How to extend your living space into the great outdoors

In Australia, our collective love for the beach and the great outdoors is reflected in our home design. Indoor-outdoor connection is prized, as are alfresco living spaces, but the weather is an unpredictable element that affects how we use these features. The key to year-round enjoyment of open-air rooms is beautiful shelter and shade solutions.

Umbra Outdoor Living specialises in creating customisable outdoor solutions for both residential and commercial purposes. Whether pergolas, blinds, awnings or glass closure systems, Umbra’s range facilitates temperature and lighting control alongside an elevated aesthetic. What makes the products unique is how each shelter and shade solution harnesses the latest technology to ensure your living space can be extended outside and enjoyed any time of the year. All Umbra Outdoor Living pergola products are wind resistant to up to 102km/hour, and can carry a rain load of 155 litres per square metre per hour – a functional element that sets the products apart from others on the market. Here are some of our top picks from Umbra’s extensive range.

Featuring wide, panoramic, motorised-guillotine glass panels and maintenance-free mechanisms, Sapphire is a glass closure system pergola supported by patented shaft technology that provides a high degree of safety while eliminating operational problems. This sleek and contemporary design can incorporate tempered glazing and bespoke frame, glass and colour options.

This modern and flat retractable pergola boasts a world-first integrated LED lighting within the fabric layer that can change colour, and has dimmable side lighting that can be set to your desired intensity. The retractable heavy duty PVC membrane provides protection from the elements when closed, and a seamless connection with nature when retracted. Sophisticated and geometric, this shade and shelter solution has an architectural design that will suit any home.

Control light and shade with the Exxen retractable bioclimatic pergola, which has an automated pivoting louvre system that can open and close to create the perfect amount of light, shade and airflow. This system is uniquely flexible and modular, making it the ideal solution for custom builds and large applications such as terraces and balconies. Individual modules can be custom made in your specified finish up to seven metres wide with a nine-metre projection. Exxen also has hidden LED strip lighting with multiple colour options and an optional heat and sound foam insulation add-on.

Boasting a concealed automation system of aluminium louvres that rotate up 85 degrees smoothly and silently, the Axis tilting bioclimatic pergola can be used to create customised outdoor architectural solutions that provide protection from the elements. This system also has dimmable LED strip lighting that facilitates ambient and task illumination and seamlessly fits into Hamptons, coastal and country home styles.

Imbue your terrace, patio, balcony, pool house or outdoor kitchen area with a sense of luxury with the Aerolux bioclimatic pergola system. It has automated aluminium louvres that are insulated, and features tilting and retraction functionality that provides exceptional protection against wind, rain and sun without compromising ventilation. Aerolux’s solid structure has a high resistance to winds and a flat roof form that discreetly drains rainwater via a camouflaged gutter.

See the entire range of alfresco solutions from Umbra Outdoor Living on ArchiPro.