Bioclimatic pergolas

How a bioclimatic pergola works

The heart of the system is the louvres in the roof. An electric motor turns them to the position you want at the press of a button, through an app or automatically: up to 140° on the Skymatik system and from 0° to 135° on the Sun Winner S500.

• ✓Louvres closed (0°): the roof is watertight. Water runs into concealed gutters in the frame and down through the posts, so it does not drip onto the terrace.
• ✓Louvres partly open: the shade stays while warm air escapes through the gaps. This is the bioclimatic effect, natural ventilation without air conditioning.
• ✓Louvres fully open: the most light and warmth, which you will appreciate in spring, autumn and on sunny winter days.

With weather sensors for rain, wind and sun, the pergola reacts on its own: it closes the louvres at the first drops and moves them to a safe position in strong wind. Even when you are not home. We explain how it works in more detail in our guide what a bioclimatic pergola is and how it works.

Why a bioclimatic pergola instead of a fixed roof

A fixed roof over the terrace always has the same effect: in summer heat builds up underneath, and in winter it takes light away from the rooms inside as well. A bioclimatic pergola adapts to the weather. In summer the open louvres let warm air out while keeping the shade, in rain it closes into a watertight roof, and in autumn and winter the open louvres let the sun onto the terrace and into the house.

That is why a bioclimatic pergola is not seasonal shading but a year-round outdoor living space. An extension of the living room that you use from March to November. If you are choosing between different solutions, we compared them in the article pergola, pergotenda or awning.

Skymatik, Brustor or Sun Winner: which one is right for you?

Each of the three brands we install is strongest in a different area. During the survey we recommend the one that suits your terrace.

We prepared a detailed comparison of all three in our guide how to choose a bioclimatic pergola.

Built for Slovenian winters and summer storms

With a pergola, the difference between a quality system and a cheap copy shows in the first heavy snowfall or hailstorm. That is why we look at three numbers:

The structure is made of extruded aluminium and stainless steel (inox), powder coated. It does not rust, does not warp and does not need yearly treatment like wood. Maintenance is simple: rinse the louvres with water from time to time.

For the coldest months you can add heating panels and ZIP blinds on the sides, so you can use the terrace in November too.

Additional equipment

The basic pergola is only the beginning. The most frequently chosen extras:

• ✓ZIP screen blinds on the sides: protection from wind, low side sun, insects and the neighbours' view
• ✓LED lighting in the louvres or frame, with dimming
• ✓Sensors for rain, wind, sun and snow for automatic operation
• ✓Infrared heaters for autumn evenings
• ✓Sliding glass walls that turn the pergola into a winter garden
• ✓Insulated louvres against overheating and rain noise
• ✓RAL colours and wood effect, so the pergola matches the facade and window frames
• ✓Smart control by remote, wall switch or app

Do I need a building permit?

As a rule in Slovenia, a pergola or canopy up to 20 m² counts as a simple structure and does not need a building permit. Between 20 and 50 m² it is a minor structure, for which you need a permit under the simplified procedure, where a sketch with dimensions and placement is sufficient. In both cases the installation must comply with the municipal spatial plan (distance from the boundary, height).

During the survey we tell you which category your pergola falls into and help with the sketch if you need one.

From the first call to a finished terrace

1. 1Advice and survey: we come to the location, check the terrace, facade and base, and talk about how you will use the space.
2. 2AI visualisation: on a photo of your terrace we show you what the pergola will look like before you decide. Try it.
3. 3Quote: clear, with a specification of the system, equipment, installation and warranty.
4. 4Precise measurements: the pergola is made to the millimetre.
5. 5Manufacture and delivery.
6. 6Installation: our team sets up, connects and adjusts the pergola, usually in one to three days depending on size.
7. 7Handover and service: we show you how to operate it, and we look after the pergola after installation too.

Where we install bioclimatic pergolas

Our base is in Stična near Ivančna Gorica, so we are quickly on site in Ljubljana, Grosuplje, Trebnje, Novo mesto and across Dolenjska. We install bioclimatic pergolas across Slovenia and abroad. The list of towns and regions is on our service area page, and you can see completed projects in our references.

Why Solimat

• ✓Three brands, impartial advice: we recommend the system that suits your terrace.
• ✓Our own installation team: we do not hand the work over to subcontractors.
• ✓Made-to-measure pergola: each one is built for your dimensions and your facade.
• ✓Visualisation before you buy: you know what you are getting.
• ✓Warranty and service: up to 10 years of warranty and service by our own team. More about the warranty.

Frequently asked questions about bioclimatic pergolas