A contemporary remodel for an Ontario home.
OpenAire designed, installed and manufactured a retractable roof for this residential home. The homeowners requested a 2000 sq ft addition with a lap pool, chill pool, stand-up hot spa, steam room, and underground mechanical bunker. Their only manufacturer request; is to keep their current energy costs the same.
The owners brought in Poolscape who partnered with OpenAire to bring their architectural visions to life. The resulting enclosure is 58 ft long x 32 ft wide,and is separated from the house with a 23’ long x 7 ft wide enclosed walkway. Further, the enclosure features 12 operable roof panels with insect screens and 12 sliding patio doors. One of the gable ends opens up to the outdoors, the other houses a TV and fireplace.
Openaire’s forward-thinking design capitalizes on the architectural trend of inside-out living. These designs are functional yet beautiful. Homeowners can now effortlessly enjoy nature in the comfort of their sun-soaked enclosure and feel proud of their new energy-efficient structure.
Openaire is a manufacturing company specializing in the design and installation of retractable roofs and skylights. Click to view the rest of OpenAire’s residential projects.
Creating a green future starts with the space around us, and what better way to start than with our community recreation centres? Forming a healthy, safe and inclusive community is not limited to programs and initiatives but the space in which they take place.
Morrisville Parks Recreations and Cultural Resources requested Openaire's help for their community centre remodelling. Openaire added a retractable glass enclosure to their pre-existing outdoor pool and clubhouse. This single addition drastically improved the centre's space and transformed it into a sunlit, sustainable structure. The natatorium measures at 12000 square feet, including 16 motorized retractable roof panels. Once an outdoor pool, now an all-year aquatic centre. The best part? With just a single push of a button, the roof retracts, making the pool outdoors again!
Not only is the building a premium architectural icon, but it is also now a cost-effective and environmentally friendly facility. The all-aluminum building fills with sunlight and fresh air, omitting excess use of artificial lights and ventilation, drastically cutting the cost of energy. The city-funded building was once too expensive to operate, needing constant renovations and maintenance. Now, with its OpenAire enclosure, the space will never again need updating or maintenance.
A reimagined recreation centre is a place that all residents WANT to join, and the first step is to create a space that is equally beautiful and sustainable. Creating a community hub in this way will only attract more members to utilize programs and services, ultimately providing more opportunities for expanded community offerings. Moreover, these structures go far beyond being purely aesthetic; they promote mental and physical well-being, which in turn creates a safer and happier society.
A sun-exposed building allows members to get their vitamin D effortlessly, boasting their creativity and general well-being while at the same time offering needed UV protection. The space also provides more opportunities for physical activity, as it can be used year-round. Members can take advantage of yearly access to aquatics while avoiding the problems of a weather-dependent outdoor pool. This is of the utmost importance to persons of all ages who can benefit from access to affordable programs and services.
Recreation centres have great programs to build confidence and problem-solving skills alongside health and well-being. A reimagined community centre is a place where people will want to take advantage of these programs and are proud to spend their time. A space that is naturally lit and ventilated is a much more appealing space to be. This in itself will draw in more people every day.
At this time when the cost of living is so high and people are struggling, it is more important than ever to develop spaces that are affordable and accessible for all members of every community. Recreation centers meet the needs of everyone, regardless of class, race, gender, age and ability. As municipalities grow, investment in sustainable, low cost, environmentally friendly spaces, built for the future, is key to the success of every community.
Community Centres are just one concept Openaire has reimagined our green future through design. Alongside municipalities of all sizes, OpenAire works with the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. We also have a large portfolio of privately run recreation centres. No matter your audience, OpenAire can help provide a long-term solution. Contact us today for more information
A Trip to Banff, One of Canada's Most Beautiful Landscapes
Banff is a town of 10,000 people, a short drive from Calgary, Alberta. The municipality is Canada’s first to be incorporated inside a national park. It is home to some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. Among the rocky mountains, the peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade control the skyline, with beautiful lakes and rivers flowing between. The surrounding lands are home to elk and grizzly bears, with no shortage of natural greenery. Banff, Alberta one of Canada’s only destinations that makes you feel like you're in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Whether you’re a foreigner or a Canadian, Banff should be at the top of your list for travel this winter.
All at once, you can experience an abundance of winter sports, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. The activities are endless - but don’t forget to eat! It’s easy to feel guilty leaving your excursion behind to fuel your body. However, there is one restaurant that provides you with the same mountainous escape while enjoying creative pub fare warmed at the fire.
Three Bear’s Brewery and Restaurant
Located in Banff’s main commercial district, Three Bear’s Brewery stands out as a contemporary oasis while remaining authentic to the chateau-style streets. The brewery features large wood beams, industrial fixtures and a beautifully crafted multi-level space. The vibe is contemporary yet maintains the warmth and authenticity of the village. A 970-square-foot glass retractable roof was designed and installed by Openaire to cap off this gorgeous new restaurant. The retractable skylight measures approximately 23 by 42 feet, with two operable glass sections that open to the sky above. With the addition of Openaire’s roof, guests can now immerse themselves in the beauty of Banff without feeling guilty for grabbing a bite to eat indoors. Three Bear’s Brewery is the perfect restaurant to dine in the town, with no other restaurant providing a warm indoor dining experience with views of the mountains beyond in the rain, sunshine or snow.
