A pergola is a simple architectural enclosure defined by a certain number of columns that support the weight of longitudinal beams, connecting the columns to form the space and other transverse beams that hold an open lattice for climbing plants in a garden.

A pergola provides protection from the sun and rain while offering cool shade and decorating our gardens, terraces, and facades. It can be designed as a canopy to cover passageways in an open space or as a standalone structure providing shelter and shade along a pathway.

The pergola is one of a house’s most pleasant areas or environments. Whether in the garden or outdoors, built independently or linked to other interior spaces, the pergola is always useful for various activities such as resting, reading, conversing, enjoying drinks and meals, and more.

A pergola is an excellent resource for creating a cozy shaded area in the garden, attic, or terrace. It is a permanent and decorative structure, typically made of wood or iron. However, current trends lean towards using aluminum profiles coated with special textured films that compete in appearance with natural wood.

The dimensions of a pergola can be adapted to any available space, making it a highly functional and decorative element.

The use of pergolas has increased in recent years as they provide an easy and cost-effective way to extend the home or redecorate the garden area with a simple and durable structure using new materials and technologies that offer low maintenance and a natural appearance.

This architectural enclosure adds a social atmosphere to the home, ideal for spending pleasant moments with family while enjoying the climate and the outdoors. Its design encourages the integration of various climbing plants to add a green touch, although it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight they will receive when selecting suitable plants.

Patio

The patio is structurally similar to a pergola, consisting of four or more posts supporting a roof, providing a shaded area. It differs from pergolas mainly because the covering is complete and waterproof, protecting the space underneath from sun and rain.

A different pavement is often installed compared to the rest of the space. It differs from pergolas in terms of its purpose: a gazebo is not a passageway element but a space for staying. Furniture such as chairs, tables, or various equipment (kitchen furniture and utensils, furniture for concerts, performances, and other artistic activities and games) are often placed in gazebos.

Due to their usage, basic gazebos consisting of four posts and a shading structure have given way to more elaborate pavilions. There have been advancements in shape; for example, elongated gazebos formed by six posts or hexagonal and octagonal gazebos are common. Regarding the walls, the simple spatial delimitation provided by the posts can evolve into fully enclosed structures with walls resembling a traditional small house rather than a gazebo that can include mosquito nets, curtains, partial walls made of lattices or louvers, and more.

From flat roofs consisting solely of shading structures such as beams, lattices, and meshes, there has been a transition to more constructed roofs with various types of tiles. These roofs can be inclined, with a single or double slope, or have four slopes for square and rectangular structures. For regular polygons, roofs can be conical or pyramidal with as many slopes as there are vertices. Additionally, the interior of gazebos can have infrastructure similar to that of a house or a building, including lighting, sound systems, water supply, heating systems, and more.

Porche in a Residence

A porch is an architecturally open space that is closed on the top and attached to the main core of a building.

Porches can be located either in the front, immediately before the entrance hall, in the back, or on the sides, serving as an adjacent sitting area to the interior living spaces. Porches are commonly used in residential homes but can also be found in public, private, and government buildings.

As they are covered, the overhead support is provided by columns or pillars, usually located in the open part of the space. On a larger scale, porches can surround entire buildings, squares, or inner courtyards, following the perimeter of the structures.

Trellises

A trellis or lattice is a flat structure formed by a more or less dense but always open grid that supports climbing plants such as ivy, roses, or vines. Trellises are often used to enclose or delimit the space of pergolas and gazebos by placing the frameworks between the posts of these architectural elements to partially or fully enclose them.

At Simpleyfácil, we have created facade systems that encourage professionals to actively participate in their design, providing stunning visual effects and improving the environmental performance of buildings. Our systems also offer the possibility to optimize costs according to the allocated budget.

We present creative ideas for metal ventilated facade projects, where we break the continuity of the original design to propose dynamic facades. These facades can adopt random shapes and arrangements that become personalized canvases, offering the designer the possibility to integrate different finishes, combine shapes, sizes, and textures within an architectural concept that seeks to optimize the budget through design.

