The west patio that cooks at five

Buy nothing yetMove the table before you buy the pergola.

Before you buy a pergola, move the table.

Every change below is put into the plan and the whole model is run again. That is why a pergola's winter cost shows up here without anybody having written it down, and why the cheapest thing that actually buys hours back is allowed to win.

Fixing

For

Reading at

5:00 PM·October

In the sun. The sun is 10° up.

Where it stands now

Dinner outside

The dining table does not work for dinner outside right now, and privacy exposure is why.

“No” means the model does not support this use under the conditions being read. The controlling limits are listed below.

Your 2 rechecks at this spot read it 12 lower than the model’s 34 on the 0–100 reporting scale, which is mapped from the physical readings and is not itself a measurement.

Past the limit Privacy exposure is 100 / 100 — 55 over (at most 45)Worked out: Computed from the geometry, the sun and the weather you gave it.
Neighbour's upstairs window has a clear line to this seat.
Being watched while you eat is a real reason people stop using a terrace.
Past the limit Glare is 60 / 100 — 32 over (at most 28)Worked out: Computed from the geometry, the sun and the weather you gave it.
The sun sits about 16 degrees from where a person at this seat is looking, at 10 degrees above the horizon. That is straight in the eyes.
You cannot look at the person across the table with the sun behind their head.

Still unanswered:Noise

Why it is unanswered

Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

What would change this. This would change if privacy exposure moved, or if noise were measured.

Confidence low (50%). Treat this as a starting hypothesis, not an answer.

What this answer was built from

Use: Dinner outside
Place: The dining table
Weather: High desert, cold winters, intense sun (scenario shape), scenario (from a published source)
Method: Traced geometry and radiation at this hour, measured against what this use needs
Your rechecks: Model said 34; 2 rechecks of this spot move it to 22.

The smallest thing that helps at this hour

A second seat 19 ft 8 in north-east

A second seat 19 ft 8 in north-east fixes glare.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

No extra hours this daymove it

Nothing on the list buys extra hours on this day, so this is the least effort that still moves a limit.

Not offered, and why

Wind is not the limiting factor at this spot, so a windbreak solves a problem you do not have.
Nothing overhead here to hang a curtain from yet.
This observer is looking down, and depth does nothing against a downward angle.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
This point is a place for people, not a place for a plant.
This ground already sheds water quickly.
This surface already drains freely.

28 changes, tested at 5:00 PM in October

One at a time, so you can tell what caused whatLook at the plan

NoteYou have marked 2 spots here. Before building anything for this one, it is worth knowing whether another already works at this hour. Compare them side by side.

Does it have to suit you?

All 28 changes, in the order the engine ranked them. Say something about your situation and the ones that would not suit you get set aside.

I rent, so nothing permanentRules out anything that cannot be taken away again.
Nothing that needs a builderRules out changes that need footings, trades or a structure fixing to the house.
I want it working this seasonRules out planting and anything else that only works once it has grown.
I will not maintain itRules out anything needing regular watering, pruning or seasonal putting away.

TestA projectYou can undo it

A 7 ft 1 in screen 10 ft 8 in from the seat

ForecastNostill No

A 7 ft 1 in screen 10 ft 8 in from the seat fixes privacy exposure.

A screen 7 feet 1 inch high and about 8 feet 1 inch wide, standing 10 feet 8 inches from the seat on the line to Neighbour's upstairs window.

Gained: Privacy exposure
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A 7 ft 1 in screen 10 ft 8 in from the seat
If it worked: privacy exposure no longer stops the hour.
If it didn’t: If glare still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: 0 hours usable now, 2 hours with this change. 2 hours gained.

Winter solstice, 21 December: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, nothing named closes the usable span.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

An evergreen hedge to about 7 ft 1 in

ForecastNostill No

An evergreen hedge to about 7 ft 1 in fixes privacy exposure.

A dense evergreen hedge grown to about 7 feet 1 inch and 8 feet 5 inches along, on the line to Neighbour's upstairs window. It reads as garden rather than barrier, and it will take several seasons to do the job.

Gained: Privacy exposure
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: An evergreen hedge to about 7 ft 1 in
If it worked: privacy exposure no longer stops the hour.
If it didn’t: If glare still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: 0 hours usable now, 2 hours with this change. 2 hours gained.

Winter solstice, 21 December: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, nothing named closes the usable span.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestMove itYou can undo it

A second seat 19 ft 8 in north-east

ForecastNostill No

A second seat 19 ft 8 in north-east fixes glare.

Put two chairs 19 feet 8 inches to the north-east and leave the main table where it is. The point is not to fix this spot but to stop needing it at the hour it does not work.

