Ken Wyner
Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in DC Metro with a pergola

Patio - mid-sized french country gravel patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and a pergola

The large rough cedar pergola provides a wonderful place for the homeowners to entertain guests. Stucco and stone were used for the columns. Jason Wallace Photography

This Hugh Lofting Timber Framing crafted pergola, which we refer to as the "solar pergola," was designed by Sustainable Solutions Corporation in Royersford, PA. It was constructed out of yard salvaged Douglas Fir. The 5.85 kW solar array consisting of Sanyo Bifacial Photovoltaic panels generate electricity from the sunlight on top of the panel as well as from reflected light on the bottom face of the panels. The translucent panels form a waterproof roof for the pergola which will be enclosed with glass and screen panels to create a unique outdoor living space while generating approximately 75% of the electricity for the home. Photo Credit: Sustainable Solutions Corporation

Electric solar system, solar hot water heater, solar pool heater and geothermal A/C system. Sustainably designed project completed in 2002. Prairie style meets Scandinavian influence. Systems include: solar electric, solar hot water heater, solar pool heater, daylighting and natural ventilation. In addition a geothermal system uses the earths ground temperature to heat and cool the house. Local materials include Austin limestone and Louisiana Cypress wood.

Homeowner had been considering construction of a pergola for quite some time, but was reluctant to do so due to lack of rain protection. Although there are several pergola kit retrofit products that meet most of their goals, none of them were a good fit by matching all. The desire was for a retractable patio awning that aesthetically matched a pergola, but was retractable, and provided protection from both UV and inclement weather on their south facing patio. Part of the goal was to provide a flexible outdoor entertaining area, but also to integrate a front drop shade to help reduce the summer's afternoon sun from entering the space; as well as the bay window and sliding doors. The "Gennius", a waterproof retractable awning by Durasol Awnings was selected by the homeowner for aesthetics and function, with a solar screen drop shade integrated between the upright support posts. As young parents, it was of utmost importance to find a durable fabric for the drop shade that not only blocked an adequate amount of sun, but retained as much view of the pool for safety when deployed. Mermet brand Natte was chosen for the drop shade. Both the retracting fabric roof and the integrated drop shade are operated by radio controlled motors and hand-held remote control. The homeowner now has complete control of the area, with on-demand protection to suit their tastes. To see this awning and others in action, please visit www.youtube.com/user/DurasolAwnings Photo credits: Window Works, Livingston NJ

Mid-sized urban rooftop deck photo in New York with a pergola

Lumos Solar Certified Installers
Minimalist home design photo in Denver

Custom Solar "PV" Carport
Example of a mid-sized minimalist detached two-car carport design in Miami

Wine Country Modern
Large minimalist brown two-story wood exterior home photo in San Francisco

This Hugh Lofting Timber Framing crafted pergola, which we refer to as the "solar pergola," was designed by Sustainable Solutions Corporation in Royersford, PA. It was constructed out of yard salvaged Douglas Fir. The 5.85 kW solar array consisting of Sanyo Bifacial Photovoltaic panels generate electricity from the sunlight on top of the panel as well as from reflected light on the bottom face of the panels. The translucent panels form a waterproof roof for the pergola which will be enclosed with glass and screen panels to create a unique outdoor living space while generating approximately 75% of the electricity for the home.

Homeowner had been considering construction of a pergola for quite some time, but was reluctant to do so due to lack of rain protection. Although there are several pergola kit retrofit products that meet most of their goals, none of them were a good fit by matching all. The desire was for a retractable patio awning that aesthetically matched a pergola, but was retractable, and provided protection from both UV and inclement weather on their south facing patio. Part of the goal was to provide a flexible outdoor entertaining area, but also to integrate a front drop shade to help reduce the summer's afternoon sun from entering the space; as well as the bay window and sliding doors. The "Gennius", a waterproof retractable awning by Durasol Awnings was selected by the homeowner for aesthetics and function, with a solar screen drop shade integrated between the upright support posts. As young parents, it was of utmost importance to find a durable fabric for the drop shade that not only blocked an adequate amount of sun, but retained as much view of the pool for safety when deployed. Mermet brand Natte was chosen for the drop shade. Both the retracting fabric roof and the integrated drop shade are operated by radio controlled motors and hand-held remote control. The homeowner now has complete control of the area, with on-demand protection to suit their tastes. To see this awning and others in action, please visit www.youtube.com/user/DurasolAwnings Photo credits: Window Works, Livingston NJ

Photos: Anthony Dimaano
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver patio design in San Francisco

Homeowner had been considering construction of a pergola for quite some time, but was reluctant to do so due to lack of rain protection. Although there are several pergola kit retrofit products that meet most of their goals, none of them were a good fit by matching all. The desire was for a retractable patio awning that aesthetically matched a pergola, but was retractable, and provided protection from both UV and inclement weather on their south facing patio. Part of the goal was to provide a flexible outdoor entertaining area, but also to integrate a front drop shade to help reduce the summer's afternoon sun from entering the space; as well as the bay window and sliding doors. The "Gennius", a waterproof retractable awning by Durasol Awnings was selected by the homeowner for aesthetics and function, with a solar screen drop shade integrated between the upright support posts. As young parents, it was of utmost importance to find a durable fabric for the drop shade that not only blocked an adequate amount of sun, but retained as much view of the pool for safety when deployed. Mermet brand Natte was chosen for the drop shade. Both the retracting fabric roof and the integrated drop shade are operated by radio controlled motors and hand-held remote control. The homeowner now has complete control of the area, with on-demand protection to suit their tastes. To see this awning and others in action, please visit www.youtube.com/user/DurasolAwnings Photo credits: Window Works, Livingston NJ

Inspiration for a large transitional full sun backyard landscaping in Portland with a pergola.

