Outdoor living: shading solutions

‘Sunrain’ folding arm awning, from Luxaflex

Even sun lovers know the benefits of covering up outside. In the summer months, shade provides a retreat from harsh glare and harmful UV rays. From temporary measures through to permanent structures, there are many ways to create shady spots to suit both the shape of your garden and the size of your budget. Think beyond a quick fix and invest in a flexible solution that adapts with the seasons to provide sun protection in summer and solar gain in winter. You’ll make maximum use of your alfresco areas and reap year-round benefits.

Sail away

Umbrellas and shade cloths are a great way to enliven an outdoor space. Simple to install and relatively inexpensive, they can be moved around and easily dismantled. Umbrellas are a classic choice for outdoor tables and patios, with cantilever styles doing away with a central column to offer greater versatility. They are available with a range of fabrics, each with different properties: woven materials allow heat to rise and escape but aren't waterproof, while fabrics with PVC membranes protect from sun and rain, but also trap air, resulting in greater heat retention.

For superior fade resistance, look for solution-dyed acrylic or canvas, as on Shelta's San Remo or Savannah models. “Solution-dyed means that the colouring is right through every fibre, so the colour is far more durable,” says Anthony House of Shelta. Sails and umbrellas vary in price depending on size and durability. Expect to pay from around $1299 upwards for a cantilevered Shelta ‘Savannah’ umbrella made from marine-grade raw materials.

Awning glory

Automated or crank operated, retractable awnings can be mounted to virtually any vertical outdoor surface. “You can transform your alfresco living space at the touch of a button,” explains Luxaflex’s Jenny Brown. “Teamed with sun and wind sensors or a home-automation system, they intelligently shade windows and retract the awning into a slim unit when not required. This keeps it looking new.”

Other styles include fixed-guide systems that have rails permanently set in place, even when the awning is fully retracted. There are also conservatory models, which can be flat, curved or barrelled, and drop-arm awnings, made from tensioned fabric, that can be pulled out over an outdoor entertaining area to a maximum of 90 degrees. One of the most popular types of awnings is the automatic variety, which enables precision adjustment. “Along with offering weather protection, amazing heat control and, of course, light control, there are special versions, such as the Solare Teknica 6000 motorised awnings, which enable pitch adjustment for different winter and summer sun levels, and can adapt to varying sun intensities throughout the day,” explains Simon Meyer of Blinds by Peter Meyer.

Fabric choice is as important as mechanism selection when creating a shaded outdoor space. “Markilux fabrics have UV inhibitors which block 97 to 100 per cent of harmful UV radiation,” says the company’s Simon Lightfoot. “From a design perspective, there has been a significant shift towards fabric with a bit of personality, with stripes and patterns often outshining neutrals.”

'Cocoon’ awning, from Markilux

On-screen solutions

Vertical screens fixed to verandahs and decks create shade by blocking rays which may creep in from the east and west during the day. Options range from timber battens and shutters to screens made from fabric or fibres such as bamboo. A current popular choice is external metal venetians, as they enable you to tilt the blades for privacy and light control while cutting cooling bills. Sunscreens are a straight-drop style of awning with UV-resistant fabric, externally fixed to a wall or window frame. They reduce the heat coming into the home, increase privacy and due to the open weave, won’t compromise your view. A Luxaflex Evo drop awning in EverScreen external fabric starts at $829 for a 1000 x 500mm version.

For a natural look, reed cladding such as House of Bamboo’s Natureed can be installed between or below the beams. Moisture and termite resistant, the relatively lightweight slim reeds allow a soft light to filter through. While it

does shield the view, the natural material blends harmoniously within the garden to create a casual, relaxed feel. Expect to pay $175/2 x 3.6m roll.

Pavilions & pergolas

Pavilions, verandahs and pergolas have an enjoyable permanence. Pavilions – weatherproof structures – are ideal as connectors from the house to a deck, or freestanding in the garden. They are an expensive investment, but one which pays dividends in terms of home value and enjoyment. Designs can be inspired by everything from Balinese resorts to Hamptons-style pool houses.

Pergolas can be made from a range of materials to suit most budgets, including timber, aluminium and steel, and consist of a permeable roof such as shade cloth or timber slats. While great for providing dappled shade, they are not necessarily waterproof, unlike pavilions and verandahs.

When designing a verandah, it’s important to strike a balance between heat and light, says Rohan Burch of Outside Concepts. “Steel roof sheets should be positioned on the side that gets direct sun most of the time, while polycarbonate sheets should be placed in the other areas to draw in some light,” he says. “You need to ensure rainwater from the roof is adequately managed too.” For a 6m x 4m gable-roof verandah, expect to pay around $6000.

Shady spaces in this garden are delivered by mature trees and a pavilion. Photo: S.Laurenz/picture media

Natural solutions

While landscaping can be a relatively low-cost shading option, for it to be effective you’ll need to wait for plants to reach maturity. Landscape architect Cassandra Fenaughty of Blackburne Jackson Design recommends matching characteristics such as foliage density, canopy and height with your needs. “Deciduous trees are great as they offer dappled shade in summer and allow winter sun through,” she says. “Good choices are the Illawarra flame tree, which grows between 10 and 20 metres, or white cedar, which reaches six to 15 metres.”

Social climbers
The beauty of outdoor structures such as pergolas is that you can grow climbers and creepers over them. Aside from looking inviting, this foliage offers both shade and insulation. Species such as star jasmine will imbue the area with white flowers and fragrance, while for a pop of colour, consider native climbers such as snake vine, purple coral pea and the aptly named bower of beauty.