"Architectural Structure" Copyright pending

Willow Glenn Area
 

The arbor measures 22 ft. across between opposite sides. The slope of the canopy is 15° consistent with the slope of a house's roof. The skylight is a central 7-foot octagon with a grid at 7-inch spacing.

On the underside of each rafter near the canopy's lower rim, there is a 12v 20-watt puck-light recessed at an angle opposite to the slope of the rafter so that it lights up the post at rafter's lower end. The lights are controlled by a double switch on one of the posts.

The lattice is ¾-inch thick PVC panels, two per octagonal segment. Notice their designed curvature in both the radial and the circular directions. These induced curvatures in two directions are to prevent sag of the lattice panels over their wide span at their lower ends.

This lattice was fabricated to MR. Deck's specifications from 3/8 x 1¼ hollow PVC strips and is not available from local suppliers. The open spaces in the lattice are of the same width as the lath strips which comprise the lattice. This reduces the sunlight below the canopy by 75%, providing a very comfortable temperature even under the hot California midday sun.

Note that all canopy timbers and skylight elements are capped with PVC capping to prevent weathering of the framework over time.

The posts are fastened to the patio merely by surface-mounted brackets, so the arbor gets its lateral bracing solely from the 16 architectural kneebraces attached to the 8 posts from the canopy's rim. Note that the bases of the posts are sealed with polyurethane caulking so no moisture penetrates their interior.

All this is essential in making the arbor maintenance free and providing long-term integrity.
 

There's more to this arbor complex. See the vast expanse that needed shading at right. The flat canopy was supported along the roof-lines of both the house and garage to eliminate posts where people would walk. Note the vast expanse of the beams.