Summer is now upon us and it's time to think about how to make outdoor spaces functional, to organize dinners in the garden or create a corner dedicated to relaxation.
To protect you from the scorching sun or rain and make the most of the outdoor area you can decide to install one bioclimatic pergolaan innovative and functional shield that can be used on any occasion.
If you are interested in purchasing a bioclimatic pergola, let's see together what it is, how it works, what permits are needed for installation and the differences with classic pergolas.
What is the bioclimatic pergola
To shield yourself from the sun's rays in the garden or on the terrace, you can install a bioclimatic pergola, a structure that is characterized by the presence of a covering with adjustable sunshade blades that can be adjusted via a remote controller.
This type of solar screening is perfect for guaranteeing protection even in case of rain or strong wind, you just need to orient the slats in the desired position.
Bioclimatic pergolas, compared to classic ones which only have the function of shading a specific area, can be used throughout the year, even in the event of adverse weather conditions.
These structures can be built close to an external wall or free standing, it only depends on the space available and the style you want to create on the terrace or in the garden. The bioclimatic pergola models are modern and versatile, furthermore they can be customized in size, materials, colors and finishes, transforming themselves into a real designer furnishing accessory, which decorates and beautifies gardens, verandas or terraces.
How the bioclimatic pergola works
To understand the advantages of installing a bioclimatic pergola we must analyze its structure and functions. First of all, the structure is composed of a horizontal roof with sunshade slats of the same thickness, which open and close via remote control based on weather conditions.
For example, if it is a particularly sunny day, the slats can be opened slightly to allow good ventilation and at the same time shade the area, while in case of rain the cover will have to be closed completely. The opening or closing of the slats can be adjusted with a remote control or via an app on your smartphone or tablet, so with a simple touch you will have the right degree of shading and ventilation.
A unique feature of bioclimatic pergolas is that the covering slats are designed to ensure optimal drainage of rain, which is collected through a series of pipes and drains placed along the perimeter of the entire structure. Thanks to the invisible drainage, unpleasant stagnation of water or drips inside the pergola are avoided.
As for ventilation, the slats open to ensure pleasant coolness during the hottest seasons and retain heat when temperatures are lower.
Structure and design of bioclimatic pergolas
The bioclimatic pergola can be self-supportingtherefore it can be installed in any part of the garden and terrace without the need to fix it to an external wall, and it is the ideal solution if you have enough space to place the structure made up of four vertical poles.
Alternatively, it can be integrated into the house facade, for example to cover the veranda or to close a terrace. In this case, the attached pergola increases the volume of the building and becomes a real continuum of the home, furthermore it can be chosen with a horizontal or inclined orientation based on different needs.
As regards materials, almost all bioclimatic pergolas are made of aluminium, which is characterized by resistance to atmospheric agents, stability, lightness and elegance. This modern type of solar shading can also be built in other materials, such assteel or the pvc, which resist bad weather and the continuous attack of atmospheric agents, but are less versatile and customizable. The wood it is instead present only in the internal structure of the sunshade slats, to guarantee excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
The design of bioclimatic pergolas is certainly modern, with straight and essential lines, but they can also be inserted in terraces or verandas furnished in a classic style. If you want to make the pergolas even more comfortable, you can install some accessories, for example you can close the different sides with glass or insert some fixtures such as doors and windows, certainly a perfect choice for verandas or terraces.
Inside the structure it is possible to create an electrical system to use it even in the evening. Many people suggest also installing roller blinds on the side walls, to improve thermal comfort especially when temperatures drop and you want greater comfort inside the pergola.
Permits for the bioclimatic pergola
Now that we have seen what the main characteristics of the bioclimatic pergola are, we need to analyze the legislation that regulates its construction and installation.
In almost all cases, no specific permits are needed to install a bioclimatic pergola, because it falls within those interventions defined as “free construction“, but it is always advisable to check the regulations of your municipality, because in some cases there may be restrictions.
For example, if you decide to completely close the pergola with fixed structures such as windows or sliding doors, it may be necessary to make a communication to the municipality, the CILA (Certified Commencement Communication), signed by a qualified technician.
The costs of bioclimatic pergolas
If you are interested in installing a bioclimatic pergola, it is worth specifying that these structures certainly have higher costs than the classic ones. These are structures that last over time and can really transform a terrace and a garden and the cost can be between €150-800 per m2but it depends above all on the model chosen, the dimensions and the accessories you want to add.
For a standard, medium-sized pergola with a self-supporting structure and without accessories, a cost of between €1,5000-3,000 can be calculated.
Bioclimatic pergolas are included among sun screens and for their purchase you can benefit from the Ecobonus, which provides a tax deduction of 50%. Some companies specializing in the production of bioclimatic pergolas offer customers zero-interest loans with very small installments, to be repaid even in 2-3 years.
Classic vs bioclimatic pergola: the differences
To understand how innovative, functional and versatile bioclimatic pergolas are, it is appropriate to compare them with classic pergolas, which have a similar structure and still benefit from the tax deductions provided by the Ecobonus.
Traditional pergolas are a simple solar shield, in fact they consist of a fixed covering that only allows shading of the area.
The bioclimatic pergola has a motorized lamellar cover, which allows you to modulate ventilation, shading and rain protection. In most cases, classic pergolas are made up of a cover with spaced slats and to protect yourself in case of rain it is necessary to apply a removable sheet, a problem that does not arise with bioclimatic ones because you only have to close the upper structure.
Some models of bioclimatic pergolas have some atmospheric sensors which automatically move the slats to ensure perfect comfort and good ventilation, a function that is completely absent in the classic ones.
Bioclimatic pergolas are more stable and resistant structures, which can be integrated with LED systems, home automation systems for opening doors and windows or Bluetooth systems, accessories that are not found in traditional solar shading.
The main difference between the two models is the design, the bioclimatic ones are essential and clean structures where there are no visible screws or bolts, while the classic ones can present these elements which certainly do not match the modern or minimal style.
The advantages of bioclimatic pergolas
To be sure that the bioclimatic pergola is the right choice for the garden or terrace, it is advisable to analyze the advantages of this brand new solar shading system.
First of all, bioclimatic pergolas can be used all year round, especially if they are closed with sliding doors or side panels. One of the positive aspects of choosing the bioclimatic pergola is that you can always control the orientation of the sunshade blades remotely, even from your smartphone or tablet, furthermore if you purchase a model with sensors for atmospheric agents, the closure will be automatic in case rain.
Bioclimatic pergolas are real concentrates of design, becoming an essential element for those who want to embellish or decorate the terrace, veranda or garden. If you choose an aluminum pergola, ordinary maintenance will certainly be minimal, because it is a material that does not deteriorate over time or with continuous contact with rain and humidity.
The only operation that must be carried out at least once a year is cleaning the slats, to eliminate any dirt and dust that has accumulated over time. When you install a lean-to bioclimatic pergola and completely close it with glass surfaces, you can improve the thermal comfort of the home, thus also lowering energy consumption.
The bioclimatic pergola is the ideal solution for those who love being outdoors, not only in summer and also want to use it in the evening, simply by installing an internal LED system, it will become an independent room, to add to your home.
