Be Shellfish Under The Pergola at H2O

Kimo and Sarah Bertam, after being outbid on traditional homes, discovered a passion for floating homes after renting a houseboat in the Bay Area’s Mission Creek. This experience, fueled by their shared love for water—Kimo as a surfer and Sarah from childhood summers on a sailboat—led them to commission architect Robert Nebolon for their own floating home project. Despite Nebolon’s lack of prior floating home experience, his background in building near and on water made the transition seamless. The 2,100-square-foot, two-bedroom floating house was constructed on land over six months before being moored in Mission Creek. A primary challenge involved maximizing storage within the limited space while ensuring essential functionalities and managing weight, as the home would not move once in place. The resulting structure, inspired by the area's industrial heritage, features a sculptural, loft-like design that integrates seamlessly with its waterfront surroundings. Its distinctive sawtooth roof and expansive windows optimize space and natural light, creating a bright and airy interior. Architectural elements like the door, staircase, and kitchen incorporate an orange hue, referencing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The home boasts three decks, enhancing its connection to the water. Oversized warehouse-style windows are strategically placed to allow reflections of the water to ripple across the ceilings, further integrating the aquatic environment into the living space. The exterior is clad in 24-gauge metal siding with a fluorocarbon finish, selected for its durability and resistance to fading and chalking for up to 40 years, eliminating the need for periodic painting. This choice also circumvents the difficulty of painting a floating structure. The warehouse-style windows, made of black anodized aluminum with stainless steel hinges, are designed to withstand corrosion. No wood was used on the exterior, except for the finger pier that provides access to the front door and the couple's boat. From the main deck, residents can enjoy views of downtown San Francisco, including AT&T Park. The first-floor deck is furnished with Amazonia Terra teak chairs and IKEA Runnen teak outdoor floor decking. Inside, the living room features Australian cypress flooring with a tung oil finish, a Solas wall-mounted fireplace by Hearth Innovators, and a unique chair by Putra Salahin from Bali. The kitchen is equipped with a Wolf gas range, a white Carrara marble countertop bar, and Cobb Rise & Fall pendants by Original BTC. A custom wine glass holder, designed by the architect, is also present. The orange staircase, fabricated by Stocklin Iron Works and designed by Nebolon, uses steel railings and IKEA wood butcher blocks for treads, aiming to make the ascent to the second floor an engaging experience. The bathroom includes a teak live-edge countertop and a custom yellow cabinet supporting a Duravit double wash basin. A mirror from Restoration Hardware is paired with custom steampunk-style lights designed by the homeowner. The second-floor master bedroom features a custom captain’s bed, designed by the homeowner, with integrated drawers and storage. Its elevated height provides expansive views through the nearby window, contributing to the home's overall sense of openness and connection to its unique aquatic setting. #FloatingHome #WaterfrontLiving #RobertNebolonArchitects #MissionCreek #BayAreaDesign #ModernArchitecture #CustomHome #SustainableDesign #IndustrialInspiration

The article details the construction and subsequent experiences related to two pergolas built during the summer. The author, Marc LaBossiere, recounts what he describes as the 'summer of pergolas,' noting a significant increase in such projects compared to previous years. Despite the onset of winter, the author finds enjoyment in revisiting these summer projects through writing. The two featured pergolas are nearly identical in design, differing only slightly in the overall height of their posts. Their construction involved erecting 6x6 back posts against the house's exterior wall with pre-notched tandem support veins. Subsequently, the front 6x6 posts and support vein arrays were temporarily held in place as pre-notched main veins were systematically added. The installation concluded with 2x4 cross veins fastened atop, followed by corrugated roof panels. The unique narratives associated with these pergolas stem from the homeowners' unexpected encounters. One incident involved a squirrel that, while running along the eavestrough, fell onto the clear pergola roof. The homeowners, observing from below, watched as the disoriented squirrel repeatedly attempted to jump