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Modern pergolas, such as the Pergomella Compact, can be equipped with various types of side panels, making it easy to adapt them to how the patio is used. These panels help keep the space from overheating, provide shelter from the wind, ensure privacy, and allow the pergola to be used for most of the year.
Choosing the right solution is not always straightforward. There are many systems available on the market – from sliding glass walls and adjustable lammellas to ZIP screens, fixed panels and textile curtains. Each offers its own advantages and performs best under specific conditions.
At Nerli Gruppen, we have been working with solar shading systems for many years and cooperate with partners delivering pergola projects across Europe. From our experience, the most common question is not “Which system is the best?”, but rather “Which system is best for my pergola?”
That’s exactly the question this guide aims to answer.
Rather than pointing to a single “winner”, we compare the advantages, limitations and applications of each solution to help you make an informed decision.
Before choosing a specific system, it’s worth asking yourself one simple question:
What bothers you most when using your terrace?
For some, it’s intense sunlight and high temperatures. For others, it’s strong winds, a lack of privacy or mosquitoes appearing in the evening.
Well-designed pergola side walls can simultaneously:
However, there is no single solution that excels in all of these areas at the same time. That’s why it’s worth identifying your priorities before making a decision.
If you’re looking for a quick answer, the table below will help you identify which solution best matches your needs.
| If your main priority is… | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| Reducing heat build-up inside the pergola | ZIP Screens |
| Protection from intense sunlight | ZIP Screens |
| Protection from wind | Sliding glass walls |
| Protection against rain | Sliding glass walls |
| Preserving the view of the garden | Sliding glass walls or ZIP Screens |
| Increasing privacy | Adjustable lammellas or ZIP Screens |
| Protection against insects | ZIP Screens |
| Using the pergola during cooler months | Sliding glass walls |
| Minimalist aesthetics | Adjustable lammellas, sliding glass walls or ZIP Screens |
These are general recommendations only. In practice, the best solution depends largely on the pergola’s location, its orientation towards the sun and the way the space will be used.
To ensure an objective comparison, we evaluated each solution using the same set of criteria.
The following aspects were taken into account:
This makes it easier to compare the different systems not only in terms of appearance, but above all in terms of functionality.
Sliding glass walls have long been one of the most popular solutions for pergolas. It’s easy to see why – they offer an elegant appearance, provide excellent protection against wind and preserve an unobstructed view of the garden.
They are particularly appreciated by homeowners who want to enjoy their pergola not only in summer, but also during spring and autumn.
| ✔ Advantages | ✖ Limitations |
|---|---|
| Excellent protection against wind. | Do not effectively reduce heat build-up caused by solar radiation. |
| Excellent protection against rain. | A greenhouse effect may occur during hot weather. |
| Unobstructed view of the garden. | Do not provide shade. |
| Elegant, modern appearance. | Require regular cleaning. |
| Extend the outdoor living season. | Usually one of the more expensive solutions. |
When talking to customers, we often encounter the belief that sliding glass alone will solve every comfort-related issue in a pergola.
In practice, the greatest advantage of sliding glass is its ability to protect against wind and rain. However, if the pergola is exposed to the south or west, glass alone will not effectively prevent heat build-up during hot summer days.
That’s why, in modern pergola designs, sliding glass is increasingly used for one purpose, while thermal comfort is ensured by an additional solar shading system, such as ZIPNER ZIP Screens.
Within the Nerli Gruppen product range, the ZIPNER 110 Slim system is the most commonly chosen solution for modern pergolas and large glazed areas.
Unlike sliding glass, ZIP Screens are specifically designed to provide effective solar protection. Their purpose is to reduce the amount of solar energy reaching the pergola before the space has a chance to heat up.
This is why they are increasingly used not only with pergolas, but also on large residential glazing, office buildings and public facilities. For larger pergola structures and oversized glazed areas, it is worth considering the ZIPNER 150 system, designed specifically for larger spans and wider screen installations.
| ✔ Advantages | ✖ Limitations |
|---|---|
| Effectively reduce heat build-up inside the pergola. | Do not create a fully enclosed space like sliding glass walls. |
| Provide excellent protection against intense sunlight. | Not intended for year-round enclosure. |
| Preserve the view of the garden thanks to transparent technical fabrics. | During heavy rainfall, they do not provide the same level of weather protection as sliding glass walls. |
| Significantly improve comfort during hot summer days. | Choosing the right fabric type and openness factor is essential for the best performance. |
| With the appropriate fabric and configuration, they can also function as an insect screen. | — |
| Provide increased daytime privacy. | — |
| The ZIP guidance system offers excellent wind resistance. | — |
| Can be stopped at any position for precise control of shade and privacy. | — |
We hear this question very often.
