Bioclimatic Pergola in Adana: Shade in Summer, Sun in Winter

Sun and heat in Adana

The Adana statistics of the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM, Meteoroloji Genel Müdürlüğü) for 1929-2025 show how clear the problem is:

There are more than 10 hours of sunshine a day in summer, and more than 4 hours a day even in winter. Rain is concentrated largely in winter and can drop a lot of water in a short time. According to MGM records, the highest rainfall in a single day in Adana is 147.0 mm, measured on 25 December 2019.

The angle at which the sun arrives also changes a great deal with the season. Adana lies at about 37° north latitude. At midday, the height of the sun above the horizon is therefore:

How does a bioclimatic pergola work?

The system consists of a frame and aluminium louvres that rotate on their own axis inside the frame. The louvres move together with a motor and are controlled with a remote.

In some systems the louvres only rotate. In others, besides rotating, they gather at one end and the roof opens completely. Which one is suitable depends on how the space is used.

Why is it cooler in summer?

As the air in the area where you sit warms up, it becomes lighter and rises. If the roof is fully closed, this hot air collects under the roof and forms a stifling layer at head height. When the louvres are at an angle, the sun is still blocked, but the rising hot air can escape between the louvres. Cooler air enters from the sides in its place.

In short, in a bioclimatic pergola shade and ventilation are not alternatives to each other. They can be had at the same time. In an Adana summer, this is where the real difference appears.

Comparison with the other options

This table is a general comparison. Dimensions, angles and strength values differ from model to model. When choosing, look at the technical information of the product concerned.

Four seasons with side enclosures

The roof alone protects only from above. In summer, in the morning and evening, the sun comes in low from the side. In winter, wind and rain also come in from the side. For this reason a bioclimatic pergola is often considered together with side enclosures:

Adding side enclosures also raises another subject: permits. A pergola that is fully closed with glass on all sides may no longer count as a pergola. We explain this below.

Automation and sensors

In most systems the louvres are controlled with a remote. Some systems also offer lighting and smart home connection.

Rain, wind and sun sensors are not standard on every product. On some products they are included in the package, on others they are added as an option. If the system has a rain sensor, the louvres can close by themselves when it starts to rain. When you ask for a quotation, it is worth asking separately which sensors are included in the package.

Permits and approvals

There are two separate sets of rules here: the zoning legislation, which concerns the municipality, and the Condominium Law (Kat Mülkiyeti Kanunu), which concerns the neighbours in an apartment building.

Municipality side. Article 59 of the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation (Planlı Alanlar İmar Yönetmeliği) lists the pergola among works that do not need a building permit. According to the definition in the regulation, a pergola is a light-material structure, open on all sides, built in a garden or on a terrace without changing the building facades. Structures that are closed on all sides, turned into a winter garden or that create an independent area of use may fall outside this scope and may be treated as subject to a permit.

Floor area ratio in gardens (emsal). Under the amendment published in Official Gazette (Resmî Gazete) No. 33297 dated 1 July 2026, pergolas built in a garden as landscaping, which are not an independent unit or an annex and are not integrated with the main load-bearing system, are not included in the floor area ratio (emsal) calculation for the part that, together with the other uses listed in the regulation, does not exceed 20% of the garden area.

Apartment buildings and housing estates. That no municipal permit is needed does not mean management permission is not needed. If the pergola is to be built in a shared garden or on a shared roof terrace, or even on a terrace belonging to a flat if it changes the outside appearance of the building, the written consent of at least four-fifths of all unit owners is needed under Article 19 of the Condominium Law. In a detached house this consent does not apply, but in villa estates the estate management plan is binding.

Where and how is it used in Adana?

What affects the price?

A bioclimatic pergola is made to order for each project. For this reason the price does not change in a straight line with square metres. The main factors are:

• Whether the louvres only rotate or rotate and retract
• The size of the area and how many modules it is divided into
• The span between the posts
• Colour and surface choice
• Side enclosures such as zip blind, guillotine or sliding glass
• Lighting, sensors and automation
• The installation site and ground preparation

Because items such as the motor and the remote are needed even in a small area, the cost per square metre may come out higher at small sizes. Exact information can only be given after a site survey.

Frequently asked questions