Gained: Glare
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A second seat 19 ft 8 in north-east
If it worked: glare no longer stops the hour.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanent

Raise the seating 2 ft 11 in

ForecastNostill No

Raise the seating 2 ft 11 in fixes glare.

A raised platform lifting the seat about 2 feet 11 inches. It clears low boundaries, reaches faster air, and it works both ways: what you can see over, you can be seen over.

Gained: Glare
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Raise the seating 2 ft 11 in
If it worked: glare no longer stops the hour.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, what it feels like is what closes it, and air movement is the part that moves how it feels.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, privacy exposure is what keeps it shut, and Neighbour's upstairs window is who can see in.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and air movement is the part that moves how it feels.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestA projectYou can undo it

A 6 ft 11 in panel to the south-west

ForecastNostill No

A 6 ft 11 in panel to the south-west fixes glare and costs you view and wetness.

A solid panel about 6 feet 11 inches high and 9 feet 10 inches wide, standing 7 feet 3 inches to the south-west. Low sun arrives almost horizontally, and only something vertical stops it.

Gained: Glare
Lost: View
Wetness
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A 6 ft 11 in panel to the south-west
If it worked: glare no longer stops the hour.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

An evergreen group behind the deciduous planting

ForecastNostill No

An evergreen group behind the deciduous planting fixes glare and costs you view and wetness.

A group of evergreens to about 8 feet 6 inches set behind The maple. In summer it disappears into what is already there; in February it is the only thing standing between the seat and the view in.

Gained: Glare
Lost: View
Wetness
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: An evergreen group behind the deciduous planting
If it worked: glare no longer stops the hour.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestMove itYou can undo it

Sit under The maple

ForecastNostill No

Sit under The maple fixes glare and costs you view and wetness.

Move the seating under The maple, which is already standing and already casting something. Costs nothing and takes an afternoon of trying it.

Gained: Glare
Lost: View
Wetness
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Sit under The maple
If it worked: glare no longer stops the hour.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

A tree between the seat and Neighbour's upstairs window

ForecastNostill No

A tree between the seat and Neighbour's upstairs window eases the hour without solving any single limit outright.

One multi-stemmed tree grown to about 23 feet, set roughly a third of the way toward Neighbour's upstairs window. Interrupting a downward sightline needs height, not length, and a single crown in the right place does what a whole run of fence cannot reach.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A tree between the seat and Neighbour's upstairs window
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestMove itYou can undo it

Move the table 6 ft 7 in north-east

ForecastNostill No

Move the table 6 ft 7 in north-east does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Slide the seating about 6 feet 7 inches toward the north-east and change nothing else.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Move the table 6 ft 7 in north-east
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestMove itYou can undo it

Two 8 ft 2 in parasols instead of one

ForecastNostill No

Two 8 ft 2 in parasols instead of one does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Two parasols about 8 feet 2 inches across, set 7 feet 3 inches apart along the table. Between them they cover a rectangle, which is the shape a table actually is.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Two 8 ft 2 in parasols instead of one
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It takes the summer sun and leaves most of the winter sun, which is the behaviour worth paying for.

TestMove itYou can undo it

Change Back door light to a warmer lamp

ForecastNostill No

Change Back door light to a warmer lamp does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Swap Back door light for a 2200 kelvin lamp of the same output. Blue-weighted light scatters more in the air, spills further into the garden and reads as harsher at the same brightness. Nothing structural changes; it is a lamp.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Change Back door light to a warmer lamp
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

A 9 ft 10 in umbrella

ForecastNostill No

A 9 ft 10 in umbrella does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A 9 feet 10 inches canopy at about 7 feet 7 inches, tilted toward the low sun.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A 9 ft 10 in umbrella
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It takes the summer sun and leaves most of the winter sun, which is the behaviour worth paying for.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

Shield Back door light

ForecastNostill No

Shield Back door light does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Fit a full cut-off shield to Back door light so the output goes down rather than sideways. The light on the table barely changes; the light on the neighbour's wall mostly stops.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Shield Back door light
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

Two low shielded lights instead of one high one

ForecastNostill No

Two low shielded lights instead of one high one does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Add a pair of shielded 200 lumen fixtures at knee height near the seating, so the useful light is where people are rather than thrown across the garden.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Two low shielded lights instead of one high one
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

Add 1 ft 6 in of trellis to West fence

ForecastNostill No

Add 1 ft 6 in of trellis to West fence does not move this in any way worth the effort.

