Pergolas… we’ve all heard of them but how much do we really know about these outdoor structures? Pergolas are not a new trend, these systems have been around for many years since 1400 BC in fact!
The term pergola originates from the Latin word pergula, which means projecting eave. This is the section of a roof which meets or overhangs a building’s wall. Since this time period, pergolas have adapted hugely and, at Designer Shade Solutions, we have even integrated traditional pergolas with retractable roofs, allowing you to open or close the roof in accordance with the weather.
How did we make it to this point? Let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore the timeline and progression of pergolas.
Where it all began
It is unknown, even to this day, what inspired the creation of the first-ever pergola, but it is believed to have belonged to an Egyptian High Court Official of Thebes. This structure may have been crafted to create shade and shelter or perhaps it was intended to add a beautifully engaging outdoor aspect, the purpose is still uncertain. Either way, this design took off and, as a result, many wealthy Egyptians were installing these outdoor structures and thus a new trend was made!
Pergolas around the world
From here, the trend started to travel globally, and pergolas adapted even further. The Romans and Greeks were using pergolas to facilitate their wine-making industry by hanging grapes and vines from the lattice roof. This soon caught on to other countries too including France, where farmers were hanging crops and other plants to the roof, creating a stunning design which provided extra shade to those sat under it.
Over in China, pergolas were being made with Asian influences, developing entirely fresh and unique designs. At this stage, pergolas came in all shapes, sizes, and styles so there is a huge amount of opportunity for pergolas to take off.
Where we are today
Today, we can see exactly that! Pergolas of all varieties! Traditional wooden lattice style pergolas do still exist, offering minimal shade to users but at Designer Shade Solutions, we have excelled this structure one step further. We offer retractable glass roofs, retractable louvre roofs and retractable fabric roofs which don’t just provide an element of shade but also protect from more extreme conditions like wind, rain and even snow.
You can open the retractable roof to maximise sunlight or close the roof to shelter from rainfall, keeping users comfortable at all times. Therefore, our pergolas continue to offer the visual aspect that they are traditionally known for, whilst also providing a practical solution to weather control.
Our efforts to create stunning, modern structures don’t stop there. With our help, you can further customise your retractable roof to make it your own. This could include adding LED lighting, heating or vertical glass systems which elevate your structure, adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Clearly a huge advancement from 1400 BC!
Our structures, therefore, take influence from these historic pergolas, with a modern and dynamic twist. If you would like to find out more about our retractable roof pergolas, why not speak to a member of our team? We can create elegant shading structures to suit your criteria which offer both practicality and visual beauty.
