Did you know that Australia is one of the most urbanized nations in the world? Over two-thirds of Australians reside within the greater metropolitan area of a major city.
While this means many of us get to enjoy the advantages of urban living, it also means that we understand what it’s like to live in close proximity to neighbours and in the eye line of passersby. As a result, we are faced with the task of balancing a sense of privacy and openness in our outdoor spaces. Enter the urban pergola.
Pergolas are outdoor structures that are valuable for homes in city settings. They’re a triple threat, great for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. In this guide, we’ll share our recommendations for designing a pergola that upholds your privacy without sacrificing light and airflow.
The Challenge of Urban Pergola Design
A pergola is a retreat from the world, but it’s also a way to invite others into your world. It’s as much a place to relax as it is to entertain, so shelter from the elements and privacy are essential components. In urban areas, high-density housing, smaller yards, and close proximity to neighbours can make pergola design more of an art than a formula. Often, the key is smart design through innovative products.
Consider aluminium slat fencing, for example. Positioning slat fencing on the sides of your pergolas, if you have taller buildings that surround your home, can suddenly create a private sanctuary, while still letting tons so natural light through. This works particularly well if your pergola looks onto the rest of your garden or nature beyond your property without boxing in your space. Pergolas are meant to be open, breezy, and inviting, so striking a balance between privacy and openness becomes the number one design challenge.
Why slat fencing helps coexistence in an urban environment
Fencing is the most obvious way to shelter your pergola from prying eyes, and various types of slat fencing have become the most popular way to add privacy while maintaining openness.
There are many different materials you can use for your fencing, depending on what your priorities are. Slat fencing can be easily customized for light and airflow. Consider the spacing and slat width when choosing your fencing – slats that are closer together and thicker offer more privacy, while thinner and more generously spaced panels allow light and air to flow freely.
Aluminium in particular is a durable material. It’s highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and weather damage, making it ideal for areas with high moisture or salty environments (of which Australia has many). This material can withstand extreme temperatures, wind, and rain without deteriorating. And because it’s so durable, aluminium is very low-maintenance, only requiring an occasional cleaning for its upkeep.
Alongside this, aluminium slat fencing is a sleek, minimalist material that’s easy to incorporate into any home’s outdoor design, whether you use fencing around the pergola’s perimeter or on just one side. You can also choose a colour finish that fits your home, matching or contrasting with the rest of the pergola’s structure.
Some Beautiful Ways to Balance Privacy and Openness
Fences aren’t the only way to achieve privacy and openness for your urban pergola. When it comes to beauty in the backyard, plants should never be overlooked. Pergolas traditionally include plants that climb up the structure to create gorgeous vertical gardens.
But they aren’t just beautiful – these plants create a natural, enviably green screen that shields you from sight while sunlight shines through the leaves. Star jasmine, purple coral pea, and Fraser Island creeper are all options that thrive in Australia’s climate.
Plants are also a great way to utilise slat panels for another purpose – you can use the strength of slat fencing to hold planter boxes, or create a wall of climbers that decorate the panels with beautiful greenery, while still allowing natural light into the pergola space.
Likewise, mixing materials like timber or glass with aluminium slat fencing can result in a highly sophisticated look. Many modern landscape designs use the juxtaposition between different organic materials. It can create a striking contrast that adds character and depth to the space and allows you to include features that create privacy without the space feeling confined. These combinations can fulfil your needs while allowing you to play with texture, light, and contrast in a subtle yet impactful way.
You can also incorporate some man-made elements into your design for flexibility. Retractable awnings and sheer curtains are easy ways to adjust the level of privacy in your pergola. As a bonus, these options are renter-friendly and low-commitment for those unsure of what they’re looking for.
Finally, consider the role of lighting in making your pergola more open and inviting, while combating any spaciousness you’ve lost with privacy screening. Dimmable downlights or soft outdoor lamps can add a tremendous amount of ambience and atmosphere, and when they cast a shadow on plants and furnishings, they can add depth and expansiveness that can really elevate how open and warm your pergola feels.
Key Takeaways
Urban living has many fantastic benefits, but sometimes, it can be tough – the proximity to neighbours and passersby can make intimate outdoor spaces feel less intimate. When designed the right way, a pergola can be a great choice for those seeking refuge from the rest of the world without sacrificing the natural light and airflow of their outdoor space.
Limited space, nosy neighbours, and loud roads can make designing the perfect pergola challenging, but with these tips, it’s not impossible. Remember:
- Aluminium slat fencing is an excellent choice for your pergola – it’s customisable, durable, low-maintenance, and sleek.
- You can dress up your aluminium fencing with your choice of colour, the use of gorgeous greenery, and a combination of natural and man-made materials.
- If you’re a renter or not ready to commit to a pergola design just yet, try adding a retractable awning or sheer curtains.
With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to add an urban pergola to your home.
