How to plan your terrace space with eBloc roofing

1. Designing a functional relaxation area

Your terrace is an extension of your home — a space that can perform multiple functions simultaneously. The eBloc modular canopy allows you to create a place that will serve you all year round, whatever the weather. However, before you decide on a specific configuration, it is worth thinking about how you will use this space in practice.

Identification of the main needs and activities on the terrace

Start by thinking about what you like to do on the terrace. Is it primarily a place to socialize? Or are you planning to enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by greenery or create an outdoor work corner?

“Defining the main needs is the basis of a good design,” explains Marta Kowalska, an architect specializing in outdoor spaces. “Many of my clients initially only think about protection from the rain, and later regret that they did not take into account other factors such as privacy or sun exposure.”

Ask yourself some key questions:

• How many people will regularly use the space?
• Are you planning to hold larger meetings?
• Do you need space for a barbecue or mini outdoor kitchen?
• Do you want to use the terrace all year round?

The answers to these questions will help you determine the optimal size of the structure and the necessary equipment.

Planning of utility areas (leisure, dining room, mini-kitchen)

A covered space, even of a small area, can perform several functions at once, if you properly plan the utility zones. The modular eBloc system is perfect for this, as it allows flexible space sharing.

The most common zones on a covered terrace are:

Recreation area — a comfortable sofa, armchairs and a coffee table are the basis. For this zone, it is worth planning a wall with zip-screens from the side from which the wind most often blows or the neighbors have a view of the terrace.

Dining area — the table and chairs are best placed in the central part, where the height of the canopy is greatest. If you are planning frequent meals outdoors, you may want to consider glass walls that will provide a view of the garden while protecting from the wind.

Mini kitchen — if you have space, you can set aside a small area for a barbecue, refrigerator or worktop. This zone will work best with a wall adjacent to the house, which will facilitate the supply of utilities.

“The key to comfortable use of the terrace is to maintain the appropriate distances between the zones,” suggests Kowalska. “The minimum distance between the seating area and the dining area is about 80-100 cm - this is enough to pass freely and not disturb the people sitting.”

Adjusting the dimensions of the roof to the available space

The eBloc modular system offers flexibility in space design. The basic module with dimensions of 250x250 cm can be combined with others, creating a design tailored to your needs.

When planning dimensions, consider:

• Available terrace space — the roof should not occupy more than 70-80% of the terrace area to maintain freedom of movement
• Furniture that you plan to place under a canopy - it needs additional space to move chairs, spread out sun loungers, etc.
• Solar system — if you opt for a photovoltaic roof, the optimal setting is the southern direction

For example: for a seating area with a 3-seater sofa and two armchairs, you need about 9 m², and for a dining area with a 6-seater table, another 10 m². In total, this results in the need for two eBloc modules connected together (12.5 m²).

The choice between wall-mounted and free-standing construction

The last but equally important planning element is deciding whether your eBloc structure is to be attached to the wall of the building or completely freestanding. Both solutions have their advantages.

Wall structure:

• Takes up less space on the terrace
• It gives the impression of a natural extension of the house
• Facilitates the conduct of the electrical installation
• Provides better wind protection on one side

Freestanding design:

• Gives you more freedom in choosing your location
• Allows optimal positioning of the photovoltaic roof
• Allows better air circulation
• It can be rearranged in the future if your needs change

“For a house with modern architecture, a wall-mounted eBloc pergola with a photovoltaic roof and glass walls will work great,” advises Tomasz Nowak, installer of eBloc systems. “In a country-style garden, on the other hand, a free-standing structure with a fabric roof and zip-screen walls that can be raised and lowered as needed looks better.”

Keep in mind that no matter which option you choose, eBloc can be expanded with additional modules in the future, giving you the flexibility to adapt your space to changing needs.

2. Adapting eBloc roofing to weather conditions and seasons

One of the biggest advantages of having an eBloc canopy is being able to use the terrace for a much longer part of the year. Properly planned roofing makes both hot summer days and cool autumn evenings an opportunity to spend time outdoors. To take full advantage of this potential, it is worth thinking about how to adapt the structure to changing weather conditions.

Strategic use of different types of roofs

The eBloc system offers several roofing options, each with its own unique advantages. Choosing the right solution depends on your priorities and local conditions.

