Retractable Windows and Skylights for Amazing Dining│Hotel Indigo

Retractable Windows and Skylights

Challenge: Year‑Round Dining in a Harsh Climate

Hotel Indigo Rochester’s Crave Restaurant faced a design dilemma common to destinations like Minnesota:

• Unpredictable weather: With long, snowy winters and chilly shoulder seasons, outdoor dining risks being unfeasible or uncomfortable for much of the year.

• Balancing ambiance and practicality: The goal was to create an “outdoor vibe” and scenic downtown views, yet maintain comfort and operability under all weather conditions, IHG.

• Maximizing space and ROI: Patio spaces represent valuable real estate for hospitality venues—and unusable spaces during cold weather erode revenue and guest satisfaction.

In short, Crave’s team needed a solution that could combine year-round usability, weather resilience, and premium dining experience, without sacrificing either aesthetics or profitability.

Solution: Panora Retractable Windows and Skylights

To meet this challenge, Crave deployed Stoett’s  integrated solutions:

• Panora Vertical Retractable Windows: Seven units of Panora MAXIMA GUG operable windows (approx. 4 m × 4 m each, with 6 mm + 16 mm + 5.5.4 laminated glazing) were installed around the patio space.

• ClearSky Retractable Skylights: A matching overhead ClearSky skylight system spanning roughly 40′ × 55′ with multiple motorized bays (12 bays).

How It Works

• Button-activated control: Walls retract vertically into concealment pockets, while skylights glide open horizontally in sections—all at the touch of a button Stoett Industriespanorasystems.com.

• Fully open configuration: When weather permits, the space transforms seamlessly into an open-air patio with full visibility of the sky and cityscape.

• Fully closed comfort: In cooler conditions, the space remains enclosed, climate-controlled, and bright—thanks to insulated, clear glazing, EK Interiors & Procurement.

Benefits: Transforming Space into Experience

1. True Outdoor Ambience

With retractable windows and skylights, Crave offers an immersive al fresco environment—with crisp lines, downtown views, and an airy feel—even in cold months.

2. All‑Season Dining Venue

Rather than convert part of the dining area into unused space during winters, Crave now operates year-round—maintaining patio seating and revenue potential irrespective of conditions, Stoett Industries and Rochester Post Bulletin.

3. Unobstructed Views

The frameless, vertical glazing and skylights ensure clear, panoramic views—guest experience remains tied to the downtown skyline and sky above.

4. Space & Operational Efficiency

• The vertical retraction preserves 100% of usable floor area—no stacking room needed Stoett Industries.

• Motorized panels allow guests or staff to control the environment seamlessly without manual effort.

5. Natural Light & Atmosphere

Even when closed, the skylights flood Crave’s dining area with daylight—enhancing ambiance—while the retractable roof allows star-gazing and fresh-air allure.

6. Enhanced Brand Value

• The striking architectural feature sets Crave apart in Rochester, positioning it as a destination restaurant with a unique “wow factor.”

• Reviews consistently highlight the retractable patio roof as a major draw—even inspiring media buzz pre-opening ekndevelopment.com.

Summary Table

Final Word

Through the intelligent combination of Panora Retractable Windows and Skylights, Crave Restaurant has reinvented the notion of a Minnesota patio—blurring indoor comfort and outdoor charm, not just in summer but all year long.

• Guests can enjoy downtown sky views, cozy winter refuge, and dynamic seasons in one elegant space.

• Crave leverages architectural flexibility to maximize space, deliver luxury, and cultivate buzz—boosting guest satisfaction and ROI.

This is a perfect showcase of how innovative systems elevate hospitality spaces, creating memorable environments and enduring value.