If the global pandemic and multiple national lockdowns taught us anything, it’s the importance and value of outdoor spaces. Previous social distancing rules and restrictions meant that all hospitality and commercial establishments had to reconsider the use and functionality of their outdoor areas, and for many, this is still a priority today.
Outdoor shading manufacturer Caribbean Blinds saw the demand for its range of high-quality weather-proof awnings, external blinds and pergolas rise by 161% during the pandemic – with no signs of slowing down. Through supplying the UK’s finest external shading systems to both residential and commercial clients, Caribbean Blinds is leading the market as it continues on its mission to turn open spaces into year-round revenue creators.
In June 2022, Caribbean Blinds delivered a highly effective and stylish shading solution in the form of 8 of its original louvered roof pergola canopies – the Outdoor Living Pod™ – successfully providing the ultimate luxury, all-weather, outdoor living space that gives the customer complete control of the elements, 365 days a year.
The client
Based in Covent Garden, London, The Conduit is a collaborative members’ club committed to creating a just, prosperous and sustainable future. Having enlisted Caribbean Blinds’ services previously at their Mayfair location in 2018, the establishment was already aware of the benefits of this particular product. The Conduit wanted to replicate this design at their new club, albeit on a much larger scale. The flexible shade and shelter provided by the Outdoor Living Pod™ would allow the terrace to be used all year round – offering an important revenue stream for the business, along with a unique dining experience for their discerning members.
The brief
The client wished to cover two thirds of the brand-new 7th floor roof terrace – with a footprint of approximately 300sq/m – with pergolas, leaving the remaining third completely open. They chose the ‘Prestige’ model of the Outdoor Living Pod™ due to its rotating louvered roof that fully retracts and is completely watertight when closed.
The finished result
A total cluster of 8 Outdoor Living Pod™ modules were required to cover the 200sq/m surface area of the terrace. The perimeter edges were equipped with screens to offer protection from the elements, whilst additional screens and ‘doorways’ between certain modules would allow for different areas to be zoned off for events and private functions. Each module was installed with infra-red heating and festoon lighting to create a cosy and pleasant environment all year round.
Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director at Caribbean Blinds, explained: “A project of this size required clear communication, co-ordination and planning. We worked closely with the architect, designer, contractor and end client at every stage to ensure a seamless process and journey, with the help of a dedicated co-ordinator who oversaw the entire project to ensure it ran smoothly, on time and on budget.
Like all roof terrace installations, there were many challenges. Access with a road closure meant that we had to allow for the craning of the product to the terrace, however, manufacture from order sign-off was just 12 weeks, with installation taking two weeks for our trained teams to complete – all in time for a VIP party on the 4th July.”
Anthony Pollak, Facilities Director at The Conduit, added: “Having chosen to install the Caribbean Blinds Outdoor Living Pod™ at our previous property, we knew the quality of the product. When we were presented with the opportunity to build a roof terrace on a substantial area of the club, we knew we had to include Caribbean Blinds within the design.
Installing the Pods has enabled us to use our roof terrace all year round. In the summer when the weather is good, we can open up the space effortlessly and, in the winter, when the roof is closed, the sides are down and the heaters are on, it gives us some much needed outside space.
From the initial design meetings all the way through to the installation, the Caribbean Blinds team were pleasant and professional to deal with. They made the whole experience very smooth and straightforward.”
The Outdoor Living Pod™ explained…
Ingeniously designed for those who want to live life outdoors, the innovative rotating louvered roof offers an open-air alfresco feel when left fully open, and ensures a completely water, wind and even snow-tight roof when closed. Optional windproof screens, ambient LED perimeter lighting and instant infra-red heaters mean a cosy and pleasant environment can be achieved all year round. Built for durability and longevity, the low-maintenance Outdoor Living Pod™ is constructed from super strong, corrosion resistant, powder coated aluminium and adapts to any outdoor lounging or dining space.
For more information visit https://www.cbsolarshading.co.uk/
For over 35 years, Caribbean Blinds has been dedicated to supplying the very finest external shading systems for discerning homeowners and businesses. All products are UK manufactured to clients’ exact specifications at their factory in Sudbury, Suffolk, and fully set up for a quick and easy installation. The company use their own fitting teams to ensure a perfect installation, guaranteeing a seamless journey form concept to completion.
Find out more about Caribbean Blinds UK Ltd on their member profile page here
Member-created content 1 year ago | From members