An open trellis panel on top of West fence, taking it from 5 feet 11 inches to 7 feet 5 inches. Open trellis blocks a sightline at an angle while letting light and air through, which a solid board does not.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Add 1 ft 6 in of trellis to West fence
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

Remove Back door light and mark the route instead

ForecastNostill No

Remove Back door light and mark the route instead does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Take out Back door light and put low shielded markers along the route in from the house. Being the brightest thing in a dark garden is the same as being on a stage, and the light that makes the step safe does not have to be the light you sit in.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Remove Back door light and mark the route instead
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestA projectYou can undo it

A shade sail over the seating

ForecastNostill No

A shade sail over the seating does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A sail about 16 feet 5 inches by 13 feet 1 inch, set at about 9 feet 2 inches and angled to shed water.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A shade sail over the seating
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It takes the summer sun and leaves most of the winter sun, which is the behaviour worth paying for.

TestA projectYou can undo itYears to work

A deciduous climber on tensioned wires

ForecastNostill No

A deciduous climber on tensioned wires does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Wires strung about 8 feet 6 inches above the seating with a vigorous deciduous climber trained across them. In leaf it shades like a light pergola; bare, it gives back most of the winter sun a solid roof would have kept.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A deciduous climber on tensioned wires
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanent

An 8 ft 2 in awning

ForecastNostill No

An 8 ft 2 in awning does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A folding-arm awning projecting 8 feet 2 inches from the house wall at about 8 feet 6 inches, retracted out of season.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: An 8 ft 2 in awning
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It takes the summer sun and leaves most of the winter sun, which is the behaviour worth paying for.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in south-west of the seat

ForecastNostill No

A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in south-west of the seat does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A medium deciduous tree planted 16 feet 5 inches to the south-west, grown to about 26 feet, with a crown roughly 19 feet 8 inches across.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in south-west of the seat
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It takes the summer sun and leaves most of the winter sun, which is the behaviour worth paying for.

CommitmentA projectPermanent

Lift the crown of The maple

ForecastNostill No

Lift the crown of The maple does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Raise the underside of The maple from about 8 feet 6 inches to 13 feet 5 inches. Light comes in sideways under the canopy, morning and evening, without losing the shade overhead at midday.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Lift the crown of The maple
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A pergola with open slats

ForecastNostill No

A pergola with open slats does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A pergola about 13 feet 1 inch square at 8 feet 6 inches with open slats, slats running roughly north-west.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A pergola with open slats
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It takes the summer sun and leaves most of the winter sun, which is the behaviour worth paying for.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

An adjustable louvred roof

ForecastNostill No

An adjustable louvred roof does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A louvred roof about 13 feet 1 inch square at 8 feet 6 inches, blades running north-west and closable.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: An adjustable louvred roof
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It takes the summer sun and leaves most of the winter sun, which is the behaviour worth paying for.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A paler paving

ForecastNostill No

A paler paving does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Replace Bluestone patio with a paler paving of similar mass. The surface itself runs cooler underfoot; the trade is that more light bounces back up at a seated person.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A paler paving
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A solid canopy over the seating

ForecastNostill No

A solid canopy over the seating does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A solid roof about 11 feet 2 inches above the seating, 13 feet 1 inch by 11 feet 6 inches, guttered on the low edge. Unlike fabric it works in rain, and unlike a pergola it takes the winter light too.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A solid canopy over the seating
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

Horizontal fins above the opening

ForecastNostill No

Horizontal fins above the opening does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A run of fixed horizontal fins projecting about 2 feet 4 inches from The house, set above head height. Geometry does the work: high summer sun is cut, low winter sun passes under, and the view out is barely touched.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Horizontal fins above the opening
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A ventilated timber deck instead

ForecastNostill No

A ventilated timber deck instead does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Replace Bluestone patio with a ventilated timber deck. Heavy paving charges all afternoon and radiates back until well after dark, which is why an evening terrace can feel hotter than the air. A light deck over an air gap is done within the hour.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A ventilated timber deck instead
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

Take up the paving and plant it

ForecastNostill No

Take up the paving and plant it does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Lift Bluestone patio and plant it. Nothing else on this list moves surface temperature as far: paving in full sun sits twenty degrees or more above the air, while planted ground transpires and typically sits at or below it. It is also the only change here that gets better rather than worse over ten years.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Privacy exposure
Glare
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Take up the paving and plant it
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If privacy exposure still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

What you are trying

Change	Started	Standing
A 9.8 ft cantilever umbrella west of the table	5/28/2026	mixed
A 5.9 ft slatted screen on the south-east corner	7/5/2026	mixed
Move the table 8.2 ft north, under the house shadow line	8/6/2026	in place

Rechecks are how the property gets better at answering. A forecast nobody checks is just a guess with a date on it.