Outdoor Structures: A Cambium Landscape Guide
An overhead structure can do something remarkable in a landscape—it can turn the outdoors into a room. Whether fully roofed or open to the sky, pavilions, arbors, and pergolas expand the possibilities of outdoor living. At Cambium, we design and build custom outdoor structures as an integral part of each landscape, always considered in relation to your home, garden, and lifestyle. A fully roofed pavilion offers the comfort and protection that makes outdoor living possible in nearly any Pacific Northwest weather. For example, it might become the setting for an outdoor kitchen, a place to gather with friends, or a sheltered retreat around a hot tub.
Arbors: Shade, Structure, and Living Greenery
Not every outdoor room needs a roof. An open-air arbor provides a lighter sense of enclosure while allowing sunlight, breezes, and views to remain part of the experience. Its framework can create a partially shaded place to sit, dine, read, or simply enjoy the garden. In addition, an arbor can become a living structure. Vining flowers and foliage plants can climb overhead, gradually transforming the framework into a canopy of leaves and blossoms. As a result, the character of the space changes with the seasons.
The Terrace and the Structure
Overhead structures are often closely tied to the paving below. Together, the terrace and the structure establish the floor and ceiling of an outdoor room. This relationship is an important part of designing a beautiful home landscape. The paving might define a dining terrace, an outdoor kitchen, a lounge, or a gathering space around a fire or hot tub. Above it, the pavilion or arbor provides shade, shelter, or a place for plants and lighting. Together, the two give the space a stronger architectural presence.
Designing for the Way You Live Outside
Perhaps the greatest value of an overhead structure is its ability to make your landscape more usable. It can offer a destination within the garden—a place that feels distinct from the house while remaining connected to it. It can also provide shade on a summer afternoon, shelter during a passing shower, or a comfortable setting for gathering long after the sun has gone down. At Cambium, every design begins with the landscape, the architecture, and the people who will use the space.
—Tim Moshier, Principal & Landscape Architect
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Structures
What materials are best for outdoor garden structures?
Cambium works with a wide range of materials to shape the character of each structure. Rustic logs feel rooted in woodland settings, while sandblasted cedar brings warmth and refined texture. Classical columns add tradition and permanence. For modern gardens, steel, aluminum, and concrete offer clean lines that pair well with contemporary architecture. Even small details matter—string or “cafe” lights suspended overhead can define the edges of a space and extend its use into the evening.
Can Cambium design a style that complements my home’s architecture?
Yes. Every design at Cambium begins with a close look at the home, the garden, and how you plan to use the space. A pavilion can feel rustic and natural, classical and formal, or distinctly contemporary. As a result, the structure fits seamlessly into your existing style—whether your home is a Craftsman bungalow, a modern glass box, or a Pacific Northwest lodge.
Are there regulations on where you can build outdoor structures?
Yes. Most Seattle-area municipalities require permits for overhead structures, especially fully roofed pavilions. Setback rules, height limits, and lot coverage restrictions vary by city. Cambium handles all city ordinance review and permitting for our projects, so you don’t have to navigate the paperwork yourself.
What is the difference between a pergola, an arbor, and a pavilion?
A pavilion is fully roofed and offers protection from rain and sun. A pergola has an open framework overhead, often with beams or slats, that provides partial shade without a solid roof. An arbor is similar to a pergola but is typically smaller and often designed to support climbing plants like wisteria, roses, or clematis.
How long does it take to design and build a custom outdoor structure?
Timelines depend on the type of structure. A simple arbor typically takes four to six weeks. A full pavilion with permitting usually runs three to six months—design and permits take six to ten weeks, and construction another four to eight. Larger pavilions integrated into a broader landscape project often fit within an existing construction timeline.