01. Site Survey & Client Requirements
The project site is the central open-air dining courtyard of the NICE PLACE restaurant and lounge in Kenya. The long rectangular terrace sits between pitched-roof building wings and previously relied entirely on open-air operation.
- Intense midday sun: The restaurant needed shade over the courtyard during peak lunch hours.
- Sudden tropical rain: Rapid weather changes could interrupt service and force guests indoors.
- Full open-air identity: The owner wanted the roof to disappear beyond the dining zone in good weather rather than remain stacked above the tables.
- Fast commercial operation: The system needed motorized deployment suitable for sudden rain during active food service.
- Evening atmosphere: Integrated lighting was required to support nightlife and hospitality ambience.
02. Conceptual Design & 3D BIM Modelling
SUNRAY developed a six-bay curved telescopic enclosure with a central bi-parting opening strategy tailored to the restaurant courtyard.
2.1 Curved Arch Geometry
The cross-section combines a 980 mm straight vertical side wall with a 520 mm curved arch rise, producing a total structural height of 1,500 mm while preserving useful headroom above the dining area.
2.2 Symmetrical Bi-Parting Retraction
The six modules are divided into two three-bay groups. When opened, the center modules move outward in opposite directions and cascade beneath the larger outer modules toward the two parking tracks.
2.3 Daylight & LED Ambience
Transparent roof glazing preserves sky views during daytime, while integrated LED channels provide programmable ambient lighting for evening service.
03. Shop Drawings & Dimensional Coordination
Approved production drawings established the track baseline, clear dining opening, module allocation and curved roof section before fabrication.
3.1 Longitudinal Track Layout
- Total track length: 12,998 mm
- Central clear dining opening: 9,678 mm
- East parking extension: 1,660 mm
- West parking extension: 1,660 mm
- 6 module bays @ 1,660 mm each
3.2 Transverse Cross-Section
- Overall frame width: 3,970 mm
- Interior clear width: 3,430 mm
- Overall height: 1,500 mm
- Straight side wall: 980 mm
- Curved arch rise: 520 mm
04. Precision Manufacturing & Factory Quality Control
Manufacturing focused on repeatable curved geometry, reinforced structural joints and durable architectural finishing for frequent commercial operation.
4.1 Curved 6063-T6 Aluminum Processing
The load-bearing aluminum arches were formed to the required curved profile and CNC-machined for project-specific connection and track interfaces.
4.2 Internal Steel Reinforcement
Galvanized steel insert plates were installed at key splice and connection zones to reinforce the aluminum frame joints documented in the project source.
4.3 Dark Charcoal Architectural Finish
The frame received a dark charcoal fluorocarbon finish selected for strong UV exposure and commercial outdoor use.
05. 1:1 Factory Trial Pre-Assembly & Kinematic Commissioning
Before export, SUNRAY carried out a full-scale 1:1 assembly of the complete telescopic enclosure on factory guide tracks.
5.1 Track Alignment & Module Nesting
- Track parallelism checked across the approximately 13 m run.
- Progressive nesting clearances verified between all six telescopic arch tiers.
- Module travel checked for binding, scraping and alignment issues.
5.2 Motor Drive & Safety Testing
- Bi-parting opening and closing cycle tested at approximately 30 seconds, as recorded in the project source.
- Electronic end limits and safety-stop functions checked.
- Manual override provisions inspected.
- EPDM sweep-gasket contact reviewed between overlapping modules.
06. Export Packaging & Hardware Organization
After testing, the structure was disassembled and packed for shipment to Kenya with labeled hardware kits to support efficient site assembly.
6.1 Hardware Labeling & Installation Guide
Fasteners, handles, track blocks, connection parts and sealing accessories were sorted and labeled, together with the project installation documentation.
6.2 Heavy-Duty Export Crating
Curved frame members, track sections and glazed components were protected with foam and placed into reinforced export plywood crates with external battens and steel banding.
07. On-Site Installation at NICE PLACE in Kenya
Following delivery, the retractable enclosure was installed above the restaurant courtyard under local site supervision.
7.1 Track Anchorage & Laser Alignment
The long stepped aluminum guide tracks were fixed to the perimeter support structure and aligned for level, straightness and parallel travel.
7.2 Arch Installation & Glazing
The prefabricated arch frames were lifted into position, fitted with curved laminated safety glass and seated onto the track wheel assemblies.
7.3 Motor, Rain Sensor & LED Commissioning
The drive system was connected to the control system, synchronized with the rain-sensor function, and the integrated dimmable LED lighting was tested for evening operation.
08. Final Handover & Commercial Operation
After commissioning, the enclosure entered commercial use as a flexible roof over the central dining area. The project source documents both daytime and nighttime operation.
- Weather-adaptive dining: The roof can close rapidly when rain begins and reopen when conditions improve.
- Full open-sky mode: End parking tracks allow the moving modules to clear the central dining zone.
- Nighttime ambience: Integrated color-changing LED lighting creates a distinct hospitality atmosphere.
- Daylight and UV control: Curved transparent glazing preserves natural light while the specified solar-control coating helps manage strong daytime exposure.
- Commercial flexibility: The same courtyard can support open-air or enclosed dining without permanently changing the venue layout.
09. Application Scenarios
The same bi-parting telescopic enclosure concept can be adapted to hospitality and premium residential projects that require both weather protection and full open-air operation.
- Commercial restaurants and rooftop lounges
- Resort courtyards and poolside bars
- Hotel dining terraces and event spaces
- Private estate atriums and garden terraces