back to the eavestrough, only to slide backward due to the roof's slope. After a moment of apparent contemplation, the squirrel ingeniously navigated its way down the sloped panel, using the corrugated grooves to its advantage, eventually reaching the ground by traversing the lumber veins and a 6x6 post. This event, though brief, was described by the homeowner as highly entertaining. The second anecdote highlights an unforeseen consequence of the pergola's design and location. Homeowners, enjoying their new outdoor space with a semi-clear roof, were startled by loud, gunshot-like noises. The sounds, which increased in frequency and resembled machine-gun fire, were later identified as acorns dropping onto the corrugated roof from a large oak tree directly above the pergola. This phenomenon, occurring during acorn season, was so disruptive and nerve-racking that the couple temporarily reverted to using their older gazebo. The sound was reportedly loud enough to startle passersby. The homeowner expressed hope that this intense acorn production was part of a seven-year cycle, implying a temporary issue. The author concludes by reflecting on the satisfaction derived from creating functional spaces that become integral to homeowners' memories, particularly when unforeseen and humorous events arise. #PergolaConstruction #HomeRenovation #OutdoorLiving #DIYProjects #SummerExperiences #HomeImprovement #NatureEncounters

Linnea Pergola, an artist whose career began unexpectedly in the 1980s, shared her journey, challenges, and inspirations. While living in the San Fernando Valley, a chance encounter led to her being signed by Martin Lawrence Galleries. This opportunity provided significant compensation and a platform for her art, though it came with commercial pressures and the need to produce commercially viable paintings. Pergola acknowledged the demanding nature of the contract, which involved painting extensively and participating in numerous art shows across the country, all while balancing her personal life, including raising a child. Despite graduating with a degree in history from CSUN, not art, Pergola developed her distinct artistic style independently. She supplemented her learning with art classes, particularly enjoying life drawing, a discipline that contrasts sharply with her well-known cityscapes. Her passion for travel profoundly influenced her artistic focus, leading her to specialize in painting cities. Pergola became recognized for her ability to "mix up" and "recreate" cities, incorporating intricate details, humor, and vibrant colors. She noted that she instinctively knows which cities inspire her to paint, citing Prague, Amsterdam, Paris, and Edinburgh as examples. The detailed nature of her work is a consistent draw for her audience. A significant turning point in her career was when Liberty Puzzles, a puzzle company based in Colorado, contacted her around 2009. This collaboration proved to be highly successful, elevating her national recognition. Many individuals discovered her work through these puzzles, subsequently purchasing her original pieces. Pergola expressed her excitement about an upcoming trip to Vienna in June 2025, where she plans to take photos and create new paintings, hoping one will be selected for a future puzzle. Pergola also recounted a period of personal and professional resilience during a previous relationship when she moved to France. Due to visa restrictions, she was unable to sell her artwork, leading to a significant pause in her artistic output and a decline in motivation, despite being surrounded by artistic beauty. She found the language barrier challenging and experienced feelings of isolation. Upon returning to the United States and ending the relationship, she embarked on a journey of rebuilding her life and rediscovering her passion for art. Joining two art groups in Scottsdale, Arizona, proved instrumental in her recovery, allowing her to reconnect with her artistic self. This period marked a return to exhibiting her work and renewed her passion for travel, which included volunteering four times at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Her creative journey is currently driven by a desire to explore new inspirations and enjoy the artistic process. In May 2024, she relocated to South Africa, a country whose natural beauty and diverse culture have deeply inspired her. This move has led to a shift in her artistic themes, with a greater focus on animals and nature. She also anticipates visiting other African countries, further expanding her artistic horizons. Linnea Pergola's career is marked by adaptation, resilience, and a continuous pursuit of new creative expressions, influenced by her personal experiences and a profound connection to the places she encounters. #LinneaPergola #ArtistInterview #ArtCareer #Cityscapes #ArtisticResilience #TravelInspiration #PuzzleArt #CreativeJourney #SouthAfricaArt