This Hugh Lofting Timber Framing crafted pergola, which we refer to as the "solar pergola," was designed by Sustainable Solutions Corporation in Royersford, PA. It was constructed out of yard salvaged Douglas Fir. The 5.85 kW solar array consisting of Sanyo Bifacial Photovoltaic panels generate electricity from the sunlight on top of the panel as well as from reflected light on the bottom face of the panels. The translucent panels form a waterproof roof for the pergola which will be enclosed with glass and screen panels to create a unique outdoor living space while generating approximately 75% of the electricity for the home.

5000 square foot custom home with pool house and basement in Saratoga, CA (San Francisco Bay Area). The exterior is in a modern farmhouse style with bat on board siding and standing seam metal roof. Luxury features include Marvin Windows, copper gutters throughout, natural stone columns and wainscot, and a sweeping paver driveway. The interiors are more traditional.

Homeowner had been considering construction of a pergola for quite some time, but was reluctant to do so due to lack of rain protection. Although there are several pergola kit retrofit products that meet most of their goals, none of them were a good fit by matching all. The desire was for a retractable patio awning that aesthetically matched a pergola, but was retractable, and provided protection from both UV and inclement weather on their south facing patio. Part of the goal was to provide a flexible outdoor entertaining area, but also to integrate a front drop shade to help reduce the summer's afternoon sun from entering the space; as well as the bay window and sliding doors. The "Gennius", a waterproof retractable awning by Durasol Awnings was selected by the homeowner for aesthetics and function, with a solar screen drop shade integrated between the upright support posts. As young parents, it was of utmost importance to find a durable fabric for the drop shade that not only blocked an adequate amount of sun, but retained as much view of the pool for safety when deployed. Mermet brand Natte was chosen for the drop shade. Both the retracting fabric roof and the integrated drop shade are operated by radio controlled motors and hand-held remote control. The homeowner now has complete control of the area, with on-demand protection to suit their tastes. To see this awning and others in action, please visit www.youtube.com/user/DurasolAwnings Photo credits: Window Works, Livingston NJ

Firmness . . . Santa Cruz’s historically eclectic Pleasure Point neighborhood has been evolving in its own quirky way for almost a century, and many of its inhabitants seem to have been around just as long. They cling to the relaxed and funky seaside character of their beach community with an almost indignant provinciality. For both client and architect, neighborhood context became the singular focus of the design; to become the “poster child” for compatibility and sustainability. Dozens of photos were taken of the surrounding area as inspiration, with the goal of honoring the idiosyncratic, fine-grained character and informal scale of a neighborhood built over time. A low, horizontal weathered ipe fence at the street keeps out surfer vans and neighborhood dogs, and a simple gate beckons visitors to stroll down the boardwalk which gently angles toward the front door. A rusted steel fire pit is the focus of this ground level courtyard, which is encircled by a curving cor-ten garden wall graced by a sweep of horse tail reeds and tufts of feather grass. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high windows placed in all directions in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report having only to turning on lights at nightfall. Notable are the numerous passive solar design elements: careful attention to overhangs and shading devices at South- and West-facing glass to control heat gain, and passive ventilation via high windows in the tower elements, all are significant contributors to the structure’s energy efficiency. Commodity . . . Beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the lively local beach scene became the main drivers in plan and section. The upper floor was intentionally set back to preserve ocean views of the neighbor to the north. The surf obsessed clients wished to be able to see the “break” from their upper floor breakfast table perch, able to take a moment’s notice advantage of some killer waves. A tiny 4,500 s.f. lot and a desire to create a ground level courtyard for entertaining dictated the small footprint. A graceful curving cor-ten and stainless steel stair descends from the upper floor living areas, connecting them to a ground level “sanctuary”. A small detached art studio/surfboard storage shack in the back yard fulfills functional requirements, and includes an outdoor shower for the post-surf hose down. Parking access off a back alley helps to preserve ground floor space, and allows in the southern sun on the view/courtyard side. A relaxed “bare foot beach house” feel is underscored by weathered oak floors, painted re-sawn wall finishes, and painted wood ceilings, which recall the cozy cabins that stood here at Breakers Beach for nearly a century. Delight . . . Commemorating the history of the property was a priority for the surfing couple. With that in mind, they created an artistic reproduction of the original sign that decorated the property for many decades as an homage to the “Cozy Cabins at Breakers Beach”, which now graces the foyer. This casual assemblage of local vernacular architecture has been informed by the consistent scale and simple materials of nearby cottages, shacks, and bungalows. These influences were distilled down to a palette of board and batt, clapboard, and cedar shiplap, and synthesized with bolder forms that evoke images of nearby Capitola Wharf, beach lifeguard towers, and the client’s “surf shack” program requirements. The landscape design takes its cues from boardwalks, rusted steel fire rings, and native grasses, all of which firmly tie the building to its local beach community. The locals have embraced it as one of their own. Architect - Noel Cross Architect Landscape Architect - Christopher Yates Interior Designer - Gina Viscusi-Elson Lighting Designer - Vita Pehar Design Contractor - The Conrado Company