Rebuilding a Terrace Shelter

In short: The original iron shelter on the terrace of a family home was already over 16 years old, so we replaced it with a modern, maintenance-free solution — a white aluminium pergola with opal polycarbonate. We added wind-resistant front shading rated for winds of up to 60 km/h, using a premium fabric with a 20-year lifespan.

A shelter in your garden is a great way to provide protection from the sun, wind and rain, while at the same time giving you a comfortable space to relax and get together with others. But if your existing shelter no longer meets your needs, or you simply fancy a change, rebuilding it can be the ideal answer. In the sections below we’ll look at why rebuilding a shelter matters and some of the factors to weigh up when planning the change.

Rebuilding a shelter can bring a whole range of benefits. As well as increasing the functionality and comfort of your outdoor space, a new shelter design can also raise the value of your property and make your house and garden more attractive overall. When planning the rebuild, it’s important to consider your family’s needs and preferences, as well as the specific requirements of your plot and its surroundings. Think about the size, shape and materials that will best suit your needs, and consider what other features you might add, such as lighting, garden furniture or even a fireplace.

A lovely married couple asked us to help them rebuild the shelter on the terrace of their family home. The original one was made of iron and was already over 16 years old. Their brief was a modern, maintenance-free shelter.

We chose the option of a white aluminium pergola. The white aluminium pergola frame fits in nicely with the exterior, where this very colour dominates. We offer the same maintenance-free aluminium solution as a carport too.

For the top covering on the aluminium pergola, we recommended opal polycarbonate to the customer. Polycarbonate blocks almost the entire relevant UV spectrum (both UVA and UVB) while still letting light through. Its properties tick every box the customers were after: shade on the terrace during the summer heat, and — in the winter months when there’s less sun — a terrace that doesn’t end up dark. Opal polycarbonate on an aluminium pergola meets exactly these requirements better than anything else.

The complete transformation of the terrace with our aluminium pergola delighted our customers. As a little something special, we also added front shading. It’s a 2019 innovation, able to withstand winds of up to 60 km/h. It’s a new front-shading system with a mechanism built into the side guide rails. The premium fabric is resistant to wind, rain, frost and UV. The fabric has a lifespan of 20 years! The customer can pick the fabric colour combination from a huge range of colours in our sample book.

Is it worth rebuilding a shelter?

Rebuilding a shelter can be a challenge, but it also brings plenty of benefits. If you’re planning to convert your garage or an existing structure into a gazebo, it can save you both time and money. For a larger rebuild, check whether you need to notify the authorities of the building work — the rules are set out in the Building Act. In this article you’ll find out how to go about a rebuild and what to bear in mind. If you’re still deciding what type and material of structure to choose, have a read of our guide on how to choose a shelter too.

Frequently asked questions

Why renovate a shelter?

Renovating a shelter has many advantages. One of the main ones is the saving compared with building something new. On top of that, a rebuild lets you make use of the existing structure and adapt it to your current needs.

What solutions are there for a rebuild?

There are several solutions for rebuilding a shelter, and they can vary depending on the original structure. If, for example, you decide to convert a garage into a gazebo, you might consider changing the roof, adding windows or doors and adapting the interior.

What should you consider before a rebuild?

Before you start rebuilding a shelter, it’s important to weigh up a few factors. You need a clear idea of what your requirements are and what you expect from the finished structure. You’ll also need a budget and a timeline for carrying out the work.

How do you avoid mistakes?

You’ll avoid the most common mistakes when rebuilding a shelter with thorough preparation. Before you start, check the condition and load-bearing capacity of the original structure so you know which parts can be reused and which need replacing. Measure the space precisely, choose durable, maintenance-free materials and match the new covering to how you want to use the terrace in both summer and winter. If you’re not sure, talk to a manufacturer who can design a tailor-made solution and save you unnecessary reworking.

What are the benefits of rebuilding a shelter?

Rebuilding a shelter offers many benefits. As well as saving money, it can improve the look of your home and increase its value. At the same time, it lets you adapt the structure to your needs and use it throughout the different seasons.