Pergolux, a Norwegian-German company established in 2021, has introduced its new S3 series of pergolas featuring a Matter interface as standard. This development signifies an advancement in smart home integration for outdoor living spaces. Pergolas, traditionally offering shade, protection from light rain, and an extension of living areas, can now be seamlessly incorporated into modern smart home ecosystems. The S3 series from Pergolux utilizes a motorized slatted roof that can be adjusted electronically. The control unit for these pergolas supports both Bluetooth and Thread radio protocols. While Bluetooth allows operation via Pergolux's proprietary app, the Thread radio enables integration into broader Matter-compatible smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. This integration requires a Thread Border Router to facilitate communication between the pergola and the smart home ecosystem. Beyond the basic motorized slat adjustment, Pergolux offers additional equipment options that also benefit from Matter integration. These include built-in LED strips for ambient lighting and infrared radiant heaters designed to provide warmth on cooler days. The control unit is designed to pass information and control capabilities for these accessories to the Matter systems, allowing users to manage them through their preferred smart home platform. The functionalities provided by Pergolux through the Matter interface are comprehensive. For slat adjustment, users can fully open, close, or gradually adjust the opening angle of the pergola slats. For LED lighting, the system supports switching on and off, adjusting brightness, and changing colors for RGB LEDs. The infrared heat lamp can simply be switched on and off, providing convenient climate control for the outdoor space. The specific range of controls available will depend on the capabilities of the individual Matter ecosystem adopted by the user. Pergolux specializes in pergolas and distributes its slatted roofs internationally to various countries including Italy, France, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Brazil, Chile, Australia, and the USA. All products are developed in Norway and sold directly to consumers through online stores, bypassing intermediaries. This direct-to-consumer model allows the company to offer advanced features like Matter integration, enhancing the functionality and convenience of their pergolas for a global market seeking integrated smart home solutions for outdoor living. #Pergolux #MatterSmartHome #SmartPergola #OutdoorLiving #ThreadRadio #HomeAutomation #SmartHomeDevices #SlattedRoof #LEDLighting

With Memorial Day 2024 approaching, individuals are encouraged to consider backyard transformations for the upcoming summer season. A key recommendation for enhancing outdoor spaces is the installation of an outdoor pergola, which can offer shade, improve aesthetics, and create a functional area for entertaining. The article highlights Hanso Home, a European brand specializing in minimalist, high-quality pergolas, and details an opportunity for consumers to save up to $4,000 on the brand's newest pergola upgrade. Hanso Home was founded when a co-founder faced challenges in finding suitable outdoor structures for his dream home. The brand's model involves cutting out intermediaries in the supply chain, which allows them to offer premium pergolas at more competitive prices. These pergolas are designed to transform backyards into comfortable and stylish spaces suitable for year-round entertaining, whether for grilling, dining, or relaxing by a fire pit. Additionally, with appropriate accessories like sun shades, a Hanso Home pergola provides protection from sun exposure, light winds, and rain. The featured product, the Hanso Home 3rd Gen Pro+ Aluminum Pergola Kit, is noted for its Scandinavian design, offering a minimalist aesthetic that can complement various backyard styles. This pergola comes with a 10-year warranty and is engineered for durability, expected to last for at least 30 years. Its four-season construction includes a robust roof capable of supporting a snow load of up to 8.2 pounds per square foot. The S-shape waterproof roof blades incorporate a hidden gutter system, designed to manage weather elements effectively. The 3rd Gen Pro+ Aluminum Pergola Kit is available in four sizes and two color options: dark gray and white. The brand suggests that assembly is straightforward, comparable to assembling IKEA furniture. A significant advantage of Hanso Home is its faster shipping