Retractable Roof and Window System│Carolina Ale House

The Story

Retractable Roof and Window System at Carolina Ale House Project #4833: LM Restaurants, Inc. manages a family of restaurants including Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Hops Supply Co. American Gastropub, Taverna Agora Greek Restaurant and Bar, Oceanic Oceanfront Dining, Eddie Romanelli’s, Henry’s and the star of this show…Carolina Ale House. The common denominator is a staff of employees who have a passion for creating and serving amazing food in warm and welcoming places.

Challenge: Crafting an Indoor‑Outdoor Flagship Without Compromise

LM Restaurants knew exactly what they wanted for their flagship Carolina Ale House location in Raleigh’s Glenwood South district. As restaurant and bar design trends embraced indoor‑outdoor energy, expectations quickly grew for spaces that deliver fresh air, sunlight, and panoramic views—without sacrificing warmth, safety, or flow.

Their initial concept featured garage doors opening to the patio, but these posed problems: they required added railings, bulky hardware, and manpower to operate. Instead, the team sought a more intentional, elegant solution. Specifically, they needed systems that would:

1. Deliver instant access to daylight, fresh air, and views during prime dining times and events.

2. Provide weather protection and acoustical control when closed, especially in case of rain, wind, or heat.

3. Maintain safety on the third-floor rooftop patio without obtrusive railings.

4. Blend seamlessly into a hospitality environment, with sleek profiles and quiet operation.

5. Support dynamic use, creating an inviting space year-round—from winter’s low sun to summer breezes.

6. Execute a standout, emotionally engaging feature in a competitive restaurant district, enabling the site to “own Glenwood Ave,” as staff remarked, “…When the weather allows us to retract the roof and open the windows, we own Glenwood Ave.” 2Carolina Ale House

Solution: Libart + Stoett Panora‑SolaGlide Retractable System

Three-Part Integrated Architecture

1. Retractable SolaGlide Skylight Roof

   • Design: Single-pitch, 4-panel system spanning ~22′ × 65′

   • Operation: Three panels retract under the main ridge, creating a 75% opening

   • Performance: Solar-control polycarbonate glazing in a custom powder coat—motorized via wall switch

2. Panora‑View Vertical Retractable Windows

   • Design: Three horizontal frames—9′×9′ and 13′×9′ panels

   • Operation: Panels retract downward, forming built-in glass balustrades; ⅔ of the opening converts for airflow, Architizer

   • Finish: Thermally broken aluminum frame, laminated safety glass

3. Stoett Panorama Motorized Screens

   • Design: Black solar mesh housed in a 6″ casing

   • Operation: Fully retractable; adjust independently of roof or windows for shade and glare control

Key Advantages

• Balustrade integration: Unlike garage doors, Panora windows lower to safety rail height, eliminating additional railings.

• Alignment with “Indoor Comfort — Outdoor Freedom”: Joy Moshakos admired the demonstration in Istanbul—it delivered both openness and environmental control.

Benefits: A Four‑Season, High‑Impact Dining Experience

1. Dynamic Ambience & Spectacle

The synchronized operation of the Retractable Roof and Window System allows staff to morph the space on demand—opening it for lively summer crowds, cooling with shade during hot afternoons, or closing gracefully as storms approach. These moving elements become part of the evening ritual, a sensory delight!

2. Panoramic, Unfiltered Views

The absence of mullions and use of frameless glazing means guests—from chefs in action to loungers on the heated patio—share identical sightlines to the skyline, streetscape, and horizon. Libart’s “Better for View” philosophy is realized in every seat.

3. Flexible Comfort & Climate Control

When closed, the panels maintain weatherproof integrity and acoustical comfort. When open, they admit natural ventilation. Pair with Stoett’s heated floors and glazing shade controls, this triple system enables year-round comfort—even in winter, Stoett Industries.

4. Elevated Operational Efficiency

The motorized Retractable Roof and Window System removes labor requirements; adjustments happen instantly with wall switches. Lights, music, or service cues become tied to retraction sequences, streamlining evening transitions. Live events, sports, or weather updates can be amplified through ambiance—not delays.

5. Maximized Use of Space

Because retraction happens overhead and downwards, no floor space is occupied by swing area, railings, or lumber hardware. Seating layouts remain optimal with no concessions for operation—perfect for capacity planning and ADA compliance.

6. Market Differentiation & PR

The project became a media-led flagship: “the first North American installation of Libart’s Panora‑View windows,” Libart,  and a source of local competitive bragging rights:         

“Love it!… Even on ‘slow’ nights they are still packing in the people,” Panora Systems.

In a district crowded with sports bars, this added architecture and user experience make Carolina Ale House stand out as a destination—not just another eatery.

Summary Table

 Final Word

The Retractable Roof and Window System at Carolina Ale House shows what happens when thoughtful architecture meets hospitality vision. This is not merely a renovation—it’s a transformation of experience. Staff and guests alike celebrate the moveable ceiling, the disappearing windows, and the mesh that filters sun elegantly.

It’s a model of how integrated design—leveraging Libart and Stoett’s motorized Retractable Roof and Window System, can change the way communities gather, dine, and linger under the sky.