What Are Outdoor Living Systems?
Outdoor living systems are integrated architectural solutions that extend your home's usable space into the outdoors. Unlike simple patio furniture or standalone awnings, these are engineered systems designed to work together, providing shade, weather protection, climate control, and functional outdoor kitchens that help the space work as a usable outdoor room.
Climate Control
Adjust sun, shade, and airflow on demand. Motorized louvers, retractable screens, and integrated heating extend your outdoor season when the site and system mix support it.
Weather Protection
Engineered for Chicago's demanding climate: wind-rated structures, integrated rain management, and snow-load engineering that stands up to Midwest winters.
Integrated Design
Systems designed to work together. Pergolas with integrated screens. Outdoor kitchens under protective covers. Everything connected, everything coordinated.
Choose Your System
Four primary systems, each engineered for specific use cases. Many homeowners combine multiple systems for complete outdoor living.
Motorized Pergolas
Motorized aluminum louvered roofs that adjust for sun, shade, airflow, and rain management. EDG compares system options and confirms the engineering requirements for your site.
Key Features
- Model-specific louver movement
- Site-specific wind and snow engineering
- Remote, app, or sensor controls where supported
- LED lighting options
Best For
- Patios & terraces
- Poolside lounges
- Outdoor kitchens
- Decks
Motorized Screens
Motorized patio screens with MagnaTrack by Progressive Screens as a featured premium partner. Plan insects, sun, privacy, and everyday wind comfort around the opening.
Key Features
- MagnaTrack partner
- Insect and solar fabrics
- Track-guided comfort
- Retrofit or new openings
Best For
- Existing porches
- Pergola sides
- Patio enclosures
- Bug protection
Glass Enclosures
Lumon and other frameless retractable glass wall systems that turn patios, pergolas, and restaurant spaces into flexible 3-season rooms.
Key Features
- Lumon LGR + LGS
- Frameless design
- Retractable panels
- Wind and rain control
Best For
- Three-season rooms
- Restaurant patios
- Event venues
- Patio conversions
Complete Your Space
Explore custom structures and complementary paths that can shape a complete outdoor living project.
Custom Steel Pergolas
Project-specific steel pergolas and shade structures for custom geometry, rooftops, long spans, hospitality, and architectural outdoor spaces.
Learn MoreOutdoor Room Plans
Finished-room concepts that combine pergolas, glass, screens, heat, lighting, and outdoor kitchens around one complete space.
Learn MoreCompare Systems
Quick comparison of our three primary outdoor living systems.
| Feature | Pergolas | Screens | Enclosures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather Protection | Rain, sun, light wind | Sun, UV, insects, wind | Wind, rain, noise, glare |
| Best For | Open-air spaces | Existing structures | 3-season rooms |
| Climate Control | Adjustable louvers | Deployable screens | Full enclosure |
| Installation Time | 2-3 days | 1 day | 3-5 days |
Built for the Chicago Climate
Our systems are specifically engineered to handle the demanding conditions of the upper Midwest, from summer rain and high winds to snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and cold-weather operation.
Wind Rated
Pergolas and screens are specified around the site exposure, opening size, selected system, sensors, and expected operating conditions.
Snow Load Engineered
Structural engineering is matched to local snow-load requirements, mounting conditions, and the specific system selected for the site.
Season-Extending Comfort
Heating, glass, screens, and selected comfort details can extend the outdoor season when the site supports them.
See Systems in Action
Our Spring Grove showroom features working displays of multiple pergola systems, retractable screens, and outdoor kitchen setups. Experience the smooth operation, test the controls, and see color samples in natural light.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about outdoor living systems.
Which outdoor living system is right for me?
The right system depends on your space and goals. Motorized pergolas are ideal for open patios where you want adjustable shade and rain protection. Retractable screens work best for existing covered porches or as additions to pergolas. Glass enclosures are strongest for flexible 3-season comfort, wind control, and clear views. During our consultation, we assess your space, understand how you plan to use it, and recommend the best solution for your needs and budget.
Can these systems handle Chicago winters?
Yes, when the selected system is matched to the site. Pergolas need the right wind and snow-load engineering. Screens need the right track strategy, fabric, sensors, and operating expectations for the opening. Glass enclosures help control wind, rain, and shoulder-season comfort, but they are not the same as a fully insulated four-season addition. We can recommend the best configurations for lakefront and exposed locations.
Can I combine multiple systems?
Yes, and we often recommend it. Many homeowners start with a motorized pergola, then add retractable screens to the sides for wind and insect protection. Others integrate heating systems and outdoor kitchens to create complete outdoor living spaces. Our design team specializes in creating integrated systems where all components work together seamlessly, both functionally and aesthetically.
Do you work with homeowners or just contractors?
We work with both. For homeowners in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, we provide complete turnkey service, from design through installation. For homeowners outside our service area, we can supply systems through our network of certified installers. For contractors, architects, and designers nationwide, we serve as a design and supply partner, providing engineering, specifications, and shipping to your job site.