An Insider's View: Overcoming Real-World Challenges at Wildlight Kitchen + Bar

While case studies often focus on the successes of a project, it's important to acknowledge the real challenges that had to be overcome to achieve those successes. The Wildlight Kitchen + Bar patio project was no exception. Slide Clear faced several complex obstacles, and it was our team's ingenuity and collaboration that ensured the project's ultimate success.

"Converting a patio into an event-ready space allows restaurants to set premium prices for exclusive use, often adding significant value with minimal additional operational costs.

It's an excellent strategy for capturing more value from existing real estate"

The Perfect Venue

The Evolution of Construction Services

Why Suppliers Are Offering More Than Products

Restaurant servers are often the people who can make or break a dining-out experience

Difference Between Sliding Doors vs. Bifold/Folding Doors

The main difference between bifold and sliding doors is the way they are operated.

Sliding patio doors are made up of two or more large panes of glass that slide sideways behind each other. This limits how much of the glass wall you can open up, but also allows you to control the size of the opening more easily.

As the allure of outdoor dining continues to grow, restaurants are investing more in creating inviting and functional patio spaces. From heaters and fans to lush greenery and stylish furniture, every element plays a crucial role in shaping the overall ambiance. However, these carefully curated spaces can be at risk if not properly enclosed, making the incorporation of glass operable walls or retracting roof pergolas essential to safeguard the investment and enhance the overall dining experience.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability in the construction and design industry, with a particular focus on outdoor spaces for dining and special events. As communities strive to reduce their environmental footprint, architects and designers are incorporating green building practices into their projects. This article explores the intersection of sustainable outdoor enclosed spaces, the Green Building Code, and the goals of the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

Sustainable Outdoor Spaces: A Necessity

As companies adopt strategies to position their real estate portfolios for enduring success, design and construction professionals are charting the course for how the built environment can transform crises into opportunities, emerging even stronger than before. The following insights are overarching trends and design strategies that are reshaping our industry.

Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships: The transparency inherent in Design Assist Agreements not only ensures a smoother project delivery but also builds trust among stakeholders. When parties are forthcoming about their expectations, capabilities, and limitations, it sets the stage for long-term, successful partnerships that extend beyond the current project.

For restaurant owners, the more seating available the more revenue it allows. During the pandemic outdoor dining has been a popular option, open restaurant design has given the industry a chance to continue to serve its customers in a new and exciting way. Commercial moving glass walls and patio cover systems are flexible, structural solutions that enable wide seamless transitions to outdoor seating.

When designing an outdoor living space both landscape architecture and interior design principles play a role in creating an ideal outdoor retreat. Landscape architect, David Pfeiffer and professional Interior Designer, Lisa Moody both offer sound advice on how to design a beautiful, inviting and perfectly useable outdoor living space. The first question they both say needs to be considered is how will the space be used?

7 Scenarios Holding Back Progress that Everyone Notices

The more I learn about the construction industry and project management, permits, supply chains, and labour challenges the more I'm amazed that anything gets built, especially built with excellence. The best projects aren't those free of problems, that's impossible, it's those with an irresistible push coming from a number of highly trained, highly motivated and highly organized people who may or may not be "the one in charge".

However, even the most competent and talented Project Manager can get overwhelmed by a system with too many fractures in it, and the dam breaks open and a lot of hard work gets washed away. Unfortunately, in some cases, so does your reputation.

Modern design lends an approach to simplicity and defined elements that focus on function over form. The result makes for a casual and comfortable dining experience.

Modern style patios are trending in today’s restaurant industry. Modernism reflects the use of minimalist elements with clean lines creating an expanded illusion of space.

Creating a modern restaurant patio is all about reducing design elements to their simplest form while focusing on these fundamental ideas:

Heating patios can be a great way to extend the use of your outdoor space during colder months. There are various options to choose from, including propane, natural gas, electric, and even wood-burning patio heaters. Some popular types of patio heaters include freestanding units, tabletop heaters, and mounted units. When choosing a heater, consider the size of your patio, the amount of heat output required, and your personal preferences. With the right heating setup, your patio can become a cozy and comfortable spot for outdoor entertaining throughout the year.

Foundations of Lean Construction

Respect for People is the cornerstone of Lean thinking. People transform ideas and materials into final useful value. Respecting the contribution of each individual is necessary to tap this resource.

In addition, people are central to the success of Lean project delivery; and the production management-based approach of Lean project delivery encourages all efforts to make transparent and then optimize all processes and flows within design and construction work.

Thermal performance is of high importance no matter what kind of climate your construction project resides in. Learn about Low-E glass and what values can be measured to evaluate thermal performance.

Whether commercial or residential obtaining building permits is almost always a given. While permit applications can be tedious and complex the City of Vancouver is starting to loosen up restrictions when it come to outdoor patios and enclosures for the hospitality community. Homeowners still have to navigate each municipality’s rules and regulations, however, there are a wide range of products available that can meet most permit requirements.

As more and more of us take the entertaining outside, we are getting creative with our living spaces such as pergolas, patios, porches and pavilions. If you want an attached living space that houses an outdoor kitchen and lounging area, you’re sure to see something you’ll love among our favourite client picks!

Top design trends for 2022 and how Slide Clear adaptable systems can help.

Functional design considerations:

• What is the vision for the structure?

• architectural feature

• gathering place

• an area to facilitate educational experiences

• outdoor dining

• additional dwelling space

• amenity area

How often will it be used, or how often could it be used? What other opportunities does a fully enclosed structure afford? Additional meeting space, private events, etc. What permits are required, fire safety, etc.

Specification Considerations:

Retract & Pivot Louvered Sunshade System 10 77 13

Sliding Frameless Glass Doors (enclosure options) 08 32 13