These facades not only focus on aesthetic aspects but also on functional and technical aspects. The distribution of spaces within the design can respond to visual transfer needs, solar control, or generation of ventilation flows. Through shading or passive ventilation, it is possible to control the indoor environment of the building, reducing the dependence on air conditioning, heating, or artificial lighting.

Facade systems have become key elements in managing energy efficiency and solar control. Our Simpleyfácil facade systems have been developed with this purpose in mind, without losing sight of the need for a unique design for each building and adapting to the established budget. Simpleyfácil dynamic facades meet the fundamental requirement of contemporary architecture: adaptability.

We propose that dynamism integrates into buildings from their design stage. In this sense, we share the possibilities offered by our systems to constantly redesign themselves randomly.

Our dynamic, ventilated facades provide a wide range of shapes, finishes, and textures, allowing for a perfect balance between function and design, letting creativity integrate with the use of the building. When simple elements give us this dual opportunity, we know that we are facing good architecture.

When aluminum comes into contact with ambient air, its outermost layer spontaneously oxidizes to form a transparent and impermeable layer known as alumina. This alumina layer is very uniform and adherent. For this reason, despite aluminum being thermodynamically reactive, the naturally formed passive layer protects it from corrosion under normal conditions.

By subjecting aluminum to an accelerated electrochemical passivation process, it is possible to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on its surface, providing greater protection against mechanical wear, corrosion resistance, solar exposure, and enhanced durability. The level of protection will largely depend on the thickness of the induced oxide or alumina layer (in microns), which becomes an integral part of the aluminum component or profile.

The anodizing process essentially involves immersing aluminum parts or profiles in an electrolytic bath, typically containing sulfuric acid. The acid bath is connected to a direct current that causes the release of oxygen through the electrolytic dissociation of water, which acts as a catalyst for oxidizing the aluminum. The aluminum profile, serving as the positive pole of the electrolyte, acts as the anode within the electrical circuit, resulting in anodic oxidation, commonly referred to as “anodizing” in modern terminology.

The thickness of the alumina layer is determined by a combination of factors, including the temperature and composition of the bath, the applied current, and the anodizing time. The anodic oxide layer will open pores on the surface of the profile, making it vulnerable to corrosion. This allows for the coloring of the surface until the process is completed by sealing the pores with a surface sealant.

In the case of aluminum, the sealing operation consists primarily of hydrating the alumina by immersion, in which the anodized aluminum profile is submerged in hot water. This process leads to the formation of a hydrated oxide layer, completing the anodizing process.

There are different anodizing thicknesses depending on the applications, ranging from 10 to 20 microns (from interior and non-aggressive outdoor environments to marine and aggressive environments).

Anodizing techniques have evolved significantly over time due to market competition. As a result, we now have a range of options available, starting from an aluminum oxide layer with the natural gray color of the oxide, to subsequent colorations applied after the formation of the layer, such as gold, bronze, black, and red. The latest techniques, based on optical interference processes, can provide finishes like blue, pearl gray, and green.

There are different methods for coloring the formed oxide layers: salt coloring and dye coloring, with salt coloring being the most common and ensuring the highest quality finish and durability.

As a recent technique, interference finishes (blue, gray, and green) are being developed based on subsequent modifications of the pore structure of the aluminum oxide formed during the anodizing stage. This microscopic modification of the pore structure is achieved by replicating specific conditions such as temperature, electrolyte concentrations, voltages, affected surface area, and alloy characteristics. The control of these variables and the reproducibility of the process conditions determine the blue, gray, or green finish.

Anodized aluminum profiles are suitable for a wide range of architectural and decorative applications that require a beautiful and durable surface. Anodized aluminum profiles minimize the need for maintenance. However, for aesthetic reasons, they should be periodically cleaned, for example, with water and neutral detergents. Strong acids or alkaline cleaners should not be used.

