If you are blessed with a large outdoor space, you are likely spoiled for choice with things to do with it. A particularly good idea is to add an open-air structure to provide a shaded entertaining area during the summer months. These simple, yet effective buildings have been used for centuries and come in a wide variety to suit all gardens and landscapes. Most well-known are structures such as gazebos, pergolas and summer houses. Yet, there are many new ways that you can add a striking and useful feature to your garden.
Pros & Cons of Open Air Structures
Before deciding on whether to add an open-air structure to your garden it’s useful to know that pros and cons that come with it.
Pros
- Communal outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy
- A wide range of optional extra’s such as fire places, or kitchens can be added
- Simple design means a simple construction
- Perfect for the summer months, through all hours of the day
Cons
- Can be expensive depending on the size and complexity of the structure
- You may need planning permission to build an outdoor structure, so it is important to get some advice from your local council before you start
- Your structure will reduce the useable space in your garden, so an outdoor open air structure may not be suitable for smaller gardens
- Depending on materials used for the build it may need protection through the winter
Types of garden structure
Gazebo
A gazebo is a free-standing structure or permanent structure that provides shade and a lovely ornamental view to any space. Usually built in a tent shape a gazebo provides welcome shelter from the summer sun or short showers. It serves as a focal point for relaxation, dining, and entertaining and comes in various materials like wood or metal. You can also choose different roof styles from solid shingles to fabric.
Alongside offering a blend of style and practicality, having a garden gazebos brings a number of key benefits:
- Weather protection and extended use: A gazebo provides reliable shelter from both the sun and rain. This means you can comfortably enjoy your garden more often. Whether it’s for a shady afternoon read on a hot day or continuing a gathering when the clouds open up. A gazebo turns your garden into a year-round usable space.
- Versatile outdoor living space: It creates a defined outdoor “room” that can be used for various activities. You can set it up as an elegant al fresco dining area, a cosy outdoor lounge, a dedicated spot for a hot tub or BBQ station, or even a peaceful space for yoga and relaxation.
- Enhanced aesthetics and property value: A well-designed gazebo instantly adds a touch of sophistication and charm to your garden, serving as a beautiful architectural focal point. Attractive and functional outdoor features like a gazebo can significantly increase your property’s overall appeal and market value to potential buyers.
Pergolas
A pergola is an outdoor garden feature forming a shaded walk or seating area. Traditionally built from wood it consists of vertical posts or pillars that support an open lattice of cross-beams and rafters providing partial shade.
Because of their versatility in design a pergola can serve many fantastic purposes in your garden.
- Extending your living space: Place it over a patio or deck to seamlessly blend your indoor and outdoor areas, creating an ideal spot for al fresco dining, lounging or an outdoor kitchen.
- Defining outdoor zones: A freestanding pergola can be used to create a distinct ‘outdoor room’—a quiet corner for reading, a lounge area next to a pool or a welcoming entryway to a particular part of your garden.
- Creating a walkway: Positioned over a path, a series of pergolas can create a shaded passageway, adding depth and intrigue to your garden landscape.
- Adding privacy: By incorporating side screens, curtains, or growing dense foliage up the posts, a pergola can offer a secluded and private space, perfect for shielding an area like a hot tub or a cosy seating nook.
- A structure for climbing plants: This is one of the most classic uses! The open roof and side lattices provide perfect support for vines, climbing roses, wisteria, or grapevines. These plants will eventually weave across the structure, creating a beautiful, natural and cooling canopy.
Cabanas
A Cabana is a traditional thatched cabin, usually built in tropical climates. The word ‘Cabana’ comes from the Spanish word for Cabin. These structures are perfect for adding a small lounging area in your garden with additional extras such as electricity, a fire or cooking facilities. Furnishings do not need to be extravagant for this minimalistic structure, so lounge chairs are more than enough for a hot summers evening.
Ramada
A Ramada is a structure that consists of support beams and a roof, but no walls. They have been used for centuries as a way of sheltering people and objects from the sun. By having no walls, air flow is unrestricted, keeping the temperature nice and cool.
Lapa
A Lapa (pronounced Larpa) is a traditional South African open-air structure, made of wood supports and a thatched roof. It is widely considered a variant of a Gazebo, and is perfect as an entertainment area thanks to the range of optional extras you can add such as cooking facilities, additional walls, brick roofing, bespoke seating, and many more. This open-air structure is ideal for those looking for a contemporary finish to their garden. Thames Valley Landscapes have already designed and built a Lapa for a customer in Marlow. For more information on the finished product and how we achieved it, please read our article here.
Garden structures are a great way of adding that little something extra to your garden. They are practical, they have been used for centuries, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. For more information on adding an open-air structure to your garden, please feel free to contact Thames Valley Landscapes on 01628 629720 for a quote.
Or, if you are after something that offers a little more protection from the elements all year round why not consider a garden room.