7 Ideas for Creating Shelter in your Garden
From awnings and parasols to arbours and architectural overhangs, browse these solutions for a rainy day
It’s a given that the British weather can be a trifle unpredictable, but that shouldn’t stop us enjoying our gardens and outdoor spaces for socialising and relaxing. Take a look at these ideas, which offer both shade and protection from a downpour (or at least a shower), and see whether any could work in your garden.
Here’s a different way to go with a similar idea designed by architects Campbell Cadey. It’s based on bench seating at the side of an extension sheltered by a cantilevered construction.
The white rendered block of masonry creates function on both the inside and outside, with shaded window seats on both sides of the glass. The cantilever provides shelter for a cedar-clad bench outside.
See the rest of this unusual extension.
The white rendered block of masonry creates function on both the inside and outside, with shaded window seats on both sides of the glass. The cantilever provides shelter for a cedar-clad bench outside.
See the rest of this unusual extension.
Keep it simple
A non-permanent solution, such as a parasol, can often provide plenty of shelter and make for a flexible space that can be enjoyed, even when it’s raining.
To give your outdoor dining space the best chance of being weatherproof in all but the most extreme downpours, do as the owners of this space, by garden designer Joanne Bernstein, have done in the modern yet wild exterior of this detached Victorian house and invest in the largest umbrella your space and budget will allow. Something that stretches beyond the table will keep guests’ backs dry and create a cosy atmosphere.
A non-permanent solution, such as a parasol, can often provide plenty of shelter and make for a flexible space that can be enjoyed, even when it’s raining.
To give your outdoor dining space the best chance of being weatherproof in all but the most extreme downpours, do as the owners of this space, by garden designer Joanne Bernstein, have done in the modern yet wild exterior of this detached Victorian house and invest in the largest umbrella your space and budget will allow. Something that stretches beyond the table will keep guests’ backs dry and create a cosy atmosphere.
Rain-proof your barbecue
In this clever arrangement by Tom Howard Garden Design & Landscaping, the door to an enclosed barbecue area lifts up to create shelter for the chef, as well as somewhere for a few guests to stand around chatting with a drink while she or he is cooking.
The space is not designed for dining (though an occasional table for two might be an option), but it does mean your barbecue isn’t automatically off just because the weather turns wet. You can always fling open the patio doors and tuck into your grilled food inside while still enjoying a view of the garden.
In this clever arrangement by Tom Howard Garden Design & Landscaping, the door to an enclosed barbecue area lifts up to create shelter for the chef, as well as somewhere for a few guests to stand around chatting with a drink while she or he is cooking.
The space is not designed for dining (though an occasional table for two might be an option), but it does mean your barbecue isn’t automatically off just because the weather turns wet. You can always fling open the patio doors and tuck into your grilled food inside while still enjoying a view of the garden.
Modify a pergola
A pergola can add an attractive feature to a garden, with its posts and beams creating support for climbing plants. These structures can be put to more practical use, though, as seen in this design, prettily illuminated by Lights4fun.
Get one designed and built from scratch, tailored to suit your needs for shelter. Because it’s a simple, often freestanding structure, it can be a good choice if your budget doesn’t stretch to anything too architectural, but you want something relatively permanent.
Alternatively, if you already have an open-roof pergola, consider having it adapted. The addition of a corrugated plastic or polycarbonate roof will provide rain protection while still letting through light, while an opaque material will do the job if you also require shade beyond any climbing plants scrambling across the roof.
Ask your garden designer or building professional for advice to ensure rainwater can’t pool overhead; a gentle slope can easily be incorporated.
A pergola can add an attractive feature to a garden, with its posts and beams creating support for climbing plants. These structures can be put to more practical use, though, as seen in this design, prettily illuminated by Lights4fun.
Get one designed and built from scratch, tailored to suit your needs for shelter. Because it’s a simple, often freestanding structure, it can be a good choice if your budget doesn’t stretch to anything too architectural, but you want something relatively permanent.
Alternatively, if you already have an open-roof pergola, consider having it adapted. The addition of a corrugated plastic or polycarbonate roof will provide rain protection while still letting through light, while an opaque material will do the job if you also require shade beyond any climbing plants scrambling across the roof.