The fresh air, seemingly endless forests scattered with wildlife, and its mountainous terrain make Banff your dream destination. The space built by Openaire encapsulates Banffs natural beauty, providing you with an authentic Canadian experience. Dine amid the mountains, or share a pint with the wildlife, whatever you prefer - Three Bears Brewery has you covered. Book your plane ticket and make a reservation today!
On average when a decision is being made to select a Independent Living Community the future resident and their children tend to visit about five locations before making a decision. Among items they evaluate are location, price, occupancy, services and ... amenities. If you're looking to stand out and gain a competitive advantage you may want to consider how a "retractable roof" could make your facility unique.
We'll get there but first let's discuss Aquatic Therapy. Aquatic therapy is among the most popular (and doctor-recommended) exercise methods for seniors, with good reason. It is a low-impact and low-risk exercise which promotes strength and muscle tone. The problem is that most Independent Living Communities still lack an adequate aquatic center due to maintenance and cost issues. This means that the only alternative to their residents is to seek out local recreation centers and then organize transportation to get to a local pool.
But what if there were a better option that:
Well, look no further. Adding a retractable enclosure to aquatic centres is the solution that provides all of the above!
Spaces like this are filled with sunlight reducing reliance on lighting and power grids, can be filled with flora and fauna and, with one space, cover the needs of a wide range of residential requirements. An aquatic center can be more than a nice amenity for occasional use. It is common for pool enclosures to include areas for stretching, hot tubs, therapy pools, lounging, cafe-style eating, reading, gardens and more. These are just a few scenarios where owners can provide their residences within one recreational area.
Not only will this improve residents' longevity, but this unique recreational asset should be a MUST for all Independent living communities allowing for enhanced programming, happier residents and happier care staff. The cost of staff retention, even new resident admissions, is high. There is no doubt that creating a safer, healthier space that can be used year-round (and during pandemics like covid) is a solution that Independent Living communities should consider. This feature will serve as an added value to your community. It will be a positive factor for recruiting new clients, creating access to fresh air and the outdoors (another feature many retirement communities lack), thus generating larger revenue and overall ROI.
Seniors typically suffer from cold temperatures when exposed to outdoor air, even in warm climates. As such indoor swimming pools are an ideal solution - where temperatures can be controlled, and swimming ceases to be seasonal. There are endless benefits of aquatic therapy for elders, and access to this curriculum should be essential in retirement communities for both physical and social reasons. Whether you’re building your center from scratch or adding to an existing structure, investing in a retractable roof aquatic center is a win-win for residents and staff.
OpenAire has built numerous retractable roof aquatic facilities for retirement communities around the US and Canada. Contact us for more information.
As Canadians, we are not shy to embrace cold, harsh climates, but we’re equally ready to embrace the warm sunshine on a patio. There is nothing better than enjoying a great meal or cold beverage under the sun. On a patio. In the winter? Not a problem.
Here are four Toronto restaurants with retractable roof skylights that are embracing all-year indoor/outdoor patio dining.
Kellys Landing
Part of the premium Landing Group chain, Kelly's Landing is the perfect spot to enjoy the game from the warmth of its glass roof patio. Located just steps from Toronto’s Union Station at Front Street W and University Avenue, the restaurant brings a contemporary bar and patio experience to Toronto’s financial sector.
Kelly’s landing features a retractable roof that admits sunlight and views of the CN Tower year round and yet can be an open outdoor patio on warm summer days. This indoor outdoor patio design provides customers with an incredible dining experience all year long.
LOCAL Public Eatery Leaside
Calling all east-siders! LOCAL Public Eatery Leaside is the perfect spot to enjoy sun filled patio dining all year long. Built in a renovated bank building, Local Public Eatery has an 800-square-foot second floor glass patio, appealing to architectural design lovers or even those with good taste.
The retractable roof may only be open weather permitting, but the glass roof allows customers to soak up the sun every day, imitating outdoor dining without compromising the integrity of their experience. Enjoy the creative cocktails, extensive draft list, and elevated pub fare LOCAL Leaside offers.
Gusto 101
Craving authentic Italian cuisine? Look no further. On Portland Street in the King West neighbourhood, Gusto 101 is known for its lively atmosphere, extensive wine list, and beloved Mafalde Al Funghi. Architectural design is not compromised at this joint. The restaurant is located in a renovated garage which is complimented by a beautiful glass retractable roof enclosure covering the entire upper floor.
This rooftop patio slides open all summer and is a well known Toronto summer patio destination. But did you know that all winter long, this space is a bright sunny winter wonderland, protected from the cold, guests can dine below snowy skies year round!
Boston Pizza
Calling all sports fans, stargazers and zodiac junkies. Every millennials favourite childhood restaurant just got an upgrade! Boston Pizza is no longer a suburban eatery, Boston Pizza’s Yonge and Gerrard location puts a new spin on sports bars and is a new format of BP found in urban centers.
Located in the heart of the downtown core across from Ikea’s first Urban location, it is the perfect spot to watch one of Toronto's major sports games or even to host your high school reunion. Look no further if you're feeling rather nostalgic but want to maintain the atmosphere. Put on your Raptors Jersey, grab some pasta, and enjoy the game at Boston Pizza.
As we’re writing this it's the middle of January and temperatures will be around -3 degrees this weekend… but it will be sunny. The perfect weather to enjoy an afternoon on an enclosed patio with the sunlight streaming through the closed skylight roof.
Maybe you should think about visiting one of the four restaurants with retractable roof skylights mentioned above to enjoy a little sunshine in the middle of winter.
