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Why don't we use awnings anymore (2022)

(thecraftsmanblog.com)
413 points samclemens | 3 comments | 15 Oct 24 22:11 UTC | HN request time: 0.804s | source
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pistoleer ◴[16 Oct 24 07:10 UTC] No.41856374[source]▶
It surprises me to read about "fixed metal frame" awnings. You don't _have_ to make that trade off.

In the Netherlands a lot of houses have electrically retractable awnings (or even just mechanically windable by hand), especially above the giant windows facing the back yard.

During winter and bad weather, we retract the awning. When it's too sunny, we deploy it.

typical row house layout with big windows on both sides: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doorzonwoning

retractable awning: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zonnescherm

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zukzuk ◴[16 Oct 24 12:13 UTC] No.41858177[source]▶
A house I lived in during the pandemic had a pergola covered in wisteria vines over the south facing windows. In the summer the vines would leaf out and block most of the hot sun, and in the winter the leaves fell away and let in a ton of light.

Worked great, looked great, and smelled great for the two weeks of bloom in may.

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1. reneherse ◴[16 Oct 24 13:49 UTC] No.41859021[source]▶
This is a great technique that I believe has been used for ages and was re-popularized in recent decades by advocates of ecological and sustainable architecture.

I've heard of grape vines being used in place of wisteria, which might be better in places where the latter is considered an invasive species. There may be other "friendly creepers" with similar deciduous qualities as well.

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2. hedora ◴[16 Oct 24 14:40 UTC] No.41859597[source]▶
We’d put something like that near the house if not for the fire risk. I feel like there should be a solution to that problem though.
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3. schiffern ◴[16 Oct 24 15:14 UTC] No.41860057[source]▶
You can select vine species that are fire-resistant (including grape and wisteria).

Paradoxically, this can make a building more fire-resistant than just having a bare wall. Plants contain water, after all.

https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Fire...