We are talking about small structures designed to protect people inside from rain and sunlight. A metal pergola with a swing and a bench is a great option for organizing a recreation area and a place for a summer open living room. Here you can have a great time with a large family or friends. In the pergola, you can retire, think about the “eternal,” and contemplate the starry sky.
The importance of pergolas in architecture and landscape design
We have argued for a long time about the feasibility of using small architectural forms in urban planning and in the landscape design of private land holdings. However, it makes sense to talk about popularity as a fundamental factor proving the demand for and practical significance of such structures.
The main architectural and design advantages of this type of structure make sense to include:
- attractive appearance – it is the stylistic and technical simplicity with high functionality that attracts attention, makes people look at this structure, and, if possible, sit in the “house with a swing”;
- fairly simple installation that does not require the use of complex and expensive tools, devices, and equipment;
- uniqueness, practicality, adaptability to almost any operating conditions, and unpretentiousness in maintenance.
In general, pergolas today are a popular design element that is confidently bursting into fashion.
Main characteristics and components of a pergola
In the most classic version, the structure is several open entrances (sometimes one) connected by owl cross beams. From above, everything is covered with a crate. But this is a classic. Today, you can find a wide variety of design variations. In addition to the classic design, a wide variety of solutions are possible, but they will necessarily contain:
- vertical supports, although sometimes they are installed at a certain angle inward or outward;
- ceilings that serve as a bundle of entrance modules, as well as a basis for the roof;
- functional elements such as swings, benches, and other attributes that provide comfort;
- screens for individual walls – usually, they do not make a solid wall, but a lattice or similar structure to blinds.
Types of pergolas
It makes sense to name the following design options:
- Classic. Standard cubic design with a metal frame and wooden beams.
- Pointed structures resembling a small house with a gable roof.
- Complex entrance groups in the form of arches (arched pergolas). Promenades. Oblong structures resembling galleries.
- Single-pitched structures, where one side is higher than the opposite one. Oriental-style pergolas. We are talking about structures made with four, and sometimes more, slopes. Often, the roofs are rounded, resembling oriental hats.
Other designs are possible. Here, everything depends solely on the requests of the future owner, his financial capabilities, and the capabilities of the manufacturers.
