Transforming a Courtyard into a Year-Round Dining Destination

This project at The Dambusters in Scampton, Lincolnshire demonstrates how a double roof louvred pergola can dramatically enhance a hospitality venue’s capacity and flexibility. By covering a previously underused courtyard, the restaurant can now offer 20 extra covers, used twice per service across two sittings, six days a week—a significant boost to business potential.

Project Specifications

  • Location: The Dambusters – Scampton, Lincolnshire
  • Pergola Size: 6m x 6m double roof louvred pergola
  • Frame Colour: RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey
  • Roof Colour: RAL 9016 White
  • Features:
    • Louvre lights for soft, functional illumination
    • Sliding glass panels to two open sides with sunken track to eliminate tripping hazards
    • RGB perimeter uplighting for ambience and white perimeter downlighting for practicality
    • 4 remote-controlled infrared heaters for year-round warmth
    • Rain sensors for automatic roof closure during bad weather
  • Installation Time: 5 days

How We Met the Brief

The Dambusters wanted to maximise use of their courtyard space while ensuring flexibility for different weather conditions and dining preferences.

All-Weather Dining Flexibility:

The rotating louvred roof provides full control over sunlight and ventilation. With the sliding glass panels closed, the area is protected from wind and rain, making it bookable in any season.

Boosting Natural Light Indoors:

The white louvres not only create a bright, airy outdoor space but also reflect natural light into the two adjacent indoor dining rooms, giving them a more inviting feel.

Enhanced Dining Experience:

  • RGB uplighting allows for atmospheric evening dining.
  • White downlighting ensures clarity and comfort for service.
  • Infrared heaters keep guests warm without compromising the open-air feel.

Practical Design for Hospitality:

The sunken glass track design eliminates trip hazards, essential for a busy dining environment.

The Result

The once-weather-dependent courtyard is now a premium alfresco dining space that can be booked year-round, significantly increasing capacity and revenue. Guests enjoy the flexibility of open-air dining in summer and cosy, enclosed comfort in winter—without losing the charm of the outdoors.

Why Choose Rase Outdoor Living?

At Rase Outdoor Living, we specialise in complete outdoor transformations — from initial groundwork to bespoke pergola design and installation. We create spaces that are both beautiful and built to last.