At the end of January, the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) took place in the city of Las Vegas with unprecedented success in terms of attendees and exhibitors, totaling more than 2,000 participants as part of the Design & Construction Week® (DCW). This event holds great significance for the North American market and is a reference point for many buyers and decision-makers across the continent who seek to stay up to date with the latest innovations presented.

Within this framework of innovation and new proposals, Simpleyfácil® had the opportunity to present some of its products alongside its distributor in Canada, ChamClad. ChamClad is a renowned brand known for its prestige and quality, which has developed a line of PVC products for architectural and decorative applications. These are compatible with the commercial portfolio of Simpleyfácil®, which also relies on the use of laminates with German Skai Continental foils for their finishes. These foils impress with their natural appearance and tactile texture.

It is within this partnership that the MinimalClad system was introduced to the public for the first time. MinimalClad is an aluminum coating that simulates the appearance of wooden strips, following the minimalist trend in interior decoration from the 1960s, which gives it its name. This vintage style is based on Nordic wood tones and has transitioned to facades to provide them with elegance and personality in line with bioclimatic principles that aim to integrate architecture with nature in every possible way.

In this sense, the exterior specification of the Minimalclad system presents itself as an alternative solution to conventional facades. It enables the passive regulation of the building’s temperature through its design as a ventilated facade. Engineering that can also be integrated or extended as a solar control system for glazed areas, addressing the need to limit direct solar incidence on these surfaces while still making use of the natural light available.

Within ChamClad’s booth, Simpleyfácil® also showcased its Tramontana system as a decorative partition screen, complementing the entire range of PVC wall and ceiling claddings that were the main highlights of the exhibition.

We express our gratitude to ChamClad for providing us with the opportunity to witness the enthusiasm with which our products were received by customers and visitors in general, as well as for their excellent presentation. We are confident that this is undoubtedly the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship for both companies, further solidifying our alliance.

To address the solar control demands of modular facades and curtain walls that need to limit the overheating effects caused by large glass surfaces exposed to direct sunlight and harmful UV rays, Simpleyfácil® has developed a new sunshade based on the benefits offered by the installation of ventilated facades as passive solar control elements. Introducing the Sunset ITALIA model, designed for vertical application between slabs up to a height of 3.50 meters without the need for a supporting structure that could detract from the sleek design when viewed from the interior. Sunset ITALIA is a proposal featuring a 30 cm flat blade composed of two lateral bodies anchored to a sturdy central body to provide the necessary strength for the system.

Transparent façades

The lateral bodies of the Sunset ITALIA model can be supplied with a perforated surface to create a transparency effect that allows the user to see through the metal body. The degree of transparency or clarity will depend on the intensity of light on the opposite side of the viewing point. During the noon hours when sunlight is most intense, the facade will appear to disappear from the users’ view, while the surrounding landscape becomes fully perceptible, creating a surprising magical effect.

Dynamic Façades

The Sunset ITALIA system offers us a wide variety of options when it comes to combining colors and textures to create dynamic and unique facades that distinguish our projects. We can alternate its features by grouping colored slats, create surface gradients on the envelope, or personalize each body to generate infinite design patterns. In addition to all these options, we can also project the sunshades of its aluminum structure with different inclinations to address the specific needs of each facade, depending on the degree of solar incidence, or simply to create shadow play and volumes on its surface that personalize each project.

Customized Interiors

The central body of these sunshades can be coated with a different finish than the lateral bodies, offering the possibility to differentiate the exterior appearance from the interior of the facade. This way, the interior view can be part of a different ambiance or decoration that caters to the specific needs of each project. This innovative option can be even more surprising and proactive when considering the installation of perforated lateral bodies.

We hope that everything discussed in this article sparks your interest in incorporating this new product into your projects.