times, delivering custom pergolas within 12 to 16 weeks, which is considerably quicker than the typical six-month waiting period for many custom pergola manufacturers. Key improvements in this new kit include enhanced wind resistance, with the structure able to withstand near hurricane-force winds when louvers are closed and hurricane-force winds when open. The adjustable louvers provide control over sun exposure and shade, while the 100% rust- and rainproof roof ensures long-lasting quality and durability against extreme weather conditions. The pricing of the Hanso Home 3rd Gen Pro+ Aluminum Pergola Kit varies based on size, material, and style. Currently, consumers can save up to $4,000 on the largest model, a 13-foot by 9-foot outdoor structure. The smallest size, a 10-foot by 10-foot pergola, is available with savings of up to $1,700. #HansoHome #Pergola #BackyardMakeover #OutdoorLiving #SummerDecor #HomeImprovement #ScandinavianDesign #OutdoorStructures

Wutopia Lab, led by cofounder and chief architect Ting Yu, undertook the revitalization of Bogong Island Ecology Park near Shanghai by re-envisioning the traditional Chinese pergola. The project aimed to attract more visitors to the park by replacing a dilapidated ¾-mile-long canopy with a new, architecturally dynamic, and visually appealing centerpiece. The new structure, named Emerald Screen Pergola, spans 10,000 square feet, stands 32 feet high, and was completed within 10 months of design and construction, already attracting over 10,000 visitors. The design process involved detailed planning, with Wutopia Lab utilizing Photoshop to illustrate the site plan and elevations for the multi-arched pavilion. The construction phase lasted four months, during which workers built the Emerald Screen Pergola from bent tubular steel panels, which were then inset with steel mesh and painted white. This modern interpretation transformed the typology of traditional bamboo pergolas into a stacked and overlapping mesh panel design. Ting Yu drew inspiration for the structure from historical Chinese art, specifically an Imperial-era handscroll depicting walled gardens, a wisteria-covered pergola, and structured paths within a lush landscape. The contemporary design mimics natural forms; the curved panels vary in height and width, resembling leaves. These panels are intended to be covered eventually with various climbing plants such as jasmine, ivy, roses, wisteria, and honeysuckle, further integrating the structure with the natural environment. From an aerial perspective, the pergola's flower-like configuration becomes apparent. The design also incorporates features that make it a desirable location for special occasions, such as wedding photo shoots. The structure follows a long, winding path, which Yu describes as "dragonlike." In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes wisdom, power, good fortune, and wealth, imbuing the architectural design with cultural significance and auspicious symbolism. The Emerald Screen Pergola stands as a fusion of traditional inspiration and modern architectural techniques, designed to enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of Bogong Island Ecology Park. Its robust construction and thoughtful integration with nature aim to provide a lasting landmark that revitalizes the park and offers a unique experience for its visitors. #WutopiaLab #BogongIslandEcologyPark #PergolaDesign #ArchitecturalRevitalization #LandscapeArchitecture #ShanghaiDesign #PublicSpace #ModernPergola #ChineseArchitecture

Perched above an isolated beach on the New South Wales south coast, Seagrass House, designed by Welsh and Major, stands as a testament to architecture that harmoniously integrates with its environment. The dwelling is situated on the rocky incline of a north-facing gully, offering a secluded retreat at the southern end of Tathra Beach. The design philosophy behind Seagrass House emphasizes gathering the character of the place into the architecture, both performatively and scenically, a concept that stands in contrast to architectural trends of ethereal structures in discordant isolation. The architects utilized two primary drawings to inform the design. The first meticulously mapped an existing path from the ridge entrance, winding down the site's contours to a shared path leading to the beach. This drawing was a careful record of the pre-existing natural flow. The second drawing depicted a functional arrangement of furniture along this path, creating spaces for cooking, sitting, eating, and sleeping, thereby establishing an order for habitation. The house's design skillfully combines these considerations, addressing both the specific conditions of the site and the universal