A Pergola with a louvered roof was felt to be the most appropriate solution and has added new life, space and greater enjoyment of the open air. The roof is designed with one- foot overhangs which greatly increase the shading effect for a comfortable balance, light and dark. A louvered mechanism for fences was divided up into quadrants so that the quadrant over Karen’s studio window could be adjusted by hand to allow the sunlight in. At the exterior corners of the Pergola, the posts were tripled giving greater lateral stability as well as additional visual appeal.
This project involved building a shade device on an existing deck. Explore our outdoor living spaces to see more decks, pergolas and porches across Ottawa.
The wooden structure has matured beautifully over the years, with climbing vines now covering the rooftop pergola and softening the brick house behind it. What began as a shade device became a true outdoor room, furnished with a table, chairs and potted plants where the family gathers in comfort. The before and after photos show the transformation from a simple deck with a lattice railing to a shaded retreat full of life.
Decades later, the pergola remains one of the most creative outdoor renovations Ottawa homeowners can point to, proof that thoughtful design only gets better with time.
1998
GOHBA Impact: Denys Builds Designs renowned for Function and Design: Guiges House
1997
GOHBA Design Award: Finalist in Innovation Category