Contact us via WhatsApp; we have special prices for professional installers! https://wa.me/523323341904

Corporate architecture is part of the brand-building process. It helps companies showcase their style and communicate a consistent and polished message, simultaneously generating trust in their customers.

A corporate environment should instill confidence and security in customers while inviting them to feel comfortable, as this commercial space is one of the most influential touchpoints in the final stages of a purchase decision. That’s why it is essential to influence customers’ disposition through the message we are capable of conveying by making good use of corporate interior design. To achieve success, quality must be accompanied by other attributes such as innovation and design that elevate our customers’ perception of our brand.

The shapes and finishes offered by our systems for wall and ceiling design play an extremely important role as they create the backdrop where both clients and employees interact. To accomplish this, we have incorporated over 380 finishes and textures into our proposals, using aluminum profiles, allowing us to address the unique design needs of our clients in a differentiated and personalized manner. Such a diverse offering ensures that your face is not just one among thousands.

Although our brand presence among interior design firms that cater to corporate architectural design is minimal at the moment, the experience we have gained in designing these same systems for ventilated facades has allowed us to present new and surprising proposals. This experience also foresees strong growth in this discipline. That’s why we are confident that Simpleyfácil is already part of the new corporate culture in interiors.

It is becoming increasingly common to see terraces and pergolas integrated into facades as an extension of the social area of a home. These spaces are designed with double-height or higher ceilings to enhance these outdoor environments, which are often covered and decorated with linear ceiling systems made of wood or other materials that do not offer guarantees against weather conditions and environmental effects.

To address all these challenges without limiting the imagination of architects and interior designers, Simpleyfácil® has developed a wide range of solutions for the installation of extruded aluminum ceilings. These ceilings are available in anodized, painted, sublimated, and laminated finishes. They provide a durable and weather-resistant option for enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of terrace and pergola areas.

By using these aluminum ceiling systems, architects and designers can unleash their creativity while ensuring long-lasting and visually appealing solutions that can withstand the elements. The variety of finishes offered by Simpleyfácil® allows for customization and integration with different architectural styles and preferences.

The aluminum ceilings from this prestigious brand are not only functional but can also remain in perfect condition for many years, even in adverse conditions such as rain, snow, humidity, and heat. Their installation can contribute to the energy efficiency of spaces by providing thermal insulation to the building envelope. In terms of aesthetics, these aluminum ceilings come in a wide variety of painted or laminated finishes, allowing for personalized and warm atmospheres. For instance, wood-look finishes add character and warmth to these leisure spaces. They offer an alternative solution to natural wood applications that are sensitive to the environmental factors and require high maintenance.

In many cases, the same application is sought for pergolas and canopies that require protection against rain by integrating glass roofs or insulated steel panels filled with polyurethane. In both cases, it is advisable to install an aluminum false ceiling that adds style and design to the environment while providing cool shade and protection from UV rays.

The installation of aluminum false ceilings is straightforward, as it is a lightweight material that can easily adapt to both simple and complex structures for assembly. Its low maintenance requirements also make these aluminum ceilings stand out, as they do not require complicated cleaning tasks, allowing them to remain in good condition for many years.

Having access to the extensive range of solutions offered by Simpleyfácil® for the design and decoration of these spaces will always be an excellent choice for those seeking a durable, highly decorative, and high-quality material. Whether it’s for residential or commercial projects, the versatility and quality of Simpleyfácil® solutions ensure a reliable and aesthetically pleasing result.

Simpleyfácil is one of the most recognized brands in Mexico for the development of aluminum technical facade systems to meet specific demands related to water containment, ventilation, and architectural solutions for passive solar control. All these systems have been growing in their applications due to the versatility offered by a variety of shapes, colors, and textures for architectural design. That’s why today we want to share with you two variants to consider for the application of this type of facade.

