Summer in Bee Cave, TX, is Better with Shade—and Great Neighbors!

You could say the world is made better by folks like these homeowners in Bee Cave, TX, whose concern was for their neighbors. They wanted to add a pergola for shade over their patio and one end of their pool. When we talked about design considerations, they wanted to be sure the pergola did not block their neighbors’ view of the valley. It seemed to us like a thoughtful and generous gesture. While providing for their own needs, they took care to be respectful of their neighbors’ needs as well.

A new pergola over an existing patio in Bee Cave, TX.

Austin Pergola Builder, At Your Service

Their proximity to Texas Hill Country gives these Bee Cave TX homeowners a magnificent view. They make the most of that view each and every day with a backyard pool nestled between their home and the valley below. There was just one problem: No shade.

Before pergola addition.

Our clients wanted to add a shade pergola over the rounded patio at one end of their pool. The pool has little built-in seats at that end, and the patio there includes an outdoor kitchen. The homeowners wanted to swim up to this seating area at the edge of the pool and perhaps enjoy refreshments from the bar. All they needed there was some shade.

When you’re serious about shade, not just any pergola will do. Some pergolas don’t actually provide very much shade! Archadeck of Austin specializes in the art and science of pergola design. We have our ways of coaxing more shade from a pergola! For example, we can angle a pergola’s slats just enough to catch extra shade. We can position a pergola’s orientation in relation to the sun to gain the most shade as the sun travels overhead each day.

After Archadeck of Austin added the beautiful custom pergola.

When our clients are serious about shade, we recommend a special pergola cover to filter out UV rays and absorb some of the sun’s heat. For this Bee Cave TX pergola design, we added a TopGal polycarbonate cover for maximum protection. TopGal sheets have a four-wall structure that provides thermal insulation, reducing the heat beneath the pergola on a sunny day.

Bee Cave TX Homeowners Value Their View!

Our clients were concerned that adding a vertical structure to this landscape might obscure the view from their home. They did not want to install something that would intrude on their view—or that of their neighbors. We had to design the pergola to clear enough head room and still provide unobstructed views. They tasked us with two objectives: designing a pergola to provide sufficient shade, and designing the structure in a way that was respectful to their neighbors. Archadeck of Austin installed a custom freestanding cedar pergola that accomplishes both objectives, and more!

View of the new pergola from the neighbor’s backyard.

We should add that one of our pergola design considerations, always, is to create a thing of beauty. Shade was important to the clients here. An unobstructed view was important to the clients and their neighbors. Creating a beautiful pergola was important to the clients and to us!

Privacy wall with space for mounting a TV!

This pergola features a beautiful all-cedar design and includes a privacy wall at the back. You’ll notice that the back wall lends privacy, but the pergola is still open. The center section of the wall provides the perfect place to mount the clients’ TV. In the photo, you can see the mounting bracket ready there for TV installation.

These Bee Cave homeowners love their new shaded oasis!

The homeowners are thrilled with their new pergola. They can swim over to the bar and enjoy plenty of shade. Summer has taken on new possibilities here.

Would you enjoy an outdoor living area with the promise of shade? We can custom design and build a patio, outdoor kitchen or deck including a shady pergola to make your summer more comfortable. Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.