Outdoor Space Trends & Ideas

David Henrie’s Pergola in Idaho: Smart Outdoor Living

Last Updated on February 19, 2026

Can You Use Your Backyard Year-Round in Idaho?

Yes, if it’s designed with intention.

This pergola in Idaho was created for David Henrie and his family with one clear objective: build a private, comfortable outdoor space they could enjoy in every season.

Project Details

Post Falls, Id

Residential Project

INNOV8 OUTDOORS

The backyard faces a golf course. The view is beautiful, but it created two practical concerns:

Limited privacy
Occasional golf balls flying into the yard

The family also wanted two distinct outdoor experiences, a space for cooking and entertainment, and a quieter lounge area near the master bedroom.

Working with the certified dealer Innov8 Outdoors, Azenco Outdoor designed and manufactured two attached motorized aluminum pergolas. Together, they create 608 square feet of covered living space that feels fully integrated into the home’s architecture.

Project Overview: Two Attached Pergolas, 608 Square Feet

Rather than building one large structure, the space was divided into two attached pergolas, each measuring 304 square feet.

Both systems are wall-mounted and extend directly from the home, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. This attached configuration strengthens the architectural connection and improves overall weather protection.

Features that improve daily usability—shade, weather protection, defined gathering areas—tend to score higher than purely decorative elements.

Pergolas sit right at this intersection of functionality and design.

Project details:

Two motorized louvered pergolas
304 sq ft each (608 sq ft total)
Black aluminum frame
White adjustable louvers
Cornice

The black frame complements the home’s dark window trim. The white louvers reflect sunlight and keep the space bright and comfortable underneath.

From our experience across the U.S., attached pergolas often feel more intentional than freestanding structures. They read as permanent architectural extensions rather than backyard additions.

Selected from Our Pergola Collection

Product Name

R-BREEZE™

Product Type

Slatted Roof Pergola

Color Options

White Frame, and White Louvers

Premium Option

Cornice, LED lights

Comfort Features

Fans, Screens

Why a Motorized Aluminum Pergola Works in Idaho

Idaho weather can shift quickly. Summers bring strong sun, while spring and fall often include cooler evenings and rain.

A motorized aluminum pergola with a smart louvered roof allows homeowners to adapt instantly. The louvers rotate to:

Open fully for sunlight
Tilt for partial shade
Close completely for rain protection

This flexibility is what makes a motorized outdoor roof different from a fixed patio cover.

The space is further enhanced with retractable screens from MagnaTrack and ceiling fans from Matthews Fan Co, adding comfort and protection without disrupting the clean architectural lines.

Because these pergolas are attached to the home, water management becomes even more important. Integrated drainage channels water away discreetly, preserving clean lines without exposed gutters.

For David Henrie’s pergola in Idaho, adaptability was not a luxury. It was essential for year-round use.

The Outdoor Kitchen Zone

The first pergola covers a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.

This space required reliable overhead coverage while still allowing airflow during cooking. With an adjustable louvered pergola, the family can create ventilation on demand or close the roof during unexpected rain.

Aluminum construction is especially important in outdoor kitchen environments. Heat, moisture, and smoke can accelerate wear on traditional materials. Extruded aluminum maintains structural strength and requires minimal maintenance over time.

The result is a shaded cooking area that feels open when desired and protected when needed.

From working on hundreds of projects, we’ve found that homeowners use outdoor kitchens more often when they know weather will not interrupt the experience.

The Private Lounge Outside the Master Bedroom

The second pergola creates a lounge area directly outside the master bedroom.

This space serves as a private retreat, ideal for morning coffee or quiet evenings. Ceiling fans and integrated lighting enhance comfort without disrupting the clean, modern pergola design.

Dividing the pergola into two zones allowed each structure to serve a clear purpose:

One for gathering and entertaining
One for relaxation and privacy

This layout creates natural flow. It also prevents one oversized structure from overwhelming the backyard visually.

Thoughtful spacing between posts and beams keeps the area open while maintaining structural strength.

Addressing the Golf Course Challenge

Backing onto a golf course introduced a unique design requirement.

Stray golf balls had previously caused dents on exterior surfaces. Privacy was also limited due to the open landscape.

The solution combined strategic positioning and durable materials. The pergolas were placed to reduce direct exposure while maintaining the open feel of the yard. Reinforced aluminum framing provides greater resilience compared to wood.

Privacy motorized screens were integrated carefully so the space feels protected without feeling enclosed.

From experience in open-lot communities, we’ve learned that balancing visibility and shelter is critical. Overbuilding can make a yard feel boxed in. Underbuilding leaves it exposed.

This project achieves the right balance.

Timeline and Installation Process

Homeowners often ask how long a project like this takes.

For this pergola in Idaho:

Manufacturing required 3 weeks
On-site installation took 5 days

Because Azenco Outdoor pre-machines and powder-coats components before shipment, installation is precise and efficient. Certified installers like Innov8 Outdoors ensure proper attachment to the home and alignment with structural requirements.

David Henrie and his family were extremely happy with the final result. Today, the pergolas function as natural extensions of the home rather than seasonal features.

Ready to bring your outdoor vision to life?

Tell us about your project, and our certified local dealer will provide a tailored quote with the best options—no commitment, just expert guidance.

What This Project Demonstrates

This project shows how a well-designed, attached motorized louvered pergola can transform how a home is used.

By adding two smart pergola systems, the property gained:

A protected outdoor kitchen
A private lounge retreat
Improved privacy from the golf course
Year-round adaptability

David Henrie’s pergola in Idaho demonstrates that outdoor living does not need to be limited by climate or exposure.

At Azenco Outdoor, every custom pergola is engineered for durability, clean architectural integration, and real-world performance. When designed correctly, an adjustable roof pergola does more than provide shade.

It becomes part of how you live.