This Award-Winning Smart Solar-Powered Outdoor Living Solution Revolutionizes Modular Spaces

China’s self-powered “smart pergola” market has quickly emerged as a promising new industry with global potential. Inspired by traditional pergolas found in ancient China, Rome, and Egypt, this modern take was first showcased about two years ago when SolarYard (a LetRight brand) introduced the Ombra solar pergola at the China Import Export Fair.

Given that China manufactures two-thirds of the world’s physical goods, the rapid success of the smart pergola highlights strong public demand. The Ombra’s appeal lies in its versatility: it’s a store-bought, portable, and mains-independent structure—essentially, an air-conditioned room for gardens, rooftops, poolside areas, or undeveloped land.

Designer: SolarYard

The Ombra smart pergola is exceptional for its innovative design—it can shed its walls and roof, blending seamlessly with the environment, and serves as a versatile, portable living space that can be placed or moved anywhere. Its patented use of solar cells in the louvers is what sets it apart, combining sustainability with sleek, functional style. This technology has sparked a wave of high-tech competitors at major Chinese trade fairs, driven by strong demand.

The Ombra remains the model to beat, with the concept of low-footprint, factory-built, relocatable spaces still evolving. Prefabrication and high-tech integration offer more than just savings—they promise smarter, adaptable living as needs change. In the past year, the Ombra has earned Red Dot and iF Design Awards, while LetRight’s founder, Ren Li, received the Responsible Business Leader Award. Most recently, the Ombra claimed a Gold Prize at Milan Design Week 2025.

The Ombra smart pergola is designed for flexibility and comfort. Its control system manages air conditioning, solar-powered adjustable louvers, hidden sunshade blinds, misting features, and ambient lighting to create the right atmosphere. On pleasant days, the glass walls slide open and the solar panels act as louvers, providing shade while powering the air conditioning.

When the weather changes, the doors close, the roof secures, and the patented built-in air conditioning keeps the space comfortable in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C (68°F to 131°F). Adding a battery gives you energy independence, while connecting to the grid offers efficient backup. Thanks to its off-grid energy management and portable design, the Ombra isn’t just a spare room—it’s a flexible, relocatable living space that adapts wherever you need it.

Blending indoor comfort with outdoor flexibility is now a growing market, and the Ombra smart pergola leads this new wave. Its innovative design will inspire further advancements for various climates and increased durability. Available in two sizes—4 x 4 meters and 6 x 4 meters—the Ombra adapts to different spaces and needs. Units can also be connected, allowing users to expand their living area much like building blocks. This modular approach, combined with ease of assembly and relocation, positions the Ombra as a versatile solution for modern, adaptable outdoor living.

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