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Kigali, Rwanda
Gasabo, Kimironko
One way to make your project look put together without breaking your bank is incorporating lightweight structures.
When thinking of shading spaces without building solid structures, you may have come across pavilions, pergolas, gazebos, etc.
If you were confused as to what makes them all different, then look no further, because today we will be exploring these and more!
Lightweight Structures? What Are Those?
You’ve probably seen an extension of a principal building made of columns and a translucent shading.
Or a small semi open area that has enough space for seating but is standalone, so it can’t be called a living room per se.
Or more commonly, a large open area that is sheltered by a tent where different ceremonies can be held.
All these are examples of lightweight structures.
Put simply, lightweight structures are structural systems that use very little material while still being strong and stable.
Usually, a structure built for the purpose of being inhabited (whether as a home, workplace, school, hospital, etc) have to be durable, and carry the weight of both their own materials and that of nature (like wind, rain, snow, etc).
But for lightweight constructions, they are designed to be light, efficient, and easy to build, often using tension, bending, or smart geometry instead of heavy solid materials.
Most lightweight constructions are temporary. They are usually made as shading structures in outdoor landscaping, and they can be designed for residential scales up to urban scales in urban projects.
Types of Lightweight Structures
Before we jump into pavilions and pergolas and their likes, let’s classify our lightweight structures.
- Cable structures: These rely on long, strong cables that carry loads through tension. Think of suspension bridges or roofs that hang from cables. The cables do most of the work while staying super light.
- Membrane structures: These are made from stretched fabric or thin material. They’re basically the “big tent” type structures you see at stadium entrances or public plazas. When the fabric is pulled tight, it becomes surprisingly strong.
- Shell structures: These use thin, curved surfaces like domes, vaults, or curved roofs. The shape is what gives them strength. Even though the material is thin, the curve makes it hard to break.
- Folded structures: These look like paper that’s been folded into sharp geometric patterns. The folds create stiffness, so even thin material becomes strong. You often see this in concrete roofs or metal panels with zig-zag shapes.
- Space grids: These are 3D frameworks made of many short bars connected in a repeating pattern (often triangles). They create a stiff, lightweight spatial structure that can cover big areas like stadiums or airport halls.
- Braced vaults and domes: These are curved shapes (like long arches or domes) that are strengthened with extra ribs or braces. The braces help them handle more load without needing thick walls.
- Arched systems: Arches are basically curved beams that push the load sideways into the supports. They’re strong even though they use less material than straight beams. Bridges and gateways often use this.
- Stayed systems: Stayed structures use cables or rods to “stay” or support a main element. A good example is a cable-stayed bridge: the deck is supported by cables attached to towers.
- Trussed systems: Trusses are frameworks made of triangular pieces. The triangles resist bending, so the whole structure stays stiff and light. You see trusses in roof frames, towers, and many bridges.
Popular Outdoor Lightweight Structures
And now to the good part, I have selected some very popular outdoor structures that you can use, whether you’re looking for an inspo to elevate your backyard, or you’re working on a large scale project and need to provide shelter and shade.
1. Pergolas
These are long, open structures made of vertical posts supporting a series of horizontal beams or crossbars, often forming a roof without solid walls.
Pergolas are usually rectangular or square and designed for partial shade. You may choose to use a translucent roof on top of the beams or normal glass to prevent rain.
You’ll often see them in gardens or on patios with climbing plants like wisteria or grapevines wrapping around the posts.
You can walk under them or place seating beneath them, and if you want to add a razzle dazzle, you may add a firepit under them.
2. Gazebos
Picture a round or octagonal structure in the middle of a park, like the one you might see people having tea or small gatherings under.
Gazebos are freestanding, roofed structures with open sides and often a round, octagonal, or square shape.
They are smaller than pavilions and are meant for sitting and relaxing.
They’re decorative as well as functional, with a clear roofline and sometimes railings around the sides.
Unlike pergolas, gazebos have a full roof and are usually a focal point in a yard or park.
3. Pavilions
Imagine a big open-air hall at a park or a playground, with a tall roof and enough space for a picnic, party, or small concert.
That would be considered a pavilion.
They are usually larger, open-sided structures designed to host gatherings, events, or recreational activities.
Unlike gazebos, pavilions are more often than not rectangular or square with high roofs, and they can accommodate bigger groups.
You will mostly find them in parks, playgrounds, or large gardens providing shelter from the sun or rain while remaining airy and open.
4. Canopies
Canopies are roof-only structures, often made from fabric or lightweight metal, providing shade and shelter while staying open on all sides.