aspects of dwelling. Seagrass House features a compact floor plan of approximately 100 square meters, offering single-level access from the car door to the kitchen, living area, bathroom, and bedroom, effectively providing apartment-style living within a bush and beach setting. The rooms are arranged around a central staircase, creating a loose enfilade that allows individual spaces to be distinct yet connected. Architectural elements such as the ceiling billow, fireplace shroud, and timber batten screen enhance this spatial dynamic, contributing to an open yet defined living experience. The centripetal plan allows for the inhabitation of the dwelling's very edge, a feature inspired by the built-in verandah of the original cottage on the site. This 'thickened facade' manifests in various forms throughout the house, including a magnificent north-east dining table bench seat, an ambiguous timber shelf in the sitting room, a terrazzo kitchen bench, the deep shadow of the bathroom window reveal, and the brilliant flatness of the bedroom corner window. These elements create magical spaces that foster individual connection with the surrounding landscape, providing areas for solitary comfort while the larger spatial organization supports convivial domestic interactions. The design also incorporates typical holiday home strategies, such as a bunkroom, shared bathroom, outdoor shower, and multiple external living spaces, allowing for flexible accommodation for varying numbers of occupants. Adjacent to the main house, a garage and services pavilion functions as a gatehouse, providing security with a large, unadorned timber panel within a brick and metal-clad wall. This panel slides open to reveal entry through the garage, hinting at a future-ready space for electric vehicles. Above the garage, a generously sized attic offers ample storage. The predominant material is Krause brick, custom-mixed to match the natural variegation of the exposed, weathered shale in the gully. The brickwork is detailed with a light touch, incorporating sharp-stacked nib walls, alternating sloped and flat sills, a fine rowlock parapet course, a gentle stepping rampart, and artful subfloor brick vents, showcasing a joyful engagement with fundamental architectural elements. This thoughtful approach creates a highly functional home that deeply relates to the inherent character of the Australian Country. #ResidentialArchitecture #CoastalLiving #SustainableDesign #SiteIntegration #CompactLiving #BrickArchitecture #SpatialDynamics #AustralianDesign #ArchitecturalDetails

The article discusses the winter blooming spectacle of aloes in South Africa and introduces pergolas as a garden feature. During winter, various aloes, trees, shrubs, succulents, and groundcovers flower, providing sustenance for birds and bees. The author highlights their experience in KwaZulu-Natal, where thousands of mountain aloes, *Aloe marlothii*, were in bloom. Pergolas, originating in Italy in the mid-1600s, are described as garden structures that create shaded walkways for flowering vines. Modern pergolas serve as extensions to homes, offering shaded areas near lounges or pools. Emphasized is the importance of a strong support structure for pergolas, as mature creepers can become heavy over time. The selection of the appropriate creeper is crucial for the pergola's success. A particularly beautiful creeper mentioned is the Port St. Johns creeper, or pink trumpet creeper (*Podranea ricasoliana*). This rambling evergreen creeper belongs to the *Bignoniaceae* family, which also includes *Jacaranda mimosifolia*, Cape honeysuckle (*Tecomaria capensis*), and the sausage tree (*Kigelia africana*). *Podranea ricasoliana* grows rapidly and, with proper pruning, can cover a pergola and flower within a year. It produces fragrant pink-lilac trumpet-shaped flowers on new growth from November to March. These flowers typically stand above the foliage but can hang down when branches become heavy, enhancing their display. The plant is cultivated globally, especially in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean regions. Its natural habitat near the Mzimvubu River at Port St. Johns is currently vulnerable due to farming, invasive plants, and fire. The plant is resilient, tolerating heat, full sun, wind, drought, light frost, and sub-freezing temperatures. