Motorized Exterior Shades Transform a Los Altos Outdoor Living Space

The right custom shading solution can transform how people experience and enjoy their home and outdoor spaces. When a homeowner wanted to remodel their existing pergola area, they reached out to Designer’s Resource in Los Altos, California. The goal was greater sun protection and a more comfortable outdoor environment, particularly during hot and sunny days. 

Working alongside the project’s architect and builder, Designer’s Resource developed a motorized exterior shading solution that provided the functionality required for the space while staying within the project’s budget. 

Project at a Glance 
 

Location: Los Altos, California 
Project Type: Residential pergola remodel 
Application: Exterior motorized shading 
Shades: Four exterior roller shades with Nano 95 fabric 
Motor: Somfy Sonesse® 50 RTS 
Control: Somfy RTS patio remote 
Power: AC powered 
Shade Supplier: Templar Screens 
Primary Goal: Sun protection and improved outdoor comfort 

The Challenge 
 

The project’s biggest challenge was the approximately 26-foot opening that needed to be covered. 

At that scale, the team had to carefully account for how the shades would track, align and operate across the span. Potential telescoping and unevenness were important considerations, particularly when working with large exterior roller shades. 

“With a roller shade of this size, there are additional challenges that need to be carefully considered,” said Ryo Sota, owner of Designers Resource. 

The installation was further complicated by a custom pocket designed to conceal the shades. The pocket left a tight installation area for the required brackets and hardware, making precise planning and coordination essential. 

The architect had also originally considered a sliding wall system to help enclose the pergola, but the cost pushed that option outside the project budget. Designers Resource therefore needed to develop a solution that could address the technical demands of the large opening, provide effective sun protection and maintain the intended design of the outdoor space at a more practical cost. 

The Solution 
 

Designers Resource installed four motorized exterior shades using Nano 95 fabric, with the shade units sourced from Templar Screens in Washington. 

Each shade was powered by a Somfy Sonesse® 50 RTS motor and controlled through Somfy RTS using a patio remote. All four shades were AC powered. 

Because the homeowners did not require integration with a larger home automation system, Designer’s Resource kept the controls simple and focused on reliable, easy-to-use operation. 

The motorized shades offered a cost-effective alternative to the originally proposed sliding wall system while helping protect the pergola from direct sun and improve comfort within the space. 

For Sota and his team, the versatility of Somfy motorization was another advantage. 

“One thing I really appreciate about Somfy is the versatility of their motor systems,” Sota said. “Being able to use similar motor technology across both interior and exterior applications makes the installation process much more familiar for our team.” 

That consistency is especially valuable for Designers Resource, which regularly works with motorized shading systems throughout the home. 

“The consistency of the Somfy platform makes it easier for our team to install, program and integrate these systems,” Sota said. “If a project calls for home automation integration, we can also tie the shades into the control system with the same familiarity, whether we’re working indoors or outdoors.” 

The Results 
 

The completed exterior shading system gave the homeowners a way to better manage direct sunlight and create a more comfortable pergola environment without the expense of the originally considered sliding wall system. 

Based on feedback shared with Designer’s Resource through the project team, the shades have helped the homeowners enjoy the outdoor space more comfortably, particularly on hot and sunny days. 

The project demonstrates how thoughtful, motorized shading can solve both design and functional challenges while helping homeowners get more from their outdoor living spaces. 

For Sota, projects like this are a reminder of the larger role custom shading can play in a home. 

“Custom window treatments are not just about covering windows,” Sota said. “They can improve how people live in and enjoy their homes.” 


Written by Stephanie Giuliano, Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist at Somfy