The roofline of this Endeavour Hills home provided the starting point for a 9m × 3.5m pergola. A raised central gable, white aluminium framing and polycarbonate roofing now define a 31.5m² covered area over the timber deck, with open sides preserving the connection to the garden.
Project Background
The original deck extended across the front of a pale blue home in Endeavour Hills, Melbourne, Victoria. Broad timber steps created a generous edge to the outdoor area, but the deck had no overhead cover. The house already featured a prominent central gable and white door and window trim.
The owners wanted to make more use of this outdoor setting for meals and relaxation. The challenge was to introduce shelter without hiding the home behind a low, visually heavy roof. Matching the existing architecture mattered as much as the new covered area.
Client Requirements
- Add overhead shelter to the outdoor dining and relaxation area.
- Keep the space bright, open and visually connected to the garden.
- Choose a frame colour and roof shape that suit the pale blue exterior.
- Maintain convenient access between the doors, deck and approach walkway.
- Consider local weather exposure and site-specific compliance requirements during planning.
Materials and Dimensions
| Project location | Endeavour Hills, Melbourne, Victoria |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 9m × 3.5m |
| Plan area | 31.5m² |
| Structure | White aluminium posts and roof framing |
| Roof arrangement | Raised central gable with lower roof sections to either side |
| Roof covering | Polycarbonate panels |
| Outdoor surface | Timber deck, broad steps and a timber approach walkway |
| Enclosure | Open-sided covered deck |
Our Solution: Follow the House’s Gable
The central roof rises above the main doors rather than running as one low plane across the entire frontage. This creates more vertical space where people enter and gather, while echoing the triangular shape of the house behind it. Lower roof sections extend the cover across the remaining deck.
White framing picks up the existing window surrounds, doors and roof trim. Against the pale blue walls, it gives the addition a clear outline without introducing a competing colour. The repeated roof members form a regular pattern above the deck, while the open sides retain views across the outdoor area.
Polycarbonate panels provide the roof covering. The exact panel selection, orientation and surrounding shade affect the amount of daylight and heat beneath a roof, so material choices are considered with the overall design. The supplied material graphic below illustrates the aluminium and polycarbonate combination; it is not a photograph of this project’s construction stage.
The timber platform links the sheltered area to the home, and the completed view shows a central timber walkway leading towards the main doors. This keeps the approach legible while leaving room on either side for outdoor furniture. Project planning included consideration of municipal compliance; this case does not state a permit exemption or a certified wind rating.
For a similar outdoor area, explore our custom pergola options in Melbourne to discuss roof shape, materials, dimensions and the connection to your existing house.
Completed Result
The completed pergola gives the deck a defined overhead structure while keeping the frontage open. The raised gable frames the central doors, and the white posts relate to the home’s existing trim. The new cover introduces a sheltered setting for dining or relaxing without turning the deck into an enclosed room.
The before-and-after views show how the roof changes the space: the original exposed platform becomes an outdoor area with a clear centre, covered wings and a direct walkway approach. The house remains visible behind the addition, and the timber surfaces continue to connect the deck with the surrounding garden.
Planning a Pergola in Endeavour Hills?
Send photos of your house frontage, approximate width and depth, and a description of how you want to use the deck. Roof height, existing doors, access, drainage and material preferences help shape the design discussion.
Request a site measure and custom quote, or browse our Melbourne outdoor living case studies. If you want glazed walls and a closable room instead, compare the sunroom design options.
Compare the layout with our Berwick sunroom and patio cover and Templestowe polycarbonate patio cover projects in Melbourne.