This concrete balcony was built specifically to take advantage of the stunning view of Lake Connelly from the cottage. Unfortunately, it faces directly into the sun, without any shade whatsoever. The owner therefore wanted to find a permanent and lasting solution to reduce the excessive sunlight on his terrace. However, he also wanted to preserve the view and natural light from inside his cottage.
We therefore designed a two-tiered pergola for him that respected the unique architecture of his residence. We carefully crafted its shape to avoid obstructing the windows. Each tier defines a distinct area: a dining area that can easily accommodate dining furniture for 6 to 8 people, and a relaxation area where two armchairs and a small table can be placed for enjoying morning coffee or reading a book while gazing at the lake.
We built the timber frame structure with 8"x8" Western Red Cedar columns and beams. We attached it to the concrete slab and directly to the house's siding using custom-designed metal knifeplate fasteners. The stained cedar crossbeams provide partial sun protection, allowing natural light to enter through the house's many windows. However, they cover enough of the exterior space to avoid complete sun exposure, making it much more comfortable to be surrounded by the tranquility of nature.