Bioclimatic pergola

"Bioclimatic pergola" is the name often used for a pergola with an adjustable louvred roof: one you can open, angle or close to suit the sun, the breeze and the rain. Here is what the term means, how it works in a British garden, and how the two Sunnier pergolas fit in.

What is a bioclimatic pergola?

A bioclimatic pergola has a roof made of rotating louvres, usually aluminium, set in a frame with built-in drainage. You change the angle of the louvres to manage what comes through the roof:

Open for full light and air.
Angled for shade while air still moves through.
Closed for cover from the rain.

The idea is that the structure works with the weather rather than against it. On a warm day you let the breeze through; when it rains you close up and stay underneath. "Bioclimatic", "louvred roof" and "louvre pergola" all describe the same kind of structure.

A German-designed louvre roof for UK gardens

Sunnier pergolas are designed in Germany and made in the EU for British gardens. Both models have powder-coated aluminium louvres in a frame with 135 × 135 mm posts and integrated gutters. When the louvres are fully closed the roof is waterproof, and rainwater runs into the gutters, down through the posts and away at the base.

Both are rated for wind up to 110 km/h, depending on configuration, and carry a snow load rating by size. In heavy snow, tilt the louvres towards vertical to keep the load off the roof.

Manual or electric: two ways to move the louvres

	Pergola Essential	Pergola Classic
How the louvres move	Hand crank, opening up to about 115°	Electric motor with wireless remote
Power for the roof	None	220 to 230V supply
Lighting	Optional perimeter LED around the frame	Optional perimeter LED around the frame
Sizes	3 × 3 to 3 × 5 m	3 × 4 to 4 × 6 m
Snow load	65 to 120 kg/m² by size	160 to 320 kg/m² by size
Price	From £6,459	From £7,550

With Pergola Essential you turn a crank to tilt the louvres. It's simple, and there's nothing to wire for the roof. With Pergola Classic you press a button. The quiet electric drive means you can change the angle as the sun moves round without getting up, and optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame keeps the space working after dark. Read more about electric pergolas.

How a louvred roof works through the year

Spring and summer

Open the louvres in the morning for light. Angle them as the sun climbs for shade over the table. Leave them part open on warm evenings to let air move through.

Autumn

Close the louvres when a shower comes through and stay sitting out. Keep the gutters clear of leaves so the water keeps draining through the posts. Our Care and Maintenance Guide covers this.

Winter

The roof is built for all year. In heavy snow, tilt the louvres towards vertical. Don't operate the louvres if they're held by ice or packed snow.

Add sides, heat and light

Side screens, manual or solar, chosen by side, size and colour, block low sun and wind. An optional 3 kW heater takes the chill off. Optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame is available on both models.

What to look for in a bioclimatic pergola

The frame. Check the post size and base plates. Ours are 135 × 135 mm posts on 162 × 162 mm base plates.
The drainage. Look for gutters that take water away through the posts, so it doesn't drip off the edges.
The ratings. Ask for the wind rating and the snow load by size, not just one headline figure.
The finish. Powder-coated aluminium needs no painting or sealing.
The price. Look for a clear price for your size, and check what's included: drive, lighting, height options, warranty.
The warranty. Ours is 10 years on the structure, plus 2 years on the motor and electronics on Classic.

Every Sunnier pergola is made to order and delivered in around 4 to 6 weeks. See the full louvred pergola range, our sizes guide, or book a free consultation to see one at our Stoke-on-Trent showroom.