Outdoor living space - Spring well-lit patio at night for perfect evening ambiance

Pandemic Makes Outdoor Living Space the #1 Residential and Commercial Spring Project

Last Updated on July 8, 2024

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Thriving Outdoor Spaces: Louvered Roofs Lead the Charge

Consumer demand for outdoor living spaces continues to surge. Homeowners and businesses alike are increasingly seeking ways to maximize their enjoyment of these areas. Louvered roofs, like the R-BLADE™, are a popular choice due to their ability to provide both sunshine and shade at the touch of a button.

Long-Term Appeal: Investing in Comfort

As the focus on outdoor living continues, industry publications like Veranda and Forbes are reporting sustained homeowner interest in all-weather solutions. This trend reflects a desire for year-round enjoyment of their outdoor spaces.

For Homeowners

The demand for outdoor covers for patios, decks, and terraces has soared in recent years. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing functional and stylish outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed year-round.

  • Create a private oasis for relaxation and entertaining.
  • Extend the usable season of your patio or deck.
  • Enhance the value and functionality of your property.

For Businesses

For restaurants and hotels, creating comfortable outdoor areas has proven essential. These expanded spaces provided a vital connection with customers during a time of restricted indoor dining.

  • Increase usable square footage and attract more customers.
  • Offer year-round comfort and protection from the elements.
  • Create a unique and inviting outdoor dining experience.
  • Louvered roofs are a smart investment for anyone looking to get the most out of their outdoor space.

Outdoor Dining For Residential Spaces

Backyards Transformed

For many homeowners, outdoor spaces that had been an occasional weekend dinner destination have blossomed into the setting for their work-from-home Zoom sessions and spaces to safely host small gatherings of family and friends. 

Whether that means building elaborate outdoor kitchens or refining outdoor sitting areas, homeowners are creating outdoor living spaces that offer all the comforts of their indoor spaces.

Outdoor spaces have become an essential part of modern living. Gone are the days of occasional use; patios and backyards are now extensions of our homes. Fuelled by a desire for fresh air and connection, homeowners are crafting their own staycation paradises.

Innovative Pergola Designs: More Than Just Shade and Privacy

“We're seeing a huge increase in requests for shade structures and privacy screening. Also, shade plays a huge factor in making a space comfortable.”

While the basic needs for shade and privacy are key considerations for homeowners designing their outdoor living spaces, outdoor structures can offer much more while also adding value to the home. The draws of innovative pergola designs are being highlighted throughout the industry as well. Veranda Magazine’s top tips included:

  • Create seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces: An attached pergola can be mounted directly to the home to extended living space.
  • Prioritize outdoor lighting: Adjustable louvered pergolas are the ideal flexible solution that can control the amount of sun and include integrated lighting to keep the party going after dark.
  • Build outdoor living space for year-round use: The key to making a pergola an all-weather destination is in the precision manufacturing process, which ensures louvers can seal out the rain and snow.

Outdoor Dining Becomes Permanent for the Hospitality Industry

While the pandemic undeniably challenged the hospitality industry, it also sparked a lasting trend: the rise of outdoor dining. Local governments across the country recognized this shift, with grant programs in cities like Boston and Los Angeles supporting restaurants’ investment in patio spaces.

Forward-thinking restaurateurs are taking this a step further by installing permanent patio cover structures. These solutions go beyond temporary setups, offering diners year-round comfort, regardless of weather. This translates to increased revenue potential for restaurants and a more enjoyable experience for diners, solidifying the importance of outdoor dining in the post-pandemic landscape.

Elevated restaurant terrace with a smart pergola Azenco - Delray Beach, FL

Hospitality industry trends

These investments are supported by the industry consultants at McKinsey & Company who are telling restaurant owners that consumer behavior will continue to drive what it calls, “the next normal,” and advising them to strategize for the longer-term impacts it will bring. Many of the same demands driving pergola projects also apply to commercial spaces like creating flexible, all-weather outdoor seating that seamlessly connects to the restaurant’s interior. While the goal of the outdoor expansion is bottom-line driven, business owners also need to ensure these permanent structures are functional and add to the overall customer experience.

Southern Kitchen Table Restaurant - Commercial pergola Azenco Outdoor

“Making sure this area is an extension of the existing restaurant will help patrons — those returning, and those that are brand new — to have a dining experience that aligns with their pre-pandemic expectations and perception of the brand.”

Azenco: outdoor: Commercial living space specialist

Azenco is truly adept with these restaurant projects. Its know-how was on full display in an outdoor expansion for Restaurant MILA in Miami’s historic South Beach where the Azenco design team optimized a 3,000 square foot rooftop deck. Some of the keys to ensuring a successful project that will be viable even after the pandemic has waned include:

Building all-weather outdoor dining: Pergolas with automated adjustable louvered roofs allow the flexibility to provide shade or close completely in case of rain or snow. Establishing comfort and privacy outdoors: Even in outdoor spaces, restaurants can create intimate dining experiences by establishing separate alcoves under multiple freestanding pergolas.Accentuating existing design elements: Adding fabric privacy screens to the pergola draws interior design elements into the outdoor spaces in order to maintain a consistent experience for guests.

Spring Outdoor Living Space Construction in Full Swing

The desire for comfort and connection fostered during the pandemic continues to shape how we utilize our homes. While venturing out is exciting, outdoor living spaces remain a top priority.

Re-imagine your outdoor living space using high-quality American-made products. At Azenco, our experts can help you optimize your outdoor space, ensuring it reflects your style and offers unparalleled comfort. Contact Azenco today and unleash the potential of your outdoor space.

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