Pérgolas y cenadores a medida

Why modern pergolas require an engineering approach

The history of pergolas has its roots in the Mediterranean, where they were used to support vineyards and create cool walkways. However, in the modern climate of the United States, traditional approaches to building pergolas out of wood or stone often fail.

For example, wooden structures suffer the most from Florida’s tropical humidity: the components absorb moisture, increasing the risk of rot and mold growth. Concrete and stone structures are not suitable for those seeking a temporary solution for their garden. They are often too heavy, placing an undue load on a building’s facade or a patio’s foundation. Furthermore, it’s difficult and expensive to recreate intricate shapes from such materials, whether it’s arches, curved beams or Corinthian capitals. Such projects require the involvement of sculptors or the fabrication of special molds.

Decorative Architectural Shapes offers a modern solution based on custom architectural foam that streamlines the creation and installation of such garden structures. Our colonnade arcade systems and pergolas are manufactured through our own architectural fabrication process using high-density EPS and industrial polyurea. This combination makes the systems highly durable against daily wear and tear.

What our products are made of

Every product begins with engineering and then we adapt it to the client’s project. We always manufacture customized solutions that fit each client’s needs. Here’s what makes our systems unique:

• Core. We use Architectural Grade EPS that allows us to produce any shape, from large timber style beams to elegant classical designs. The internal structure of each element can be reinforced with composite or metal inserts if the project demands it.
• Finishing. The outer layer is polyurea. This coating has a Shore D 60 hardness rating, meaning it resists impact, weather and even mechanical damage. It also protects the foam from moisture and UV. We hand-calibrate complex engineering assemblies and textured surfaces to mimic natural materials. The result is seamless transitions that look like they were done by a carpenter or stonemason, not a manufacturing machine.

Why polymer pergola systems versus wood or concrete?

• Reduced dead load. A wooden pergola requires sturdy support posts. Our system is about 10 times lighter, which makes it possible to integrate hidden features (embedded components, lighting fixtures) into the structure without compromising strength.
• Lower TCO. A wooden pergola requires painting and mold prevention. The polyurea coating is inert — it minimizes moisture absorption and retains its color for years.
• Fast installation. We use custom-engineered grooves for quick assembly. A team of two can erect the structure in just a few hours, saving you on labor costs.
• Visual appeal. Every part is first modeled in 3D, so everything fits perfectly. You won’t see any misaligned joints or screw heads as all fasteners are concealed.

We can implement any style

The beauty of EPS pergola systems is that they can be easily adapted to match your home’s style right from the planning stage. Does your project call for a classic look? We’ll complement your pergola with Tuscan or Corinthian columns or give it a curved pergola profile with arched beams.

Looking for modern minimalism? We’ll create a pergola with clean, graphic lines. Our artisanal approach ensures that the architect’s vision is preserved, as we don’t limit the architect to catalog sizes but work specifically on your custom project, from small pergolas for a courtyard to large pergolas for a hospitality venue.

Our custom outdoor pergolas are used in residential backyards and on patios, as well as at hospitality and commercial properties, and we work with homeowners, architects, and landscape designers. A typical scenario is a shaded dining area or outdoor kitchen on an existing patio, where a lightweight structure helps avoid overloading the slab. To bring greenery into the design, pair the pergola with our green wall and vertical garden panels.