Photovoltaic roof (double sealed)

This solution combines two key functions: rain protection and electricity generation. The eBloc photovoltaic roof consists of two layers - the upper one with solar panels and the lower one sealing, which eliminates the problem of leakage characteristic of ordinary photovoltaic carports.

“We installed the eBloc roof with a photovoltaic roof two years ago and we are delighted,” says Anna from Poznań. “During the day, the panels produce energy that we use to power the lighting and the small refrigerator on the terrace. Even during heavy rainfall, we can sit outside — not a drop is leaking.”

Such a roof is perfect if you want to:

• Reduction of electricity bills
• Full protection against rain
• Modern design of the structure

But remember that for maximum efficiency of solar panels, the roof should be oriented towards the south, with the right angle of inclination.

Retractable fabric roof

An alternative to a permanent canopy is a system with a retractable waterproof fabric. This solution offers more flexibility — on sunny days you can spread the fabric to enjoy direct sunlight, and in case of rain or too intense sun — quickly slide it in.

The fabric roof is perfect when:

• You want to have control over the amount of light on the terrace
• You want a lightweight, unobtrusive design
• You plan to use the terrace mainly in the spring-summer season

“The retractable system gives incredible flexibility,” explains garden designer Piotr Wiśniewski. “Many of my clients appreciate the opportunity to observe the starry sky on summer evenings, which is not provided by a permanent roof.”

Wind protection - selection of suitable sidewalls

The wind can effectively discourage the use of the terrace even in warm weather. The eBloc system offers various solutions that minimize this problem while fulfilling other functions.

Fixed glass walls (FIX)

This is the most solid wind protection, which at the same time does not limit the view. Permanently mounted glass panels create a tight barrier, protecting against gusts from any direction.

Such a solution is ideal when:

• You live in a windy area
• You want an unlimited view of the garden
• You plan to use the terrace also in colder weather
• Protection from outside noise is a priority

“The glass walls completely changed our experience of using the terrace,” Marek from Wrocław shares his impressions. “Before, even a light wind made dining on the terrace a torment — everything was flying. Now we sit as if in a cozy conservatory, but still in the open air.”

Zip-screens

This solution offers greater flexibility than permanent glazing. Zip-screens are blinds made of technical fabric placed in special guides that can be lowered and raised as needed.

Zip-screens will work perfectly when:

• You only need protection from the wind sometimes
• You care about regulating the insolation
• You want to maintain privacy at certain times
• Need easy access to the garden from different sides of the terrace

Importantly, the zip-screen system available in eBloc can be integrated with home automation, allowing control via a mobile app or responding to weather conditions (e.g. automatic lowering in strong winds).

Aluminium slats

This solution combines the advantages of constant wind protection with the ability to adjust the degree of opening. The lamellas can be set at different angles, controlling the air flow and the amount of light.

Lamella walls are an ideal choice when:

• Need a solid but airy barrier
• You want to regulate the degree of privacy
• You want a modern, minimalist look
• Are you planning to integrate the canopy into the fencing system of the property

“The slats give the best balance between protection and openness,” says landscape architect Agata Domańska. “They can be set to block the wind, but at the same time allow air to flow freely, which is important especially on hot days.”

Protection from the sun and rain - the optimal arrangement of the canopy

Proper alignment of the eBloc structure relative to the sides of the world is crucial for the comfort of use of the terrace all year round.

Sun protection

In our climate, the sun wanders higher above the horizon in summer and lower in winter. This can be used when planning the location of the canopy:

• The terrace on the south side will be the warmest, but also the most exposed to overheating in the summer. Here a good option is a fabric sliding roof or a photovoltaic roof with a zip-screen system on the south side.
• The terrace from the east will provide pleasant morning sun, but it will be cooler in the afternoon - a lighter roof with the possibility of warming up in the evening will work here.
• The west facing terrace heats up in the afternoons, which is beneficial in spring and autumn, but can be a nuisance on summer evenings — you might want to consider additional zip-screens from this site.

Protection against rain

For effective protection against rain, the right angle of inclination of the roof and the water drainage system are crucial:

• The eBloc photovoltaic roof has an integrated water drainage system that directs it to the gutters hidden in the structure of the pillars.
• With fabric roofs, it is worth taking care of the proper tension of the material, which will prevent the accumulation of water in the hollows.

“There is nothing worse than a roof that drips long after the rain is over,” warns Tomasz Nowak, the installer. “The eBloc system solves this problem with a well-thought-out water drainage system.”