Unlike sliding glass, which allows solar radiation to pass through, ZIP Screens use specialised technical fabrics. Their purpose is to reflect and absorb part of the solar energy before it reaches the interior of the pergola.
The result is simple – more natural daylight under the pergola, but significantly less heat.
Choosing the right fabric is equally important. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a more transparent fabric that preserves the view of the garden or a denser fabric that provides greater privacy. With the right fabric and configuration, the system can also function as an insect screen, helping to keep mosquitoes and other insects away from the outdoor living area.
Adjustable side lammellas have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in contemporary architecture. Their defining feature is the ability to adjust the angle of the aluminium lammellas, allowing users to control both the amount of daylight entering the pergola and the desired level of privacy.
This solution is chosen primarily for its architectural appearance. It complements minimalist buildings perfectly and is often incorporated as an integral part of the overall façade design.
| ✔ Advantages | ✖ Limitations |
|---|---|
| Modern, elegant appearance. | Partially restrict the view of the garden. |
| Allow precise control of daylight. | Do not provide complete protection against rain. |
| Durable aluminium construction. | The level of wind protection depends on the angle of the lammellas. |
| Provide a high level of privacy. | Less effective at reducing heat build-up than ZIP Screens. |
| Allow natural ventilation inside the pergola. | Usually more expensive than simpler side wall systems. |
Adjustable lammellas are an excellent choice when contemporary design and the ability to control daylight are the main priorities. By adjusting the angle of the lammellas, you can reduce direct sunlight while maintaining natural airflow.
It’s worth remembering that even when partially open, lammellas provide a more limited view of the garden than sliding glass walls or transparent ZIP Screen fabrics.
Textile curtains have been used for years in hotels, restaurants and private outdoor living spaces. They create comfortable and inviting atmosphere and give the pergola a softer, more relaxed character.
They are most commonly chosen as a decorative addition rather than the primary solution for protection against weather conditions.
| ✔ Advantages | ✖ Limitations |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective solution. | Limited wind resistance. |
| Soft, decorative appearance. | Limited material durability. |
| Easy fabric replacement. | Do not provide effective protection against rain. |
| Easy way to refresh the look of the outdoor space. | Require regular cleaning and maintenance. |
Textile curtains create a welcoming atmosphere and enhance the overall appearance of a pergola. However, they are not a substitute for technical shading systems when protection from the sun, wind or rain is the priority. If your pergola is intended primarily as a relaxing outdoor living space during calm summer days, textile curtains can be an attractive finishing touch.
Technical specifications are important, but what really matters is how a pergola performs in everyday use.
The comparison below shows which solutions perform best in different situations.
| Situation | Sliding Glass | ZIP Screens | Adjustable Lammellas | Panels | Textile Curtains |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Weather & Intense Sunlight | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
| Strong Wind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐☆☆☆☆ |
| Heavy Rain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐☆☆☆☆ |
| Preserving the View | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Privacy | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Protection Against Insects | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐* | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | ⭐☆☆☆☆ |
| Using the Pergola Beyond the Summer Season | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐☆☆☆☆ |
* With the appropriate fabric and system configuration, ZIP Screens can also function as an insect screen.
Just a few years ago, most pergolas were equipped with only one type of side wall. Today, architects and homeowners increasingly combine different systems to take advantage of the strengths of each.
Popular combinations include:
There is no universal combination of pergola side walls. Every pergola is different – with its own orientation, exposure to sunlight, wind conditions and surroundings. That’s why, when designing a pergola, it’s important to consider the entire outdoor space rather than focusing on a single system. In many cases, combining different solutions delivers significantly better results than relying on just one.
This is one of the questions we hear most often from homeowners planning a new pergola or upgrading an existing one.
The answer is yes in most cases. However, the installation method depends on the pergola’s construction, dimensions and the type of side wall system selected.
Już na etapie projektowania warto zastanowić się, jakie funkcje mają pełnić ściany boczne. Pozwala to odpowiednio przygotować konstrukcję, zaplanować prowadzenie przewodów elektrycznych oraz dobrać rozwiązania, które będą ze sobą w pełni kompatybilne.
If your pergola has already been installed, it is often still possible to add side wall systems afterwards. The available options depend on the pergola model and the installation method.
Pergola side walls have a significant impact on outdoor comfort. The right solution can reduce heat build-up, provide protection from wind, increase privacy and allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for much more of the year.
However, there is no single system that is the perfect choice for every project.
More and more often, the best results are achieved by combining different side wall systems, making it possible to take advantage of the strengths of each and create an outdoor space tailored to individual needs.
At Nerli Gruppen, we have been designing and manufacturing modern solar shading systems for many years, working with partners across Europe.
Whether you’re planning a new pergola or upgrading an existing one with side wall systems, we’ll help you choose the solution best suited to:
This way, you’ll create an outdoor space that remains comfortable throughout the changing seasons.
