Pointers for installing a pergola or louvre awning

Roofing structures such as these can have a huge impact on your existing home as they can easily make the rooms inside feel dark. “The three most important aspects to consider are the context, light and ventilation,” says architect Andries Schutte of ACS Concepts.

CONTEXT This refers to the overall design – how relevant it is to the existing house and whether there is good flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. It must also complement the immediate environment, such as the Van Rensburgs’ garden, in terms of finishes and practicality.

LIGHT Natural light is not only influenced by the roofing structure – windows and doors also play a role. Sunlight baking on a roof can make the space below, and consequently also the interior of the house, uncomfortably hot.

Louvre awnings offer an excellent solution. The louvres must be installed in such a way that they let sunlight through in winter and provide shade in summer; they can be adjustable or fixed. The disadvantage of a louvre awning is that it is not weatherproof – unless roof sheets are installed on top, as the Van Rensburgs did.

Corrugated iron sheets do keep out sunlight but can make a room feel very hot, so consider installing a ceiling underneath. Transparent sheets, on the other hand, let in direct sunlight but can also make a room very hot. A solution to this is a taller roof with a larger roof space that traps the hot air, keeping the room below it much cooler.

VENTILATION Sufficient doors and windows are essential for temperature control and air flow in a room. CONTACT andries@acsconcepts.co.za