Premium outdoor living

Caribbean Blinds has reported that demand for its awnings, external blinds and pergolas increased by 161% during the pandemic, thanks in part to hospitality and commercial establishments which needed to enhance the functionality of outdoor spaces.

In June 2022, Caribbean Blinds installed eight of its original louvered roof pergola canopies – the Outdoor Living Pod – at a collaborative members’ club in Covent Garden, London.

Having previously enlisted Caribbean Blinds’ services at its Mayfair location in 2018, The Conduit wanted to replicate this design at its new club – 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 club members.

The client wished to cover two thirds of the 300m² roof terrace with pergolas, leaving the remaining third completely open. The ‘Prestige’ model of the Outdoor Living Pod was chosen due to its rotating louvered roof that fully retracts and is completely watertight when closed.

The perimeter edges of the Outdoor Living Pods were equipped with screens to offer protection from the elements, whilst additional ‘doorways’ between certain modules would allow for different areas to be zoned off. Each module was installed with infra-red heating and festoon lighting to create a cosy environment all year round.

Stuart Dantzic, managing director at Caribbean Blinds, said: “Throughout this entire project, we worked closely with the architect, designer, contractor and end client 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 client’s 4^th July party.”

Anthony Pollak, facilities director at The Conduit, added: “Having installed the Caribbean Blinds Outdoor Living Pod at our previous property, we knew we had to incorporate this product into our new club.

“The Pods have enabled us to use our roof terrace all year round. 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 meeting to the installation, the Caribbean Blinds team were pleasant and professional – they made the whole experience very smooth and straightforward.”

The Outdoor Living Pod’s innovative, rotating louvered roof offers provides an alfresco feel when open and ensures a completely water, wind and snow-tight roof when closed.

Optional windproof screens, ambient LED perimeter lighting and instant infra-red heaters mean they can be enjoyed all year round. Built for durability and longevity, the low-maintenance Pod is constructed from powder coated aluminium and adapts to any outdoor lounging or dining space.