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and promote flowering, making it an excellent choice for pergolas as it provides significant shade during hot summer months. As it lacks tendrils, it requires manual tying to supports. It is also effective for stabilizing banks, forming roots where stems contact the ground. Several aloe species are suggested for a winter display. *Aloe arborescens* (krantz aloe) forms multi-headed shrubs 2-3 meters high with profuse orange or yellow flower spikes from May to July, attracting sunbirds with their nectar. *Aloe vanbalenii* (crawling octopus) is noted for its distinctive long, twisted leaves that turn copper-red in full sun or remain bright green in shade, with yellow to orange flowers blooming from June to August. *Aloe ferox* (bitter aloe), known for its medicinal uses, grows 2-3 meters tall with candelabra-like flower heads in shades of yellow-orange to bright red from May to August. *Aloe chabaudii* (Chabaud’s aloe) is a multi-stemmed groundcover that, when planted in mass, creates a striking winter display alongside grasses and other succulents, and can be propagated from seed or divisions. The article concludes with general winter gardening advice: mulching with fallen leaves to protect roots, reduce weeds, retain moisture, and enrich the soil; refraining from cutting lawns to allow grass to rest; pruning shrubs after flowering to encourage new growth; and undertaking construction projects like staircases, rockeries, or water features before the rainy season. This content is sponsored by Chris Dalzell Landscapes, which offers landscaping, consultation, plant brokering, and botanical tours. #Gardening #Pergolas #WinterPlants #AloeSpecies #SouthAfricanFlora #LandscapeDesign #PlantCare #BotanicalTours

Pergolas serve as both an architectural feature and a functional addition to outdoor spaces, including homes and commercial properties. They contribute to classic garden design by defining outdoor areas and offering practical benefits. These structures can provide privacy, shade, act as a ceiling for an outdoor room, create a focal point, and support climbing plants like vines. Chad Beall of Tree Frog Woodworking highlights that pergolas create an exterior space that offers protection, comfort, and the warm feeling of a room without being fully enclosed. Their versatility makes them suitable for various settings, such as around pools and fire pits. The history of pergolas dates back to ancient times, with an Egyptian garden plan from 1400 BC featuring such a structure. Modern pergolas are typically constructed from wood or metal, but can also incorporate materials like canvas, stone, clay tiles, plastic, or even glass. Beyond basic construction, pergolas can be enhanced with amenities such as chandeliers, ceiling fans, or retractable awning systems, as noted by Wendy Booth of Ivy Street Design Group Inc. When designing and installing a pergola, Booth emphasizes three key considerations: adherence to municipal zoning rules, solid structural engineering, and aesthetic integration with the existing home and landscape. Layers of planting can soften the structure, making it a cohesive part of the outdoor living space, especially in urban areas where hardscape might dominate. Selecting the ideal location for a pergola is crucial, and a landscape architect can help determine optimal placement. Booth suggests evaluating how the pergola appears from inside the house and whether its placement encourages use or merely serves as a visual element. Keith Violett of Hi-Country Carpentry recommends the south side of a house for optimal placement. While primarily decorative, pergolas offer opportunities for additional features. They provide some shade, though not as much as a solid roof. To increase shade, owners can add shade cloth, or the pergola can be designed with multiple layers of lumber or a lattice top. Privacy and concealment of unattractive views can be achieved by incorporating wood, metal, glass, or plant screens between support posts. Pergolas come in various styles, from sharp, modern angles to gentle mission arches or fanciful shapes. The appropriate size depends on its intended use and the dimensions of the home and yard. Violett advises considering the size of furniture, such as a dining table, that will be placed beneath it. For a natural aesthetic popular in Colorado, rough-sawn Western Red cedar is a preferred material. Violett cautions against using treated lumber due to its tendency to twist and crack. To manage costs, designing within standard lumber parameters, using two-foot increments, allows for the use of in-stock materials and avoids the higher cost of special orders for lengths over 20 feet. Metal pergolas offer an alternative with distinct advantages, especially for complex designs involving arches and curves, as steel is more easily bent than wood. While wood is often perceived as warmer, metal, particularly when powder-coated, requires less upkeep, a significant benefit in harsh climates. Aluminum is another option, offering a balance between wood and steel in terms of weight and