Solutions to enjoy the terrace all year round

In order for your covered terrace to serve you regardless of the season, it is worth considering a few additional elements:

LED Lighting

The eBloc system can be equipped with integrated LED lighting that:

• Extends the time of using the terrace until late in the evening
• Creates a cozy atmosphere
• Can be powered by energy accumulated by photovoltaic panels

“The lighting in the pillars and under the roof has completely changed the way we use the terrace,” admits Katarzyna from Krakow. “Even on cloudy autumn evenings, we like to hang out there — the light creates an amazing atmosphere.”

Heating

For colder days, it is worth considering installing heat radiators that can be hung under a canopy. Modern heating systems:

• They effectively heat the space under the canopy, without wasting energy on heating the entire environment
• They can be controlled remotely or via an app
• In the case of roofing with photovoltaic panels, they can use the energy produced

Mobile floor

If you opt for a composite floor, you gain additional insulation from the cold ground, which significantly increases the comfort of using the terrace in colder weather.

3. Personalization and integration with the environment

The eBloc roofing gives you great possibilities to adapt the terrace to your individual style and needs. In this section, we will look at how to create a space that is not only functional, but also aesthetically consistent with its surroundings and reflects your personal taste.

Selection and arrangement of the floor

The floor is an element that has a huge impact on both the appearance and practicality of the covered space. The eBloc system offers several solutions to consider.

Composite floor on aluminum structure

WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) composite boards are a modern alternative to traditional wood. Installed on eBloc aluminium structural profiles, they create a stable, durable floor that:

• It is weatherproof — does not warp, does not warp
• Does not require impregnation or painting
• It is safe - there are no splinters, it is not slippery after rain
• It offers a variety of finishes - from imitation exotic wood to modern gray

“The decision to install a composite floor under our eBloc roof completely changed the nature of the space,” Marcin from Gdańsk shares his experience. “Before, we had a traditional terrace made of ceramic tiles, which were icy in winter and slippery in the rain. Now walking barefoot on the terrace is pure pleasure - even in early spring the floor is pleasantly warm to the touch.”

When choosing composite boards, it is worth paying attention to:

• Surface texture — both smooth and grooved versions available
• Color scheme — light shades visually enlarge the space, dark ones add elegance
• Mounting system — the best solutions offer invisible fixings

Construction without additional flooring

An alternative solution is to place the eBloc roof directly on the existing pavement — terrace tiles, paving stones or poured concrete. This is an option that:

• Allows you to save on the cost of the entire installation
• It is ideal when the existing pavement is in good condition
• Allows a smooth transition between the covered terrace and the rest of the garden

“Initially, we considered the installation of a composite floor, but in the end we decided to put the eBloc construction directly on our terracotta tiles,” says Joanna from Wrocław. “It was a hit — the warm terracotta color blends perfectly with the anthracite canopy construction, and the lack of a threshold between the covered area and the open terrace makes the space seem larger.”

When choosing an option without additional flooring, it is worth:

• Ensure that the existing pavement has an adequate slope so that water does not accumulate under the canopy
• Consider the arrangement of an outdoor carpet that will visually separate the space
• Think about heated furniture mats if you plan to use the terrace on colder days

Possibilities of lighting and its impact on the functionality of space

Properly designed lighting can completely transform the character of a covered terrace after dark. The eBloc system offers integrated lighting solutions that not only perform a practical function, but also create a moody atmosphere.

Lighting integrated into the structure

One of the biggest advantages of the eBloc system is the ability to install LED lighting directly into structural elements:

• LED strips in bollards — subtly illuminate the space and emphasize the architecture of the structure
• Illumination in the upper side beams - ensures uniform light distribution throughout the space
• Spotlights fixed to the structure — allow you to direct the light to specific places, such as the dining table

“The lighting in the bollards was a game-changer,” admits Piotr from Poznań. “Evening dinners on the terrace have taken on a whole new dimension. The light is discreet enough not to attract insects, yet bright enough to move freely and create a cozy atmosphere.”

Importantly, in the case of a canopy with a photovoltaic roof, the entire lighting system can be powered by energy produced during the day.