Design Facades

The sleek design and lightweight elements that make up the technical ventilated facade systems developed by Simpleyfácil make them suitable for use as apparent curtain walls. They can be employed as decorative and functional elements for facade design, especially to easily integrate exposed spaces such as service areas, staircases, or air conditioning zones that need to be hidden from view. The architect’s creativity in selecting and combining colors can transform these service spaces into a design tool.

It is important to consider the technical requirements of each case so that the engineering specifications of these technical facade systems meet the project’s needs, such as wind resistance, pressure drop, or rainwater containment.

Industrial Applications

The various aluminum technical facades we offer can be considered as an alternative option for efficient, cost-effective, and practical enclosure of industrial buildings. Some of these systems can facilitate the entry of air and natural light while preventing rainwater ingress, contributing to the architectural design of such constructions. This concept serves as an alternative to cladding facades with industrial steel sheets, and due to its easy installation, low maintenance, and variety of finishes, it can be suitable for both new construction projects and renovations. These designs can contribute to the natural regulation of workspace temperature by promoting passive ventilation without the need for energy consumption.

Fences are used to delineate spaces between properties and provide added security. In the case of residential applications, in addition to the mentioned features, there is a clear trend that seeks to emphasize their architectural possibilities for decorative purposes, adding personality, elegance, and modernity to projects.

A variant of fencing is the so-called privacy wall, which incorporates the aforementioned characteristics with the specific function of acting as a barrier to prevent intrusive or unwanted gazes.

To meet design needs, there is a wide variety of material options available, as well as combinations of finishes, colors, and textures that invite creativity and allow for adaptation to different budgets. Below, we share some possibilities that you can consider based on your needs.

Wooden Finishes for Fences

Wood is one of the most common materials used in residential fences, along with stone or brick. It offers a wide range of qualities, durability, and flexible pricing. However, when considering wood for exterior applications, the cheapest options often end up being the most expensive in the long run due to maintenance requirements.

As an alternative to natural wood, there are various options available in the market using aluminum with sublimated finishes based on paint that imitates the look of natural wood. These options come with different qualities and guarantees that can provide better long-term results. Another option is a wide range of PVC coatings that are applied to laminate these profiles, replicating the surface of natural wood to such a degree that they are visually and tactilely indistinguishable. This option is highly recommended due to its guarantees in direct sunlight exposure and its low maintenance requirements. The variety of shapes and accessories offered by the aluminum market makes it a strong candidate for this type of application.

WPC profiles, resulting from the extrusion of PVC with wood sawdust, are also an option for those seeking low-maintenance imitations. In this case, it is necessary to consider a metal supporting structure that allows for screwing the planks, as this material undergoes significant contractions and expansions. To minimize this effect, some profiles are internally reinforced with a steel core.

Regardless of the option chosen, since the end consumer aims to replace natural wood with a similar-looking product that requires minimal maintenance, the manufacturer’s durability guarantee is the best recommendation.

Glass Fences 

Tempered glass is another type of enclosure that can be used to provide security to your home without sacrificing design. This option can be affordable, depending on the quality and durability, and can be easily adapted to any project.

For this type of proposal, glass with a certain level of opacity is often used to preserve privacy and for safety purposes, as transparent glass can pose a collision risk for birds or animals.

Fences with Perforated Panels

The use of perforated steel, aluminum, and PVC panels in architectural design has become a decorative trend aimed at enhancing various spaces such as screens, gates, and fences. While these elements are more decorative than secure, they offer a visually striking design option. Advances in laser cutting technology allow for the creation of unique patterns with a significant level of complexity.

The disadvantage of these applications lies in the complexity of the supporting structure design, typically made of steel, which must accommodate the pattern of the perforated panel. This condition may be limiting for applications where the structure is exposed and visible to residents.

Forged iron fences and steel tubular fences

Forged iron fences continue to be a recommended option due to their quality and durability with regular maintenance. Traditional forged designs persist due to their beauty, although increasingly, minimalist architectural-inspired designs are being integrated. The economical alternative for this type of fencing comes in the form of applying steel tubular profiles of different sizes and gauges. These options are functional, creative, and more cost-effective, although they require higher maintenance costs and frequency. In both cases, we can more frequently see designs that propose integration with other materials such as wood or aluminum to create different patterns in elegant harmony. 

