Why don't we use awnings anymore (2022)

(thecraftsmanblog.com)

413 points samclemens | 1 comments | 15 Oct 24 22:11 UTC | HN request time: 0.204s | 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]▶

>>41856374 #

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. intrepidhero ◴[16 Oct 24 17:16 UTC] No.41861448[source]▶

>>41858177 #

At my first house I built garden beads in the back yard about 4 feet from the house, each with an 8 foot tall trellis for peas and beans. Seeing that lovely green wall outside the window in the summer was the absolute nicest window treatment I've ever had.

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