blind to choose according to your needs and the configuration of your openings.
For attached or freestanding pergolas, we recommend calling in a professional to motorise and install your pergola. We have a large network of professional installers who can help you.
To request a quotation, fill in the form below and an adviser will call you back as soon as possible. These professionals will also guide you on the best solution to motorise your installation if you would like to know more before you buy.
Are you unsure? Contact us. We’ll help you find the best solution for your project!
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