The balcony nobody uses

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

10:00 AM·October

In the sun. The sun is 24° up.

Where it stands now

Morning coffee

The one chair does not work for morning coffee right now, and wind is why.

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

Past the limit Wind is about 16 mph — 8 mph over (at most 8 mph)Estimate: Worked out, but at least one input was assumed rather than measured.
Nothing upwind is doing much; this spot gets close to the open wind speed.
Cold air moving early is what sends people back inside.

What would change this. This would change if wind were measured and came out differently. The figure is an estimate, not a tape.

Confidence low (41%). Treat this as a starting hypothesis, not an answer.

What this answer was built from

Use: Morning coffee
Place: The one chair
Weather: Coastal Mediterranean, dry summers, salt air (scenario shape), scenario (from a published source)
Method: Traced geometry and radiation at this hour, measured against what this use needs

Not offered, and why

Glare is not what is limiting this seat, so turning it changes very little.
Every fixture here is already fully shielded.
Nothing overhead here to hang a curtain from yet.
Nothing here is low enough for a step up to see over.
No mature canopy here to work on.
This observer is looking down, and depth does nothing against a downward angle.
Nothing here is relying on a deciduous canopy, so there is no winter gap to fill.
This point is a place for people, not a place for a plant.
This ground already sheds water quickly.
This surface already drains freely.
Every fixture here is already warm.
There is no lighting here to rearrange.

24 changes, tested at 10:00 AM in October

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

Does it have to suit you?

All 24 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.

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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Try it on the plan, then go outside and see.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: still 1 hour usable.

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: wind is what closes it, 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.

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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 7 feet 7 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: still 1 hour usable.

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: wind is what closes it, 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.

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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 1 foot 8 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: still 1 hour usable.

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: wind is what closes it, 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.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

A short return panel on the north-west corner

ForecastNostill No

A short return panel on the north-west corner does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A panel about 6 feet 3 inches high and 5 feet 3 inches long, set square across the corner the wind comes round. Air speeds up as it turns a hard edge, so the metre and a half at the corner is worth more than five along the fence.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A short return panel on the north-west corner
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 6 feet 3 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: still 1 hour usable.

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: wind is what closes it, 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.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

A line of tall planters upwind

ForecastNostill No

A line of tall planters upwind does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A run of planters about 4 feet 11 inches to the north-west, planted to roughly 5 feet 3 inches. It is porous, it is movable, and it needs no footings — which is the whole point on a balcony.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A line of tall planters upwind
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 5 feet 3 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 9 feet 2 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestA projectYou can undo it

A 5 ft 11 in porous windbreak upwind

ForecastNostill No

A 5 ft 11 in porous windbreak upwind does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A slatted break about 5 feet 11 inches high and 16 feet 5 inches wide, set 14 feet 9 inches north-west of the seat. Roughly forty per cent open shelters further than solid.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A 5 ft 11 in porous windbreak upwind
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 5 feet 11 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestA projectYou can undo it

A 6 ft 11 in panel to the south-east

ForecastNostill No

A 6 ft 11 in panel to the south-east does not move this in any way worth the effort.

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

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A 6 ft 11 in panel to the south-east
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 6 feet 11 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 9 feet 6 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 8 feet 6 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

An evergreen hedge to about 62 ft

ForecastNostill No

An evergreen hedge to about 62 ft does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A dense evergreen hedge grown to about 62 feet and 8 feet 10 inches along, on the line to The flat opposite. It reads as garden rather than barrier, and it will take several seasons to do the job.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: An evergreen hedge to about 62 ft
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 62 feet and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

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

ForecastNostill No

A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in south-east 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-east, grown to about 26 feet, with a crown roughly 19 feet 8 inches across.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in south-east of the seat
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 26 feet and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

A tree between the seat and The flat opposite

ForecastNostill No

A tree between the seat and The flat opposite does not move this in any way worth the effort.

One multi-stemmed tree grown to about 23 feet, set roughly a third of the way toward The flat opposite. 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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A tree between the seat and The flat opposite
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 23 feet and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanent

A solid roof over the seating

ForecastNostill No

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

A roof about 9 feet 2 inches above the seating. Against a tall building or a hard boundary, air spills over the top and comes down on the far side, and a seat that is nowhere near the wind still sits in it. Closing the top stops that in a way no amount of fence does.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A solid roof over the seating
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 9 feet 2 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanent

Open up Glass balustrade to about half

ForecastNostill No

Open up Glass balustrade to about half does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Replace the boards of Glass balustrade with a slatted or louvred panel roughly half open. Solid barriers throw air over the top and drop it in a turbulent eddy just downwind; a porous one bleeds air through and lengthens the sheltered zone to several times its own height.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: Open up Glass balustrade to about half
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Try the reversible version first, even badly. A week with a borrowed umbrella tells you more than a drawing.

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 south-west.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 8 feet 6 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

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 south-west and closable.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: An adjustable louvred roof
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 8 feet 6 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A paler paving

ForecastNostill No

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

Replace Balcony tiles 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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: A paler paving
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Try the reversible version first, even badly. A week with a borrowed umbrella tells you more than a drawing.

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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Measure the actual height available before ordering: this is sized at 11 feet 2 inches and about four inches either way changes whether it works.

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 building, 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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Try the reversible version first, even badly. A week with a borrowed umbrella tells you more than a drawing.

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 Balcony tiles 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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Try the reversible version first, even badly. A week with a borrowed umbrella tells you more than a drawing.

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 Balcony tiles 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: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

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 wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Try the reversible version first, even badly. A week with a borrowed umbrella tells you more than a drawing.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestMove itYou can undo it

Move the table 8 ft 2 in west

ForecastNostill No

Move the table 8 ft 2 in west does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Slide the seating about 8 feet 2 inches toward the west and change nothing else.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Privacy exposure
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: Move the table 8 ft 2 in west
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Mark 8 feet 2 inches out on the ground and stand there before committing. The geometry is only as good as that distance.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestMove itYou can undo it

Sit under Glass balustrade

ForecastNostill No

Sit under Glass balustrade does not move this in any way worth the effort.

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

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Privacy exposure
Unchanged: Wind
Still unanswered: Nothing here.

The test: Sit under Glass balustrade
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If wind still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Try it on the plan, then go outside and see.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.