"Ruth Lawrence" wrote in message
...

"Peter and Susan" wrote in message
...
Hi there,

We're looking at putting in some sort of shade structure for our BBQ
area.
He (my other half) isn't keen on shade sails, I have concerns about
the
traditional tacked onto the house wood structure. So we need to toss
up a
few different ideas before we get into the serious stage of talking
to a
builder.

The basic details for our place is - we are on the Gold Coast. The
area of
our house we are looking at is on the western side of the house.
Heat is
a
problem in summer, 'cold' can be a problem in winter (we live on the
eastern
side of a hill, direct sunlight disappears about 4.30ish in winter).
The
area doesn't need to be weather proofed but we would like some sun
protection. At the moment we have a couple of self cleaning palms
which
provides some shade in the late afternoon in summmer.

Perhaps a pergola with a deciduous vine might be an idea?


Ruth



Seconded. This combination is sturdy and attractive, cool in summer and
warm in winter. Under a living canopy in hot weather always seems
cooler than under a non-living one. There are a number of climbers that
fit the description - see your local nursery. You will have to deal
with the leaves in autumn though.

David