A backyard dining space that actually gets used

Some patios spend half the year empty. Too bright at midday, too cold when the breeze picks up, too damp after a passing shower. Dan wanted the opposite: a place that worked for coffee, lunch, and late dinners without moving the party inside.

He chose a Tasman freestanding louvre roof and set it over a stone-paved courtyard with a timber table at the center. The clean, square frame reads like simple architecture, not a temporary shelter, and the adjustable louvres let the space breathe or seal tight as the weather shifts.

Snapshot

• Client: Dan

• Structure: Tasman freestanding louvre roof

• Use: Outdoor dining and cooking zone

• Setting: Suburban garden with mature trees and a paved courtyard

• Notable details: Adjustable louvres for shade and rain protection, neat integration with BBQ and outdoor storage

The brief

Create a comfortable outdoor room that never feels like a compromise. Keep it minimal, easy to look after, and tough enough for everyday family use.

The build

The Tasman frame sits neatly on the paving, aligning with the dining table to center the room. Louvres run front to back so sun control tracks the path of the day. When rain threatens, the roof closes and channels water to the pergola’s integrated gutters, keeping the table dry without bulky add-ons. The dark frame sets off the warm timber and stone, which is why the whole area now reads as one thoughtful space.

Everyday use

Mornings start with the louvres cracked for soft light. Midday shade keeps the stone cool underfoot. Evenings are for cooking beside the grill with the roof partly open to vent heat and aromas. The result is a dining area that works at more times of the day, across more months of the year.

From Dan:
“Super easy to install and really well made. It’s become another room for the house and we couldn’t be happier.”

Why this setup works

• Simple geometry, strong presence
  The square frame creates a clear ceiling line that makes the courtyard feel like a real room.

• Control without clutter
  Adjustable louvres provide shade and rain cover without fabric canopies or seasonal pack away.

• Low maintenance materials
  Powder-coated aluminium and a built-in drainage path mean less upkeep and a cleaner finish.

• Fits the way the space is used
  Table at the center, cooking along the edge, circulation around the perimeter. Nothing fights the flow.

Thinking about your own space

If your patio looks great but rarely gets used, a freestanding louvre roof can be the missing piece. Share your rough dimensions and how you like to spend time outside, and we will suggest a Tasman configuration that suits your site and your routine. No obligation, just practical options to help you turn a good courtyard into your favorite room.