Simpleyfácil Systems

If you are looking for options for your project, Simpleyfácil can help simplify your decision. We offer a wide variety of models for wall covering and privacy space delimitation that are compatible with our pergola and panel systems. These lightweight products are made of aluminum and come with a wide range of laminated coatings that provide ample protection against direct UV exposure. For maintenance, they only require water and mild soap.

When it comes to coating profiles for the manufacturing of windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and facades, the German company Continental Group offers proven quality and attractive designs. Their sustained effort has allowed Skai to establish itself as the leading brand in the market by combining cutting-edge design and maximum functionality with the broadest warranties. This has undoubtedly been the starting point for driving technical innovations that have enabled us to generate new collections of finishes, offering a proven guarantee with a controlled verification process that allows us to expand them as new milestones are reached.

• Cool Colors
• Cool Colors Plus 
• Metbrush
• Mattline 
• Woodec

In 2006, the Continental Group introduced the first Skai sheets with Cool Colors technology. This revolutionized the industry and set the path for future advancements. Cool Colors technology has become a benchmark in the pursuit of more durable finishes, as verified by the results over time.

In 2015, with the introduction of a new generation of surfaces, the performance of the sheets was further enhanced. The new formula developed by Skai provides excellent protection against UV rays and very low thermal absorption. The superior quality of Skai sheets for exterior applications has been confirmed through long-term testing conducted in various geographic locations worldwide. The stability of the finishes in the face of weather effects and direct exposure to sunlight is certified for approximately 30 years in Central Europe, allowing us to offer a 10-year warranty anywhere in the world.

With the technical advancements achieved through the Premium 3-layer composition, Cool Colors Plus further enhances the thermal absorption levels of Skai exterior sheets. This collection is increasingly used in dark profiles and in regions with extreme climates, such as India, South America, or the southern United States. In all thermal measurements obtained so far, they achieve the best results both within their category and compared to other alternative surfaces.

Under the Skai brand, other surface technologies and developments have been carried out in recent years in relation to the design of our foil offerings, including colors, finishes, textures, and patterns, with recognized success.

• Life-like:
  A texture that resembles the silky matte sheen of polished wood, providing both an optical and tactile effect.

• Metbrush:
  A finish that replicates the realistic appearance of brushed metal, available in various metal tones.

• Stylo:
  Finishes that closely resemble rustic wood, providing a highly realistic look.

• Mattline:
  Solid colors with a soft surface and matte finish.

• Alux:
  A glossy lacquer effect with metallic shine and a deep structure.

• X-brush:
  Oblique lines crossing each other to create a dynamic pattern, inspired by automotive engineering.

• Jet black:
  We have developed a pure black color that resembles the shade of jet black, widely recognized in the music and technology world.

• Woodec:
  Incredibly realistic designs that show no difference from real wood. With an ultra-matte finish and synchronized grain pattern, it adds an extra touch of beauty to the enclosure.

End-users demand quality, durability, and new proposals for their products. Therefore, beyond technical innovations, design holds high priority when it comes to exterior surfaces. It is in this field that Skai has managed to give a new boost to the market and consolidate its commercial offering to adapt to the new trends and requirements demanded by the market. This success story would not have been possible without the trust of system suppliers. Together, we share knowledge and aspirations to expand the areas of opportunity that will allow us to produce more and better products that meet the expectations of interior designers and architects.

What will the future hold?

Remaining true to the principles that have brought us this far, the future of Skai will continue to be based on technological development and constant innovation. The brand responsibility that sets us apart, the reliability of our finishes and their functionality, will continue to drive our commitment to our customers in maintaining a dynamic and updated design proposal that ensures maximum competitive advantages.

Collaboration: SKAI Continental