Ask your garden designer or building professional for advice to ensure rainwater can’t pool overhead; a gentle slope can easily be incorporated.
If you prefer to keep your pergola open but still want solid shelter, you could simply pop a parasol underneath, as designer Claudia Dorsch has done here.
When the greenery proliferates on this foliage-covered, but open-roof pergola, the space will be beautifully cool and shady, and splashes outside the area the parasol covers will largely be caught.
Find a reviewed interior architect or landscape or garden designer to take on your next project in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
When the greenery proliferates on this foliage-covered, but open-roof pergola, the space will be beautifully cool and shady, and splashes outside the area the parasol covers will largely be caught.
Find a reviewed interior architect or landscape or garden designer to take on your next project in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Get full enclosure
For a truly all-weather space, something like this summer house, designed by Goose Green Design in Scotland, could be the answer.
With plenty of glazing and generously sized doors that further connect the interior with the garden, this structure is the dream for socialising on warm but drizzly days. Bench seating around the edges of the interior and a central table are a great use of space, allowing for plenty of guests.
For a truly all-weather space, something like this summer house, designed by Goose Green Design in Scotland, could be the answer.
With plenty of glazing and generously sized doors that further connect the interior with the garden, this structure is the dream for socialising on warm but drizzly days. Bench seating around the edges of the interior and a central table are a great use of space, allowing for plenty of guests.
Add an awning
A retractable awning offers supreme flexibility, providing substantial shade and shelter from drizzle at the touch of a button, as illustrated in this design from The JOY of Blinds and Shutters. This idea, while providing a semi-permanent solution, has the benefit of being able to be retrofitted, too.
Your designer will have suggestions of the best style, materials and look for your home.
A retractable awning offers supreme flexibility, providing substantial shade and shelter from drizzle at the touch of a button, as illustrated in this design from The JOY of Blinds and Shutters. This idea, while providing a semi-permanent solution, has the benefit of being able to be retrofitted, too.
Your designer will have suggestions of the best style, materials and look for your home.
Design an arbour
This Zen-inspired garden in Gloucestershire was created by landscape designer Katherine Roper for her clients, who wanted a place in which to practise tai chi outside, whatever the weather. It also makes a peaceful spot for them to sit and enjoy views across their garden, including their existing koi carp pond.
Katherine describes the structure as an arbour. It’s constructed from softwood timbers with bespoke Perspex screens attached to the back, creating a Japanese aesthetic. To boost the relaxing mood further, a bamboo and granite Japanese fountain adds the sound of trickling water to the arbour.
While it suits the owners’ need for a tai chi space, it also allows plenty of space for chairs and a table, meaning it will easily double up as a social space, too.
Tell us…
Which of these ideas might work for your garden? Let us know in the Comments.
This Zen-inspired garden in Gloucestershire was created by landscape designer Katherine Roper for her clients, who wanted a place in which to practise tai chi outside, whatever the weather. It also makes a peaceful spot for them to sit and enjoy views across their garden, including their existing koi carp pond.
Katherine describes the structure as an arbour. It’s constructed from softwood timbers with bespoke Perspex screens attached to the back, creating a Japanese aesthetic. To boost the relaxing mood further, a bamboo and granite Japanese fountain adds the sound of trickling water to the arbour.
While it suits the owners’ need for a tai chi space, it also allows plenty of space for chairs and a table, meaning it will easily double up as a social space, too.
Tell us…
Which of these ideas might work for your garden? Let us know in the Comments.
If you’re having a kitchen extension designed, consider whether you may have space to allow for an overhang over an adjacent patio. In this house, created by Concept 8 Architects, the overhang protects the area from rain, as well as creating a shady spot for alfresco dining.
This kitchen remains bright thanks to a large rooflight. It’s important to talk to your architect about the position of glazing and the orientation of your garden to ensure you’re not going to be blocking out too much light with an idea like this. If that might be a problem, discuss which transparent materials might be suitable for the shelter’s roof.
You might also like: How to Avoid an Extension That’s Too Hot and Too Bright.