- Portable umbrellas that can be fixed into concrete paving/slabs. Instant shade umbrellas are a neat solution and take up little room when not in use.
- Mature trees are always a favourite as long as you have adequate soil capacity. Deciduous specimens will provide summer shade and winter sun, plus the advantage of having a natural canopy can really help soften and cool a space.
- Retractable fabric awnings are also a popular solution, there are two main types:
- Folding arm awning that can be retro-fitted to masonry walls (think of the old style café awnings). Many fabric colours to choose from, quick tip – darker colours are easier to clean and will absorb the heat well.
- Fabric tensioned on guide wire. Outrigger awnings offer a wide range of solutions to choose from.
- There are also retractable weather proof structures now available, for example the ‘Corradi’ system.
- Permanent structures such as:
- Open timber pergolas present great opportunities to grow a climber over the top. A very classic approach.
- Alternatively for more contemporary designs we are seeing weather-proof structures with fixed ceilings, fitted with down lights and speakers.
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