Dana, the third-generation owner of Breslow Design & Build, walks through an exceptional motorized louvered pergola installation in Woodcliffe Lake, NJ. This project demonstrates how a modern pergola system can be completely customized with architectural details—specifically handcrafted transitional columns—to seamlessly match a home's existing architecture. What makes this installation truly unique is that while the technology and engineering are contemporary, the design integration transforms it into an elegant enhancement that feels native to the home's original style.
The Woodcliffe Lake home features a stunning back patio with a pool and pool house. Rather than install a standard modern pergola, Breslow's approach was to take the structural core of their motorized louvered system and wrap it in custom transitional trim work and columns. The posts—which start as a simple six-and-a-half by six-and-a-half inch modern frame—are elevated with a beautiful architectural detail package and custom caps that pull from the home's existing design language. This kind of customization is what Breslow emphasizes as their signature: no one else is doing transitional back-outs that match a home's current architectural aesthetic.
The pergola's louvered roof system is the functional heart of the installation. When open, the motorized louvers create dramatic shadow patterns and allow natural light to flood the space below—ideal for homeowners who want the benefit of sunlight without the confinement of a solid roof. The louvers are controlled via an application, so they can be opened or closed at will, and can even be set to close automatically when rain is detected. Beneath the louvered system, stainless steel scuppers handle water drainage, directing rain safely away from the patio. For those who prefer it, underground drainage can also be configured.
One of the standout design elements on this project is the architectural privacy wall positioned over the existing kitchen area. This wall serves both aesthetic and practical purposes—it provides a backdrop that enhances the visual appeal of the space while creating definition. What makes it especially innovative is that these privacy walls can now be made operable, functioning like outdoor plantation shutters. Combined with the integrated fan system and the light strip detail that runs along the louvers, the entire installation becomes a fully integrated outdoor living space that's as beautiful as it is functional.
The installation process begins with a virtual consultation where Breslow reviews their project portfolio, design styles, and provides upfront cost guidance. If the fit is right, the project moves into detailed 3D design work—critical for ensuring the system integrates properly with the home's existing architecture and fits the space's dimensions and parameters. Once designs are approved, the project proceeds to professional engineering to verify structural integrity, followed by permitting if required by the local jurisdiction. Installation itself typically takes five to seven days with a full crew, and Breslow offers follow-up support and maintenance plans to keep the system operating smoothly.
This Woodcliffe Lake project exemplifies what happens when modern pergola technology meets thoughtful architectural design. By taking their motorized louvered system and customizing it with transitional columns, trim packages, and coordinating privacy walls, Breslow transforms a contemporary product into something that feels like it was always part of the home. For homeowners who want the functionality of a motorized, open-and-close roof system without sacrificing their home's design cohesion, this approach offers the best of both worlds.