Shade structures are becoming more prominent as we recognize our need to escape the relentless pounding of the sun. We expect the demand to only increase as baby boomers continue to boom and the subsequent generations follow their/our lead.
Shade escapes can take many forms. Pergolas are certainly the most prevalent, followed closely by cantilever umbrellas, and even the forward-thinking shade sails. When the budget allows and total shade is necessary, nothing is more compelling than a simple roof structure or lanais.
This roof addition blends seamlessly into the mid-’80s Carmel home and provides a great escape from the sun and from life’s stresses. Notice the brick and mortar columns, roofing shingles, gutters and trim-style which confidently match the existing home and lends credibility to the structure.
For privacy and to fuel the courtyard feel, we constructed brick-and-mortar columns with a connecting wall that was capped with custom steel-fence panels that are now covered in climbing hydrangea. Limestone slab steppers carry you to the brick patio underfoot and is nicely surrounded by maturing oak leaf hydrangeas and native sweetspire that scream four seasons of low-maintenance interest.
Expect more innovative shade structures to hit the market as the demand continues to escalate.
