What is a bioclimatic pergola?
Several solutions today make it possible to enjoy and beautify outdoor spaces. If you are looking for comfort, elegance and energy saving, there is a solution for you: the bioclimatic pergola. This sun protection offers considerable advantages. In addition, it is offered in different models, which makes it much easier for users to choose. If you are still hesitating about installing a bioclimatic pergola, then it is time to find out about it through this article.
Definition of a bioclimatic pergola
A bioclimatic pergola is an outdoor structure that can be used to create a comfortable and functional living space while incorporating bioclimatic design principles. The presence of adjustable blades, both electric and manual, makes a fundamental difference compared to a version with a fixed roof.
Thermal regulation
The bioclimatic pergola can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight and heat that enters the space under the pergola. The adjustable slats allow shade and ventilation to be modulated, offering protection against excessive sunlight in summer while allowing the passage of light and heat in winter.
Visual comfort
The bioclimatic pergola offers the possibility of taking advantage of natural light while filtering direct sunlight. The orientation of the slats creates plays of light and shadow, thus creating a visually pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.
Weather protection
In addition to regulating heat and light, a bioclimatic pergola can also provide protection from the elements. The adjustable slats can be closed to prevent rain from penetrating under the pergola, thus allowing use of the outdoor space even in rainy weather.
What is bioclimatism?
Bioclimatism is an architectural design approach that aims to optimize the comfort and energy efficiency of a building by exploiting the climatic and geographical characteristics of the place. The main objective of bioclimatism is to obtain a pleasant indoor environment in a natural way, thanks to the available architectural resources, renewable energies and minimizing the use of mechanical technologies and external energies. To achieve this, several principles are implemented in bioclimatic design:
- Orientation of the building is carefully considered in order to take advantage of solar energy. In winter, glazed surfaces are maximized on the south side to capture solar heat and create a passive greenhouse effect that warms the building. On the other hand, in summer, solar protections are used to block solar radiation and prevent overheating, especially on the east and west facades.
- Natural heat : how is it transformed, diffused and stored inside the building. The heat generated by solar energy is distributed in a balanced way between the rooms and possibly evacuated by the ventilation system. The materials used in the construction, such as dark floors and variable tints on the walls, favor the conversion of light into heat and avoid thermal stratification.
- Insulation: use of exterior insulation and heavy materials to maximize thermal inertia and retain heat in winter. In summer, nighttime cool storage strategies are used to limit daytime overheating.
- Natural lighting is also considered an essential aspect of bioclimatic design, thus reducing dependence on artificial lighting and electrical consumption. The layout of the rooms is organized according to the apparent course of the sun, with living spaces benefiting from maximum luminosity on the south side, while the less frequented rooms are placed on the north side.
The different types of bioclimatic pergolas
The bioclimatic pergola comes in three different models: self-supporting, wall-mounted and with a retractable slat. Let's take a closer look at the features and benefits of each.
The self-supporting pergola
The self-supporting pergola is mounted on 4 solid legs, even up to 8 legs for the large models.
It is a completely independent solution that can be installed in various locations: on the terrace, in the center of the garden or by the swimming pool.
The attached pergola
As its name suggests, this bioclimatic pergola fits into your home thanks to its leaning against the wall or facade.
This aspect saves you major ground work, as the pergola will only require 2 support poles max.
Pergola with retractable blade
The retractable slatted pergola is a two-in-one solution that simultaneously protects you from the sun and allows you to enjoy a nice tan. The presence of the double motorization is an advantage to manage the blades according to your desires. Thus, you can retract them to get more sunshine or spread them out to enjoy good shade.
On the same subject, discover our article: what regulations for a pergola?
3 good reasons to choose a bioclimatic pergola
Three major qualities convince you to opt for this innovative solution, namely its comfort, its aesthetic look and its thermal protection.
Comfort
The bioclimatic pergola guarantees better protection of your outdoor space. By choosing to arrange this structure in your home, you can have optimal control of solar gain while ensuring temperature regulation. External factors such as sun, wind or bad weather will not prevent you from enjoying your terrace or garden.
Then, after determining the appropriate size for the area to be protected, this accessory is synonymous with comfort and user-friendliness.
Aesthetic
Impossible not to mention the aesthetic side of a bioclimatic pergola. Moreover, it is now available in several colors and finishes to better integrate into your outdoor space. Just choose the model that suits your taste and you're done.
In general, manufacturers recommend a color similar to that of your home to have a harmonious decoration or a completely opposite color for a more original look.
Inopting for the right color and the appropriate finish, the bioclimatic pergola is a major ally to enhance the elegance of your home.