Imagine a large triangular sail over a playground, a backyard seating area, or a driveway.
Unlike gazebos, they don’t have full roofs or walls, and unlike pergolas, they don’t have beams for climbing plants.
5. Outdoor seating pods / pods / kiosks
These are small, often semi-enclosed spaces designed for sitting, or socializing outdoors.
Imagine a modern, curved wooden or metal structure with a few benches inside, maybe in a park or a public plaza.
They can offer shade and a bit of privacy while still feeling open to the surrounding space.
Kiosks can also serve functional purposes, like selling snacks, tickets, or small goods. Think of the car free zone area in Kigali city, near the city hall.
6. Playhouses / treehouses
If you grew up with a backyard full of trees like I did, then you know this little gem that we would plead with our parents to make for us, lol.
Think of these as miniature houses for kids, sometimes elevated in a tree. They are usually colorful, and playfully designed, built from wood or other easy-to-assemble materials.
Treehouses add a vertical element, giving kids a fun, elevated space to play.
These are specifically designed for recreation and imagination, not for general adult use or shelter, but if you’re designing a public space and want to make the kids space playful they are a good addition.
7. Outdoor kitchens / BBQ shelters
Like the name suggests, these are functional, roofed spaces for cooking outdoors.
They might include a grill, countertop, storage, or even a sink, with a simple roof overhead to protect from sun or rain.
Think of a backyard setup for summer parties where friends gather, cook or barbecue, and eat outside.
8. Cabanas
Imagine a small beach or poolside hut with a roof and open sides where you can lie on a lounge chair, relax, and enjoy some shade without being closed in.
Cabanas are just that–roofed, often semi-open shelters designed for relaxation.
They usually have a fabric or lightweight roof, open sides or curtains, and seating inside.
Cabanas are smaller than pavilions but provide more privacy than a pergola or gazebo.
9. Patios
These are flat, paved outdoor areas, usually attached to a house, for sitting, dining, or for small social gatherings.
Patios are open to the sky, unlike gazebos or pergolas, and may include outdoor furniture, umbrellas, or planters.
They are purely horizontal surfaces and they don’t really have a structure overhead unless combined with a pergola, which in most residential cases they are.
You can hang out on patios, eat, relax, or have friends over. They’re basically your outdoor living room.
10. Sunrooms
Sunrooms are cozy rooms attached to the house with floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can sit with a book, drink tea, or watch the rain.
They maximize natural light while keeping the space protected from wind, rain, or insects. Be careful not to confuse them with greenhouses, though!
Unlike greenhouses, they are designed for people to relax, read, or enjoy the view rather than primarily grow plants. And they often feel like an indoor extension of the home with plenty of seating.
11. Outdoor stages / bandstands
These are raised platforms with roofs, often found in parks or public spaces, meant for performances, speeches, or small concerts.
They are usually open on the sides to allow good visibility and airflow.
Some have a simple roof to protect performers from sun or rain.
12. Arbors
These small, often decorative structures are made from a simple framework of posts and a top beam or lattice.
Arbors are mainly used for supporting climbing plants and marking entrances or pathways in gardens.
They are usually smaller than pergolas, often narrow, and are more decorative than functional.
You might have seen most of these in weddings or other ceremonies that have a decorated entrance.
13. Trellis
These are flat or upright lattice frames, usually made of wood or metal, meant for plants to climb.
Trellises can act as dividers between spaces, garden walls, or decorative screens.
They don’t really provide shelter or a sitting area, unlike pergolas or gazebos, and are mainly about plant support and visual appeal, almost like natural wall art.
14. Sheds
I’m sure some of us have seen these small, enclosed buildings with solid walls and a roof, used for storage of garden tools, bicycles, or other equipment.
Unlike pergolas, gazebos, or arbors, sheds are fully enclosed and functional rather than decorative.
They come in simple rectangular forms and are usually placed at the edge of a yard, or annexed to the gate wall.
15. Greenhouse
Greenhouses are enclosed structures made mostly of glass or transparent panels to allow sunlight in, creating a warm environment for plants to grow year-round.
And yes, you can have your own greenhouse in your home!
Unlike sheds, greenhouses are not just for storage, they’re for cultivation. And unlike sunrooms, they are less about socialization spaces and more about plants, lol.
They are taller, often rectangular or domed, and you can easily see inside clearly, because they are transparent.
The end?…
These are not all outdoor structures that there are, but these are the most commonly found ones that can make your space pop better.
I hope you had fun reading this, and I will see you in my next post! Let me know what you want to see more from me, and leave your thoughts on today’s topic in the comments below.