durability. Ready-made kits are available, but Violett warns that wooden kits might not withstand Colorado's weather conditions, especially heavy snow. PVC kits, however, are noted for their low maintenance and durability. Staining wooden pergolas requires annual reapplication to maintain a new look, a factor influenced by the type of stain and sun exposure. Alternatively, allowing cedar or redwood to naturally gray can eliminate maintenance, though staining is counterproductive if vines are intended to grow on the structure. For training vines on a pergola, recommended plants include roses, clematis, euonymus, and honeysuckle (if light conditions permit). Trumpet vine is cautioned against due to its aggressive growth. While the romantic image of an Italian pergola draped with grapevines is appealing, the reality of fallen, rotting grapes attracting pests like bees and ants makes it less practical for many homeowners. #OutdoorLiving #PergolaDesign #GardenArchitecture #HomeImprovement #LandscapeDesign #Woodworking #MetalFabrication #DIYHome

The article explores the allure of the Côte Bleue, a less-traveled coastal area north of Marseille, contrasting it with the more famous Calanques National Park. While the Calanques are renowned for their dramatic turquoise coves and limestone cliffs, the Côte Bleue offers a more intimate experience with its charming fishing villages nestled in blue coves, seemingly carved into the limestone hills. These secluded ports are connected by hiking trails, or travelers can opt for the scenic Train de Côte Bleue, which passes over 18 viaducts between seven villages. Despite the commuter train’s arrival in 1915, the Côte Bleue has maintained a low profile, historically favored by local fishermen over the flashier destinations like Cassis and Bandol. However, its appeal has grown, partly attributed to Marseille’s status as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, and significantly, to the revitalization of La Pergola restaurant. La Pergola, situated in Niolon with a prime view of Marseille, has been a local establishment since 1958. It transitioned from a spot for Marseille’s elite to a restaurant known more for its view than its cuisine. This changed in 2016 when Joaquim and Beatrice Piedade took over. The restaurateurs, drawn to the restaurant’s potential, undertook a complete renovation while preserving its relaxed atmosphere. They refurbished the interior and the restaurant’s namesake shaded terrace, creatively shaping the thick vines to frame the coastal views. Chef Joaquim developed a menu focused on fresh fish and local flavors, prioritizing delicious food over complex culinary techniques. A distinguishing feature of La Pergola is its warm and professional customer service, characterized by an all-day operational model, which is uncommon in France. This flexibility caters to a diverse clientele, from locals enjoying breakfast to tourists having celebratory dinners, and hikers stopping for refreshments. The restaurant boasts a loyal customer base, comprising locals, Marseillais, and Aixois, underscoring its success in building community and consistent quality. Joaquim Piedade's journey to becoming a chef was unconventional; originally an accountant, he was inspired by the camaraderie he witnessed in a local snack bar. He pursued a hands-on culinary education, working various jobs over three decades, including training with a Michelin-starred chef, opening multiple restaurants, and gaining experience in large French culinary conglomerates. Joaquim's Portuguese heritage, particularly his family’s history of fishing, fuels his passion for sourcing the freshest fish. He collaborates closely with Le Chalutier, a father-son fish merchant in Martigues, who supplies a variety of fish like sea bass, sea bream, John Dory, and turbot, and also acquires smaller catches from independent fishermen. Joaquim’s ability to source about 600 kg of fish weekly highlights his commitment to quality ingredients, which are then simply prepared with olive oil, salt, and fennel seeds on lava-rock grills. The menu features seasonal specialties, such as sustainable swordfish, prepared either as seared steaks or gravlax-style smoked slices with olive oil, grapefruit, and cornflower petals. The thoughtful preparation extends to dishes like seared cuttlefish, frozen and cooked sous-vide before being pan-seared to achieve an exceptionally succulent texture. La Pergola’s menu also pays homage to Marseille classics, including *panisses* (chickpea fritters), *pieds et pacquets* (a stew of lamb’s feet and tripe), and *bourride* (aïoli-scented seafood stew). A unique dessert is the *savon de Marseille*, an edible soap made of olive oil, butter, sugar, and