Ultraframe SkySpace restaurant and bar installation

 

Project Overview

The new owners of the 6 Acres Coaching Inn, now known as Walton View Hotel, sought to transform their Grade 2 listed property into a premier destination for events and dining. Their ambitious plans included constructing a high-quality banqueting and wedding suite, as well as renovating the original Coaching Inn into a top-tier restaurant and bar.

Ultraframe was selected to supply and install a large glass canopy roof, incorporating the SkySpace aluminium structural system, to serve as a dramatic feature over the dance floor. This innovative installation would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also ensure the venue remained versatile and functional.

Challenges & Solutions

While the original Coaching Inn provided ample space, its layout consisted of multiple smaller areas. The owners envisioned an open-plan, multi-purpose area that could comfortably accommodate over 100 guests.

The architectural team proposed encapsulating an existing patio with a glass structure. Planning Permission was granted with specific conditions:

  • The structure must appear lightweight and primarily glass.
  • The framework must be dark in color to maintain the heritage aesthetic.

To meet these conditions, Ultraframe designed an 8.6m x 12.5m duo-pitch gable-ended room with a custom ridge height to accommodate a restricted 7° roof pitch. The main SkySpace aluminium portal trusses were constructed using 50x250 components bolted to 102x200 legs, with 102x200 eaves. The glass room extension was finished in Black (RAL9005 30% Gloss) with neutral 1.0 U-Value toughened double-glazed units to comply with planning regulations.

Installation Process

Enhance Homes, having previously worked on the dance floor glass lantern installation, collaborated closely with Ultraframe to integrate additional elements, including:

  • Triple-track patio doors
  • PVC vertical sliding windows
  • Air handling systems

The roof and SkySpace portal frame were delivered within four weeks of the order placement. The complete installation was completed in under three weeks, ensuring minimal disruption to hotel operations. Project Outcome Within a month of installation, the newly designed space was fully furnished and operational. The transformation was met with enthusiasm from both the owners and guests, significantly enhancing the hotel's event-hosting capabilities.

The success of this project has inspired the owners to explore similar enhancements in future acquisitions.