Complete outdoor systems, planned around the site.
Motorized pergolas, retractable screens, glass enclosures, and outdoor kitchens, matched to the exposure, structure, comfort goals, and way the space needs to work.
What Are Outdoor Living Systems?
EDG plans roofs, screens, glass, and kitchens around the way you want to use the patio. Each has its own role: overhead shade and rain management, adjustable side protection, or a place to cook and gather. Planning them together aligns the structure, utilities, controls, and service access.
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
EDG coordinates the selected roof, supports, drainage, and operating plan with the property's exposure and local design requirements.
Integrated Design
Plan roof supports, screen housings, glass openings, kitchen utilities, and controls together before the surrounding finishes are installed.
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
Outdoor Kitchens
Built-in cooking equipment and exterior cabinetry selected around your menu, storage, utilities, and patio layout.
Key Features
- Built-in grills
- Refrigeration
- Storage solutions
- Weather-resistant
Best For
- Outdoor cooking
- Entertaining
- Complete kitchens
- Grill islands
Complete Your Space
Explore custom structures and complementary paths that can shape a complete outdoor living project.
Patio Umbrellas
Flexible shade for restaurant, club, and hospitality patios, planned around tables, circulation, anchoring, and daily operation.
Learn MoreCustom 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
Compare overhead protection and adjustable sides, then combine them where they suit the project.
| Feature | Pergolas | Screens | Enclosures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Overhead shade and rain management | Insects, glare, and privacy | Clear side protection from wind and rain |
| Best For | Open-air spaces | Existing structures | 3-season rooms |
| How it adjusts | Adjustable louvers | Deployable screens | Opening glass panels |
| Installation planning | Supports, drainage, power, and access | Opening fit, mounting, power, and travel | Support, floor levels, tracks, and panel parking |
Built for the Chicago Climate
EDG matches the selected system and structural design to the property, then explains rain management, winter preparation, and operating limits for the installed equipment.
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. A pergola can be planned with compatible screens, glass, lighting, heat, or an outdoor kitchen. Early coordination aligns supports, opening dimensions, drainage, power, controls, and service access. Discuss future additions during the first design so their requirements can be considered.
Do you work with homeowners or just contractors?
We work with both. Homeowners in the Chicago–Milwaukee corridor can work with EDG from design through local installation and care. For contractors, architects, and designers nationwide, EDG provides design, specification, engineering support, procurement, and installation support. We confirm delivery and installation responsibilities for the project and market.
Ready to choose the right system path?
Request a quote and tell us what you are interested in. Add site details or photos if you have them, and EDG will help identify the right next step.