A pergola as an extension of the home’s living area – what should you plan for?

In modern homes, the boundary between the interior and the outdoor space is becoming increasingly blurred. The terrace is no longer merely an addition to the building but increasingly serves as a natural extension of the living room or dining room. However, simply having access to the garden is not enough to achieve this. What matters is the layout of the space, how it connects to the interior, and a suitably chosen pergola, which helps to create a cohesive and functional area for everyday living.

Why is the terrace becoming part of the home’s living area?

Until recently, the terrace was regarded as a space used mainly during holidays or weekend get-togethers. Today, the approach to home design is different. Increasing emphasis is being placed on creating a space that is naturally integrated with the interior of the building and which will meet the needs of the household for most of the year. This shift is being driven by large glazed areas, open-plan layouts and the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces. In such a layout, the terrace becomes an additional space for relaxation, dining or family gatherings. In practice, this means it should be designed with the same care as the living room or dining room.

How should you plan the layout of a terrace for a detached house?

A well-designed terrace should meet the everyday needs of the residents. A space intended mainly for relaxation will look different from one designed to host family gatherings or shared meals. It is crucial to match the size of the terrace to the building’s structure and the number of users. A space that is too small may limit design options, whilst one that is excessively large will not always be put to practical use. It is also worth considering the terrace’s orientation in relation to the cardinal directions. South- and west-facing terraces are more exposed to intense sunlight, which affects both user comfort and the design of the roofing.

Division into functional zones

Just like the interior of a house, a terrace can be divided into several sections serving different functions. The most common divisions are:

• a relaxation area with garden furniture,
• a dining area,
• a circulation area ensuring free movement,
• and a space directly connected to the garden or a recreational area.

This approach helps to organise the space and makes the terrace more functional. Additionally, a pergola can visually highlight selected zones, bringing order to the overall layout of the home’s surroundings.

How to plan the transition between the living room and the terrace?

When designing the connection between the interior and the outdoor space, it is worth considering several key elements.

• Carefully selected patio doors – modern homes often feature sliding systems, such as the MB-82HS or the panoramic MB-SKYLINE TYPE S, which allow for a wide passageway and open up the interior to the garden as much as possible. Thanks to the large glass surface area, the terrace remains visible even when the doors are closed.
• Floor level – the closer the floor level inside the house is to that of the terrace, the easier it is to achieve the effect of a single, cohesive space.
• Finishing materials – recurring colours, textures and details help to create a harmonious transition between the living room and the outdoor area.

A well-thought-out design for the transition largely determines whether the terrace will be used on a daily basis.

How can you match a pergola to the architecture and joinery?

A pergola should be treated as part of the overall design, rather than a standalone element added at the end of the project. Its proportions, colour scheme and character should complement both the building’s structure and the joinery used. In modern projects, structures with a minimalist form are very popular. Pergolas such as the SB 450 allow for a consistent look with aluminium windows and patio doors, giving the whole building a more harmonious appearance. When making your choice, it is worth considering:

• the colour of the structure and how well it matches the joinery,
• the proportions of the pergola in relation to the terrace,
• the shape and character of the building’s structure,
• the method of fixing the structure,
• the possibility of adding further features.

A well-chosen pergola does not dominate the architecture, but emphasises its character. As a result, the terrace becomes a natural extension of the living area, and the entire property takes on a more orderly appearance.

FAQ

• Does a pergola need to be taken into account at the house design stage?

This is not essential, but planning the pergola in advance makes it easier to integrate it with the building’s structure, the layout of the terrace and the installations required for additional features.

• Can a pergola be added to an existing house?

Yes. Many structures can also be fitted to buildings that are already in use. In such cases, it is particularly important to ensure the pergola matches the façade, the joinery and the existing layout of the terrace.

• Does a pergola affect the appearance of a building’s façade?

Definitely yes. Due to its dimensions and location, it is one of the most visible architectural features. When chosen appropriately, it can emphasise the building’s modern character and create a cohesive composition with the windows and patio doors.