When it comes to creating enchanting outdoor spaces that blend beauty and functionality, few architectural features rival the allure of a pergola. These elegant structures have graced gardens and landscapes for centuries, evolving in style and material options to suit diverse preferences and purposes. By now, you’ve seen our most recent project, Steel & Cedar, in which we highlight a charming pergola perfect for the Texas backyard landscape. In this blog, we embark on a captivating journey through the history of pergola design, exploring its enduring charm and the myriad of style options and materials available today. At Native Edge, we believe that a well-crafted pergola can transform any outdoor area into a sanctuary of relaxation, while embodying the principles of sustainable and environmentally responsible landscape design.
The Roots of Pergolas: A Historical Overview
The origins of pergolas can be traced back to ancient civilizations, from ancient Egypt to Rome. Initially serving as shaded walkways or passageways, these structures provided respite from the scorching sun and often supported climbing plants, creating a natural canopy. As the concept spread throughout the Mediterranean, pergolas adorned Roman gardens, draped with vines and foliage.
Varieties of Pergola Styles
Classic Mediterranean Pergola
Inspired by the timeless charm of ancient Greece and Rome, the classic Mediterranean pergola exudes a sense of elegance and simplicity. With sturdy columns and clean lines, it becomes a captivating focal point in any landscape. Adorned with climbing plants like bougainvillea or wisteria, this style infuses vibrant colors and delightful scents into the surroundings.
Zen Pergola
Embracing the principles of Zen gardens, this style reflects simplicity and tranquility. Crafted with natural materials like bamboo and timber, the Zen pergola provides a meditative space, inviting a sense of calm and harmony to the garden.
in a striking balance of modern materials and calming design.
to this beautiful two-tier deck.
Contemporary Pergola
Celebrating modern aesthetics, the contemporary pergola features sleek lines and innovative materials like metal and composite options. This style harmoniously complements contemporary architecture and design, adding a touch of sophistication to outdoor spaces.
an oversized ceiling fan, and automatic adjustable metal rafters.
Rustic Wooden Pergola
Radiating warmth and charm, the rustic wooden pergola celebrates the beauty of natural materials. Crafted from reclaimed wood or rugged timber, it adds authenticity to the landscape, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment.
bringing it right home to Austin.
The back wall has been outfitted with barn doors to cleverly disguise a large shed.
Partial Pergolas
Occasionally, only a bit of shade for seating or plantings is needed, or you're simply looking to highlight a particular area or feature in your space. A partial pergola may provide the perfect solution. Plant with vines and let even a small space become a dreamy focal point.
and a cozy space to cuddle up by the fire on cooler nights. Vines in large-scale pots accent the space beautifully.
Materials for Pergolas: Exploring Sustainable Options
Cedar Wood
A popular choice, cedar wood combines elegance with sustainability. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it a durable and eco-friendly option for pergola construction.
Bamboo
Renowned for its rapid growth and renewability, bamboo is an excellent eco-conscious choice for pergolas. Lightweight yet robust, it creates a Japanese Zen-inspired pergola with ease.
Metal
Materials like aluminum and steel offer contemporary pergola options. These metals are durable, weather-resistant, and can be recycled, making them a sustainable choice.
Recycled Materials
Embrace sustainability further by using recycled materials such as composite decking or salvaged wood. Integrating recycled elements reduces environmental impact while adding character to the space.
Throughout history, pergolas have stood as timeless symbols of elegance and beauty in outdoor design. From their ancient origins to contemporary interpretations, these open structures continue to captivate our imaginations and enhance the allure of outdoor spaces. At Native Edge, we believe that pergolas not only provide shade and architectural elegance but also exemplify our commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible landscaping practices. Whether you seek a classic Mediterranean retreat or a Zen-inspired haven, our expert team can bring your pergola dreams to life, merging style and sustainability for a truly transformative outdoor experience. Let us craft a pergola that aligns with your vision, turning your garden into a sanctuary of relaxation and serenity, while embracing the principles of a sustainable future.
We have exciting news! We were featured in the newest season of Queer Eye on Netflix along with our sister company, Garden Seventeen! You can catch us on season 6 episode 6 titled “Community Allied”. Garden Seventeen provided plants, pots, and fountains, while our team did all the hard work in transforming Dr. Jereka Thomas’s space. This yard transformation was the largest in Queer Eye history, and we are so thrilled to have been a part of pulling it off! It was great meeting and working with Bobby and the rest of the designers and production team. Let us know what you think of Dr. Jereka Thomas’s transformation!Below, we have some behind the scenes shots from the hero's home, as well as some screen captures from the episode!
Nicer to look at than other shade options such as awnings, pergolas can create a cohesive look with the home while adding a sculptural and architectural aspect to the space. They provide extra privacy as well as shade and temperature control, making relaxing under one during the heat of the summer a breeze. Pergolas can be a simple structure, or contain added features like a canopy or moveable beams to create added shade. Pergolas can be simple in design or complex with added features, making them completely adaptable to the space they fill.
Not only are pergolas nice for homeowners, they are great for plants that couldn't normally survive direct sunlight. Pergolas do not completely disrupt sunlight or air flow, creating optimal growing conditions for plants. They also provide a great opportunity to add vining plants to the base of the structural beams, giving them plenty of room to grow vertically.
If your backyard has been lacking that certain something, try looking into having a pergola installed! These highly customizable structures help define outdoor spaces while adding a bit of extra shade. Pergolas can be built to fit just about any space, making them a top choice for a landscaping structure.