hazelnuts, reminiscent of a decadent raw sugar cookie dough. The restaurant also features Joaquim’s mother’s recipe for salt-cod fritters, *accras*, acknowledging their Portuguese origin and generous portion sizes. Joaquim’s operational philosophy is structured around three core principles: client-first service, meticulous thoroughness in operations, and a genuine love for one’s work. The Piedade family, including their son Max and daughter Cassandre, actively contributes to the restaurant's success, embodying the restaurant's values of hospitality and dedication. Visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding Niolon area, perhaps taking a pre- or post-meal swim in the secluded coves or hiking the Sentier de Douanier to the beautiful Calanque du Jonquier, further enhancing the coastal dining experience at La Pergola. #Marseille #CôteBleue #LaPergola #FrenchCuisine #SeafoodRestaurant #Niolon #CoastalDining #FamilyBusiness #SustainableFishing

Pergolas, recognized by their open slat roofs and vertical columns, are becoming increasingly popular as garden structures that offer both aesthetic appeal and a shaded outdoor seating area. These structures, derived from a Latin term meaning 'projecting roof,' serve as an appealing visual focal point in gardens and backyards. While simple in design, their construction requires a solid foundation to ensure longevity. Landscape designers emphasize the necessity of proper grounding, recommending concrete footers that are at least 3 feet deep and 12 inches around for 6-inch-by-6-inch uprights. Crucially, posts should not be cemented directly into the footers; instead, mounting brackets should be used to allow for easier replacement of posts if needed. Traditionally, pergolas have been adorned with climbing plants, with grapevines being a classic choice. However, modern homeowners often opt for less maintenance-intensive alternatives. Popular choices for vines include wisteria, clematis, honeysuckle, and trumpet vine, with less common but visually striking options like mandevilla, passion-flower vine, and purple hyacinth bean vine also available. Despite these options, only about 5% of customers choose to grow vines due to the ongoing maintenance they require. Some homeowners prefer hanging flower baskets for a contained display of plants, though this necessitates consistent watering. The materials used in pergola construction have evolved from traditional cedar wood and sturdy options like brick or stone pillars. Contemporary pergolas are often built from pressure-treated lumber, vinyl, CPVC, fiberglass, or aluminum, which address the issue of untreated wood rotting over time. Both custom-built and kit-based pergolas are available, with the choice often influenced by the desired level of upkeep. Maintenance considerations also play a role in the decision not to cover pergolas with dense vines, as excessive foliage can complicate or prevent essential structural maintenance. However, some designers advocate for robust, timber-framed constructions that mimic old barn skeletons, incorporating features like angle braces and mortise-and-tenon joints with pegs. These designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to vine growth, using rough-finished, heavy timbers that offer character, durability, and a good price point. These timbers can be stained or left to weather naturally, promising many years of elemental exposure. Pergolas frequently include seating and tables and may feature floors made of pavers or natural stone. While their primary function is to provide shade, a pergola without dense plantings might not offer as much shade as desired. Proper orientation and spacing of shade slats are crucial for blocking the sun during its most intense periods, particularly in summer. However, the exact shade provided can vary with the time of day and season. To enhance shading, various options are available, such as retractable sunscreen elements made of mesh fabric that slide out beneath the joists. These can be manual or electric. Additionally, poly-resinous materials, available in colors like bronze or amber, can be added to the top of pergolas to offer increased shade and some protection from the elements. Incorporating ceiling fans or outdoor lighting further extends the comfortable usability of pergolas, integrating seamlessly with existing landscape lighting systems. Overall, pergolas are viewed as a sophisticated addition to outdoor living spaces, providing a light, airy environment that encourages relaxation, dining, and aesthetic enjoyment without the confinement of walls. #Pergola #GardenDesign #OutdoorLiving #ShadeStructure #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeImprovement #GardeningTips #DIYHome