The bioclimatic pergola, also known as an adjustable louver pergola, is becoming increasingly popular as an outdoor fixture. Typically constructed from aluminum, it can be mounted against a façade or freestanding to create a comfortable living space that is neither entirely outdoors nor completely indoors.

It offers numerous advantages, the main one being to protect the covered area from the sun and rain while allowing for cooling in the summer and retaining heat in the winter. These functions are made possible by the adjustable orientation of the louvers that make up its roof, which can either block sunlight or allow it to pass through.

The bioclimatic pergola is a structure typically made of aluminum, and sometimes wood or steel, with a roof made up of adjustable aluminum louvers. Unlike awnings or conservatories, the movement of the louvers of a bioclimatic pergola allows you to control the level of sunlight and brightness on your terrace according to your preference.

Simultaneously, adjusting sunlight exposure allows you to regulate the temperature of adjoining rooms, in the case of an attached pergola. In summer, the shade and ventilation created by slightly opening the louvers will reduce the greenhouse effect and lower the temperature by several degrees. During winter, opening the louvers allows for maximum brightness and indirect sunlight due to the reflection of the sun off the aluminum louvers.

From a technical standpoint, the movement of the louvers is made possible by two elements :

• Axes connecting the louvers to the beams of the pergola, allowing them to tilt.
• Gutters connecting the louvers to each other to move them collectively.

When closed, the louvers provide effective protection against rain thanks to an ingenious rainwater drainage system that passes through the gutters mentioned above.

For added daily comfort, the adjustable louvers of the bioclimatic pergola can be motorized and operated remotely using a motor with a jack, controlled by a remote control.

The term bioclimatic refers to all the means allowing for energy savings with equal comfort by judiciously exploiting the resources of the immediate environment.

In the case of louvered pergolas, the ability to regulate the temperature regardless of the season while protecting against the weather allows for better enjoyment of outdoor spaces while saving precious degrees in adjoining rooms. Hence the use of the term "bioclimatic pergola."

Consider the example of a south-facing bay window opening onto a terrace. Adding a bioclimatic pergola will create an intermediate room that reduces heat in the summer thanks to natural ventilation from slightly open louvers. The heat in your adjoining room will therefore be less significant.

Energy savings will be even more noticeable in winter. Allowing sunlight to enter through the bay window by opening the louvers will heat your adjoining room. The few extra degrees gained will not be spent on heating.

Note that depending on the orientation of your terrace, the recommended orientation of the louvers (parallel or perpendicular to the façade) will vary. Consult our dedicated articles on this topic to learn more.

The movement of the louvers alone offers great regulation possibilities. However, it will be possible to regulate even more by adding efficient lateral closures.

A vertical sliding shade will provide more shade and protect you from low-angle sun. It can also shield you from neighbors and create a very pleasant cocoon of privacy.

To block the wind and maximize the buffer effect between indoor and outdoor spaces, sliding glass walls can close off your pergola and act as heat accumulators in winter. Their wide opening in summer will bring in more air to the space.

And for fans of louvers, adjustable sunshades can be added as lateral closures for even more regulation.

Finally, you can bring originality to your pergola by adding fixed or sliding perforated frame panels.

As mentioned earlier, motorization of the louvers is very common. In addition to providing real comfort for daily use, it is primarily the first step in setting up home automation solutions for your pergola.

Once motorized, your pergola can be controlled by remote control, but you can also combine this motorization with the installation of weather sensors (rain, wind, or frost) that will automatically take over to adjust the louvers. Installing these sensors will ensure undeniable comfort and peace of mind in the event of sudden weather events. This will also secure your installation by allowing it to react automatically in case of heavy rain, strong winds, or frost.

Finally, for technology enthusiasts, the compatibility of our pergolas with home automation boxes such as Tahoma will give you access to the preparation of very precise home automation scenarios to further enhance the bioclimatic performance of your installation.

In conclusion, the bioclimatic pergola offers an ideal compromise between the conservatory, which can be stifling in summer, and awnings, which may lack protection. This sun protection system, both adaptable, aesthetic, and durable, will significantly enhance your comfort and living space.

With fairly simple operation, the bioclimatic pergola creates an additional convivial living space while serving as a buffer between indoor and outdoor areas. It can also be customized with many configurations, RAL colors, and available options.

Still have questions about how bioclimatic pergolas work ? The Solisysteme teams, the inventors of the bioclimatic pergola, will be able to guide you. Feel free to contact us.

Impressed by our pergolas ? Configure yours directly using our online 3D configurator and request your free automated quote from one of our expert installers. We cover the entire territory.