A Pergola in Northern Michigan can make a huge difference for any commercial space, especially when the weather changes often, and outdoor areas need flexible comfort. In this project, an exclusive lakeside club wanted a modern outdoor area that guests could enjoy throughout the year.
They needed shade on sunny days, warmth during cooler months, and smooth airflow when the breeze picked up over the water. This article explains exactly how Azenco Outdoor and Brinker Brothers made that happen with a custom solution built for daily use and long-term durability.
Project Details
Northern Michigan
Commercial Project
Brinker Brothers
Table of Contents
Why This Exclusive Club Needed a Premium Pergola in Northern Michigan
When planning his new home, the client imagined an outdoor kitchen and dining space that could be used every day. He wanted protection from the intense summer sun and rainy afternoons yet still be able to enjoy sunshine on cooler days.
After meeting with our local certified dealer, Backyard Specialist, he selected a freestanding motorized pergola known for its flexibility and elegant design.
Project Details:
- Size: 282 sq. ft.
- Color: Black frame and black roof
- Features: Integrated LED strip lighting
- Timeline: Four-week manufacturing, two-day installation
The result is a structure that fits the modern architecture of the property while offering seamless comfort and effortless control.
The club had very specific requirements for its lakeside property. They needed to cover a large 1,125-square-foot area (25×45) where guests gather to relax, dine, and enjoy the view. Because this area sits right by the water, the weather can shift quickly. The club wanted a space that felt comfortable during warm afternoons and cooler evenings, offering year-round comfort in a calm outdoor setting.
Selected from Our Pergola Collection
Color Options
White
Premium Option
LED Lights
Comfort Features
Heaters, Fans, Screens
Selected from Our Pergola Collection
Color Options
White
Premium Option
LED lights
Comfort Features
Heaters, Fans, Screens
The R-BLADE™ Motorized Pergola System Selected for This Northern Michigan Project
To meet every need, the club selected a custom configuration built around a motorized aluminum pergola. The structure paired a 22-foot smart louvered roof with 3 feet of insulated patio cover panels for added protection near the building. This hybrid layout offered flexible shade, strong coverage, and a balanced design that worked well with the club’s surroundings.
The entire structure was finished in a clean white color, giving the lakeside space a streamlined, modern look. The project also included MagnaTrack Screens, Big Ass Fans, and Infratech Heaters. These additions helped control airflow, reduce wind, and keep guests warm during colder months. The result was a refined, seamless setup that allowed the club to host visitors comfortably throughout the year.
The patio cover provided fixed shade, while the motorized outdoor roof improved comfort with little effort. Its concealed hardware and smooth movement also added a sense of quiet luxury, which matched the club’s style.
Overcoming Structural Challenges in a Large Commercial Pergola Installation
One of the club’s main requests was to keep the space open, clean, and unobstructed. They did not want posts in the middle of the pergola because it would block movement and distract them from the lake’s view. To solve this challenge, the local certified dealer, Brinker Brothers, designed and installed strong structural beams that could handle the long span while keeping the middle area completely open.
The engineering work supported the pergola safely and ensured long-term durability. This step required careful planning, especially since the pergola covered such a large section of the patio.
Limited Access + Complex Installation Logistics
Access to the site was limited, so the team had to get creative. They used a forklift to raise the long beams while the crew welded and braced everything on-site. Because the area sat close to the water, every step needed to be precise. This moment became one of the standout parts of the project, showing how teams coordinate in real time to keep everything aligned and secure.
The combination of engineering skill and Azenco Outdoor’s precision manufacturing helped the installation stay on track. It also confirmed why working with a certified dealer like Brinker Brothers is so important for complex commercial projects.
Timeline: Manufacturing + On-Site Installation for This Pergola in Northern Michigan
Large commercial projects can take time, but this one moved very quickly. The pergola system was manufactured in three weeks, which is possible because Azenco Outdoor builds many components in advance using precise measurements for each project. Once everything arrived in Northern Michigan, the installation took 10 days.
This fast timeline came from clear planning, expert engineering, and the fact that the luxury pergola components arrive pre-cut, powder-coated, and ready to assemble. Brinker Brothers handled all on-site work, including framing, alignment, electrical integration, and final checks. Their local experience helped ensure the pergola matched the environment and met the club’s expectations.
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Final Results: Enhancing the Club’s Lakeside Experience
Client Satisfaction & Project Outcome
The club was extremely satisfied with the final result. The area now feels open, bright, and welcoming, giving guests a comfortable place to enjoy the lake at any time of day. The smart pergola adjusts quickly to changing weather, while the screens, fans, and heaters maintain comfort throughout the year.
The white pergola finish blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape, making the structure feel like a natural extension of the club’s architecture. With better shade, improved airflow, and more consistent temperatures, the pergola has become one of the club’s most popular outdoor spaces.
Every detail, from the automated pergola movement to the way the screens disappear into the frame, supports a calm, peaceful environment where members can relax outdoors without any disruption.
Why Businesses Choose a Motorized Aluminum Pergola in Northern Michigan
A high-end pergola like this offers several benefits for commercial properties:
- Supports year-round outdoor service in hospitality settings.
- Enhances guest comfort with adjustable shade and climate control.
- Built with durable aluminum that handles wind, moisture, and temperature changes.
- Allows seamless integration of screens, fans, and heaters.
- Offers a clean, modern aesthetic suited for premium destinations.
For many businesses, a pergola is not only useful but also a smart investment that improves the entire outdoor experience.
Partnering With Local Experts in Northern Michigan
Certified dealers play a big role in the quality of each installation. Brinker Brothers provided engineering, on-site support, and the specialized equipment needed to handle long-span beams and tight access points. Their knowledge of commercial building needs in Northern Michigan helped guide key decisions and ensured the finished custom pergola matched the club’s expectations.
Working with trusted local partners also ensures that future service, if needed, is simple and reliable.
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Tell us about your project, and our certified local dealer will provide a tailored quote with the best options—no commitment, just expert guidance.
Interested in a Pergola in Northern Michigan?
If you want to add long-lasting shade, better comfort, or a modern gathering space to your commercial property, a Pergola in Northern Michigan from Azenco Outdoor may be the right solution.
Our certified dealers can help you explore different options, choose the right layout, and design a structure that fits your space and your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a motorized pergola handle Northern Michigan weather?
Yes. Our adjustable roof pergolas are built with durable aluminum and designed to handle wind, rain, moisture, and seasonal temperature changes.
How long does installation typically take?
Most commercial projects take about one to two weeks, depending on size and site access.
Can I customize lighting, screens, airflow, and heating?
Yes. You can add LED lighting, heaters, fans, smart controls, and screens.
What maintenance is required?
Very little. Clean the louvers and gutters a few times a year, and check moving parts as needed.
Leslie Chapus
Vice President & Co-Founder
Leslie oversees sales and marketing at Azenco Outdoor, with a focus on modern outdoor living solutions.