Zonal lighting planning

For larger spaces, it is worth considering the division of lighting into zones that can be controlled independently:

• Lounge area — soft, warm light conducive to relaxation
• Dining area — brighter lighting for comfortable dining
• Communication zone — subtle underlighting of the floor for easy orientation after dark

“Planning lighting in zones allows you to create different lighting scenarios,” explains interior designer Karol Nowacki. “We can have a romantic dinner with dim lights or a brightly lit table for playing cards — all controlled from the mobile app.”

When designing lighting, it is also worth thinking about:

• Light colors — warm shades (2700-3000K) create a cozy atmosphere
• Dimmable — allows you to adjust the intensity to the situation
• Automation — motion or twilight sensors can automatically adjust lighting

Harmony with the architecture of the building and the garden

In order for the eBloc canopy to become an integral part of your space, it is worth taking care of its visual coherence with both the building and the surrounding garden.

Color Matching

The eBloc system is available in several standard colour variants, which can be selected to match:

• Joinery for windows and doors of the building
• The facade of the house
• Elements of fencing and small architecture

“We chose the eBloc construction in anthracite colour, identical to our windows and doors,” says Magdalena from Cracow. “This made the canopy visually 'belong' to the house rather than look like a random addition.”

The most commonly chosen colors are:

• Anthracite (RAL 7016) — universal, modern, suitable for most modern buildings
• White (RAL 9016) — brightens the space, ideal for smaller terraces
• Brown (RAL 8017) — blends well with traditional architecture

Integration with greenery

The design of eBloc can become an excellent support for plants, creating a harmonious transition between architecture and garden:

• Climbers on the pillars of the structure - vines, honeysuckle or clematis introduce an element of naturalness
• Planters integrated into the floor — allow you to create a green border between the covered terrace and the garden
• Suspended plants — baskets with geraniums or ivy can be attached to the beams of the structure

“We decided to have planters with tall grasses on the sides of our eBloc roof,” says Tomasz from Warsaw. “Gently moving in the wind, plants bring dynamism and make the whole structure look like a thoughtful element of the garden, not an alien object.”

When integrating the canopy with greenery, it is worth remembering:

• Selection of plants suitable for the level of sunlight — other species will work for glass walls, others for zip-screens
• Irrigation system — drippers integrated into the design can significantly facilitate plant care
• Seasonality — it is worth planning the plant composition so that it looks attractive all year round

Combining eBloc Modules for Larger Spaces

One of the key advantages of the eBloc system is its modularity, allowing the creation of larger structures tailored to individual needs.

Connecting modules in a line

The basic eBloc module (250x250 cm) can be expanded to create larger canopies:

• Two modules (250x490 cm) — the perfect solution for the dining and seating area
• Three modules (250x730 cm) — allow you to create a full-size garden living room

Importantly, when connecting modules, we do not duplicate all structural elements — the central pillars are common to adjacent modules, which reduces the cost of expansion and ensures an aesthetic appearance of the whole.

“We started with one eBloc module with a photovoltaic roof, but it quickly became clear that we needed more space,” recalls Łukasz from Gdynia. “Purchasing the second module was simple and did not require dismantling the existing structure. Moreover, thanks to the common pillars, the structure looks as planned from the beginning as a whole.”

Creating complex layouts

The eBloc system allows you to create more complex configurations:

• Modules set at an angle of 90 degrees, forming an L-shaped structure
• Island structures — separate canopies for different functional zones
• Combination with other products from the Electrotile line, e.g. eFence photovoltaic fence

When designing complex layouts, it is worth resorting to the help of a specialist who will help optimize the arrangement of the poles and plan the appropriate fastening between the modules.

“For our corner terrace we chose the L-shaped eBloc construction,” Adam from Łódź describes his experience. “This allowed us to create two clearly separated zones — one with a photovoltaic roof, intended for the dining room, the other with a fabric roof as a place to relax. The whole creates a coherent composition, perfectly adapted to the shape of our house.”

When planning the expansion of the eBloc system, it is worth considering:

• The possibility of phased implementation of the project — you can start with the basic module and expand it in the following seasons
• Uniformity of finish — to maintain a consistent look, it is worth opting for a single roofing system and color scheme
• Future needs — it is worth designing the structure with a view to potential expansion, even if we initially decide on a smaller solution

An eBloc canopy is not only a practical addition to your patio, but a piece that can completely change the way you use your outdoor space. With a thoughtful design, the right selection of elements and personalization, you can create a place that will be an extension of your home — functional, aesthetic and tailored to your individual needs.

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