Ivanhoe / Curved Aluminium Pergola
For this backyard project in Ivanhoe, Melbourne, the challenge was more specific than adding a roof. The homeowner wanted a covered outdoor area that felt open when standing underneath it, fitted neatly beside the existing house and addressed rain entering around the roof connection.
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Project at a glance
| Detail | Project specification |
|---|---|
| Location | Ivanhoe, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Overall footprint | 6m × 3m, approximately 18m² |
| Roof form | Curved roof |
| Frame | Aluminium alloy with reinforced profiles |
| Roofing | Solid polycarbonate (PC) panels |
| Frame appearance | Dark finish |
| Earlier roof height | 2.4m, as described in the project brief |
| New roof height | Raised roof profile for improved headroom |
| Revised overhang detail | Approximately 3cm, reduced from the previous approximately 30cm described in the brief |
Furite Outdoor Living created a 6m × 3m curved aluminium pergola with solid polycarbonate roofing. The design focused on raising the roof, refining the overhang and keeping daylight in the space beside the home.
Project background
The existing house presented several roof levels and a glazed section facing the backyard. According to the project brief, the previous 2.4m roof height felt low and confined. An approximately 30cm overhang also failed to resolve the concern about wind-driven rain entering the covered area.
Simply extending the roof edge further would not address every issue. The pergola needed proportions that suited the house, more comfortable headroom and a carefully considered junction with the existing roofline.
Before: the existing roof edges and glazed section that the new pergola needed to work around.
What the homeowner needed
- A covered footprint of 6m × 3m for everyday outdoor use.
- More headroom than the previous 2.4m arrangement.
- A neater roof edge without an unnecessarily large projection.
- Better management of roof runoff and rain exposure at the house connection.
- A roof that retained natural light and a frame that complemented the home.
The 6m × 3m footprint provides approximately 18m² of covered outdoor space.
Design and installation solution
Raise the roof to improve the sense of space
The roof was positioned higher to move away from the cramped feeling of the earlier 2.4m arrangement. The curved profile creates a softer outline, while the open sides maintain views across the backyard. Light-transmitting polycarbonate panels help preserve daylight beside the existing windows.
Refine the roof edge and connection
The revised overhang detail was reduced to approximately 3cm. Rather than relying on a large projecting edge, the design focused on how the pergola met the house and how water would travel off the roof.
This closer-fitting detail was intended to improve the finish and reduce opportunities for rain entry around the junction. Rain protection depends on the complete roof connection and drainage arrangement; an open-sided pergola can still admit wind-driven rain from the sides.
Match the materials to a light-filled patio
The aluminium frame provides a clean outline with corrosion resistance, while the solid polycarbonate roofing combines light transmission with impact resistance. Together, the materials suit a covered outdoor area where retaining daylight matters as much as shelter.
Design stage: a supplied concept illustration showing the curved roof and support layout. Illustrative only; refer to the project specifications above for the completed footprint.
Completed result
The completed installation shows a dark aluminium pergola extending across the backyard beside the brick house. Its elevated roof and open sides create a more generous sense of space, while the translucent panels allow light to pass through to the area below.
The approximately 18m² covered footprint gives the homeowner room to plan an outdoor sitting or dining area. The restrained roof edge also produces a tidier visual connection with the house. Outdoor blinds could be considered later if additional side protection is needed; they are not shown as part of this installation.
After: the installed pergola, showing its raised roof, open sides and relationship to the existing home.
Planning a pergola in Ivanhoe?
This project shows why roof height, overhang and the connection to the house deserve attention together. A larger overhang alone does not guarantee a more comfortable or better-protected outdoor area.
Explore our custom aluminium pergolas in Melbourne for roof styles and product information, or browse more Melbourne outdoor living case studies.
For a pergola in Ivanhoe, send Furite Outdoor Living photos of your existing roofline, approximate dimensions and the main issues you want to resolve. Call 0411 817 583 to discuss an on-site measure and a tailored design.
Questions about this project
Was the new roof left at the previous 2.4m height?
No. The project brief describes a raised roof profile to improve headroom. It does not record a precise new overall height.
Were outdoor blinds included?
No. They were described as a possible later addition, not part of this installation.
Discuss your project
Send Furite Outdoor Living photographs of your site, approximate dimensions and the main issue you want to solve. Our Melbourne team can discuss a suitable design and arrange a site measure.
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