Some Thoughts on Hybrids

What if a Labradoodle were a pergola?

I only recently learned that Labradoodles don’t shed; I have two dogs, and they shed a lot.  Whenever I see a Labradoodle, I’m overcome with envy for the free time their owner must enjoy while not vacuuming constantly.

Mules are another great example of hybridization.  Strong, intelligent, and affable, mules are not only great pets, but they were also central to the operation of the Eerie Canal.  Remember that little jingle about Sal?

The same can be said of one of the hottest new trends in outdoor living, the Hybrid Pergola.  Hybrid Pergolas combine traditional pergola design and construction with new-age functionality. Kind of like a Flanders meets Nantucket hybrid. Flantucket.

We’ll work on the name.

This combination of form and function enables spaces with any architectural style the ability to enjoy the flexibility of louvered and retractable fabric roof pergolas, without creating a disjointed aesthetic.

As noted in previous blogs, we prefer the durability and quality of Azek for our conventional pergola construction.  We then typically recommend a louvered roof integrated within the pergola.  The durability of the powder coated louver system opens the space up to a wide range of uses.  Everything from fire pits to parrillas, it’s a highly functional alternative and a perfect combination of two seemingly contrasting design styles.

Retractable fabric roofs make a great option for Hybrid Pergolas as well; the fabric can be mounted above, below, or in line with the pergola frame, while maintaining interior structure for the option to enjoy a traditional pergola design when the fabric is retracted.  There are some limitations to fabric however, and we don’t normally recommend this option for a space with a wood burning fireplace or outdoor kitchen.  Even if the fabric is fire resistant, sparks from the flame can burn micro perforations in the fabric, causing leaks.

Even if you have an existing pergola, and are looking to add some functionality, the beauty of this approach is that it (most often) can be retrofitted to an existing structure.  We’ve added both fabric roofs and louvered to roofs to countless different types of structures, and we’ve gotten pretty creative in how we approach these projects.

So, if you’re like me and missed the boat on getting a hybrid dog that doesn’t shed, it’s not too late to jump on the Hybrid Pergola bandwagon.  And if you’re unsure, stop by our showroom and see for yourself.  Just don’t bring your dog.