Hip pergola

A composed roof for courtyards, corners and views from several sides.

A hip form can suit a deck seen from several directions or a house with more complex geometry. Its hips, junctions, outlets and supports need to be designed as one structure.

Explore the details

Hip roof Sanctuary pergola forming a courtyard room at Muriwai — Muriwai CourtyardA built example

01 / The right fit

Start with the house.

A hip pergola pitches down on all sides, wrapping the space with a composed roof edge and multiple drainage directions. It can integrate with complex rooflines when the hips, junctions, outlets and post positions are coordinated as one project-specific structure.

Works well when

The pergola is visible from several sides.
A balanced perimeter is more important than the simplicity of one roof plane.
The roof must respond to corners or changing façade lines.

We’ll resolve together

How each roof plane drains and where outlets can go.
The effect of hips and framing on daylight below.
Corner connections, post positions and junctions with the house.

02 / What to consider

Resolve the
whole picture.

Consider the materials, installation and everyday use together.

Composed perimeter versus structural complexity

The balanced roof edge comes with more hips and junctions to detail than a pitched form.

Distributed drainage versus simpler discharge

Several falls can organise water around the perimeter, but every outlet and path still needs a clear resolution.

Roof presence versus the existing home

Pitch, colour and member depth determine whether the hip form settles beside the house or competes with it.

Specification & care

The details that follow the design.

Structure and roofing

A central ridge and diagonal hips transfer loads to perimeter beams and posts. Custom flashings step roof sheets around hips while maintaining drainage. Posts can offset to suit doors and paths.

Bay sizes and member depths confirmed by the project-specific design

Hip angles and sheet selection tuned to site

Four‑sided roof with ridge and hip beams
Powder‑coated aluminium frame and posts
Bracket and fixing details resolved for the completed structure
Custom flashings around hips to manage water

Clear, opal, tinted or solid roof zones considered around daylight and shade

Post locations to open pathways and doors

Integrated downlights and perimeter strip lighting

Drop‑down blinds at prevailing wind faces

Installation and maintenance

The project programme and on-site sequence are confirmed in the proposal after site and supplier checks

Cleaning and inspection follow the current written guidance for the selected frame, roof, gutters and hip junctions

Is a hip darker than other roofs?

Daylight depends on orientation, roof depth, framing and the exact roof sheets. Clear, opal, tinted or solid zones should be assessed against the outdoor area and adjoining rooms.

Can it meet complex walls and flashings?

Custom flashings can step roof sheets around hips. The final junction and drainage details are resolved for the measured building and selected roofing.