 | Stan Stiverson is the owner/operator of B & B Builders Inc. located at 4605 SW Blvd. at Hwy 235 and K42 junction. He has been in the construction/concrete industry most of his life growing up in Pratt Ks, working for the family business and bringing his small town work and business ethics to the Wichita area 20 years ago. B&B Builders Inc. is known for its custom decorative concrete/ standard concrete and outdoor living spaces. Building their foundation on customer service, product knowledge and clean business images. You can reach Stan by phone at 316-945-3232. |
Home Remodeling and Improvement
2010-02-01 08:42:00
Outdoor structures and their descriptions
Question: We’re looking to build an outdoor structure this spring; doing some research we’ve noticed four (4) distinct names for different structures. Can you please up us identify the differences?
Answer: Sure, and I believe the four you are referring to are; Arbors, Gazebos, Pavilions, Pergolas; each has its own connotation, and its own image in our mind’s eye. All four are forms of shelter, physical and physiological. Each provides protection from the weather or climate, provides an emotional sense of security, and sets a landmark within the larger landscape. All of these types of overhead structures perform similar and related essential design functions. They enclose passageways, announce entry and mark a destination or an activity space.
After looking at the differences of function I made my own distinctions.
An arbor is a structure meant to create shade by means of two or more columns supporting an open roof, usually covered by vines. It is frequently used as a statement of entry as over a gate or a gap in a fence or wall. Sometimes it is provided with a bench type seat, which expands its use to that of a destination.
Gazebos are made with solid roofs most commonly and sides that enclose it in a light manner with railings or lattice work. Often the roof framing represents the octagon or hexagon shape. These seem to be derived from a romantic and medieval era of architecture, or translated from the more Victorian themes.
Pavilions are solid roof structures with open sides, or sometimes with guard rail on one or two sides and do not depend on the octagonal or hexagonal shape. Generally, they are designed to be accessible from many directions, where as the gazebo has one entrance/exit.
A pergola is an arbor that does not know when to quit, a structure meant to create shade by means of four or more columns supporting an open roof, sometimes covered by vines, but not always. These structures may be very large directing shading for several feet.
Whether your project calls for a thin arbor, or the beefier presence of a pavilion, the decision is based upon your intended use and the mood desired for the space. All types of overhead structures can be designed and built to relate to the larger architecture of the site. During the design process keep in mind the simplicity or complexity appropriate for its function and setting.