Thermal protection of the house
Beyond comfort and aesthetics, the bioclimatic pergola is the promise of better thermal protection for the house. Its roof fitted with adjustable and sometimes retractable slats makes it easy to regulate the interior temperature. It is quite possible to have fresh and natural ventilation without the risk of creating a feeling of greenhouse effect.
Otherwise, the cold and the wind are not likely to penetrate inside the house thanks to the blades. You just have to position them well and your habitat is protected from the windy climate.
Note that the climatic pergola could well be combined with a motorized awning. The latter can be placed on one side or on all four sides of the pergola to provide additional thermal protection in all seasons.
What is the price of a Bioclimatic Pergola?
Are you convinced of the advantages of the bioclimatic pergola and are you finally ready to install a designer model in your property? There is one last criterion to consider before you start: the price and the estimate of the structure.
The elements affecting the price
Given the many types of bioclimatic pergolas, several elements come into play when talking about price.
In other words, the budget for this protective equipment will derive from several significant factors, including:
- The material of construction: aluminum, PVC, etc.
- The model chosen: self-supporting, wall-mounted or with retractable slats
- The total dimension
- The type of blades: hollow, solid
- Preparatory work
- The level of protection: heat, sun, wind, rain
- The design and the finish
The options of a pergola
Apart from these main factors, the price of the bioclimatic pergola also depends on the additional options that one would like to add.
The goal being to have more comfort and practicality, a basic pergola might not be enough.
We talked, for example, about installing a motorized blind on the sides for more discretion and protection.
The choice here is very wide. Fans of the bioclimatic pergola usually prefer even more functional and technical options. Examples include a heating system, lighting or LED strips, sunscreens, an automation system, glass panels, etc.
Everyone has their own choice, but what is certain is that the presence of one or more additional systems will influence the price of your new bioclimatic pergola.
Average price per m² of a bioclimatic pergola
To help you and guide you in your choice, here is a summary of the average prices of a bioclimatic pergola per m².
|
Bioclimatic pergola model |
Average price per m² |
|---|---|
|
Attached |
From 540 € / m² |
|
Freestanding |
From 450 € / m² |
|
full blades |
From 800 € to 1100 € / m² |
|
hollow blade |
From €600 to €750 / m² |
|
Aluminum design |
From €130 to €450 / m² |
|
wooden design |
From 140 € / m² |
*This table does not take into consideration the price of the installation.
Questions about bioclimatic pergolas
Pergola or bioclimatic pergola?
Surely you know a pergola, this protective structure built to provide shade for the garden and to help the plants to climb. When the leaves fall, the place then plunges into natural sunlight and benefits from better ventilation.
Although the traditional pergola is still very popular today, its new bioclimatic version is more interesting.
Indeed, if you compare the two, you will surely notice the aesthetic advantage of the bioclimatic pergola.
Instead of being filled with climbing vegetation, it has several adjustable blades that adapt to the external environment, in particular to let in light or to better refresh your space. In addition, these slats are designed to protect you from many external hazards, such as heat, rain or wind, which is not the case with the traditional pergola.
If a choice is necessary, the bioclimatic pergola will surely be unanimous. It surely offers advantages that are not found in the traditional pergola.
Veranda or bioclimatic pergola?
The veranda and the bioclimatic pergola are two actors of your comfort and your well-being all year round. Both stylish and robust, they can be easy to maintain thanks to their quality design.
It is important to note, however, that the differences between the two solutions outnumber the commonalities. These include their respective configuration: fully closed for the veranda and semi-open for the bioclimatic pergola. On the price side, the veranda would require a higher price because of the more complex work. Then, the administrative factor turns out to be stricter than that of the bioclimatic pergola.
Given these elements, the bioclimatic pergola would be a wise choice over the veranda. It will be your best ally to spend cool and pleasant summer evenings, with the key to less long and tedious procedures.
Awning or bioclimatic pergola?
Are you torn between the awning and the bioclimatic pergola? These two installations allow you to enjoy your garden all year round. Not only do they guarantee a well-sheltered space, but they also provide good shade for the terrace.
If the awning is prized for the discretion and protection it offers, the bioclimatic pergola plays the role of an extension in its own right of your home. It not only protects you from prying eyes and the sun's rays, but it creates a welcoming and friendly place for the whole family. You can have your breakfast there, read your books, or even set up a spa.
Note that it is impossible to have these privileged moments with an awning, which will make you change your mind and direct you directly to the bioclimatic pergola.
Thermodynamic pergola?
We have already been asked the question for a “thermodynamic” version. Unless we are mistaken, this is simply a confusion between bioclimatic and thermodynamic.
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