Melt Restaurant

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Product

HSW60

Application

Restaurants

Architect

Howard Kulp Architects, PC

Photography

Steve Wolfe

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Expanding Dining Space with a Rooftop Lounge

Located in suburban Center Valley, Pennsylvania, Melt is a chic dining destination known for contemporary Italian cuisine in an atmosphere that’s distinctly “New York-style driven” according to Melt’s architect, Howard Kulp, RA.

Looking for a way to expand their seating, Melt worked with Howard Kulp Architects – designers of the original two-floor restaurant – to add additional seating and draw more patrons from the nearby communities and its host shopping center. The new main attraction? Level 3 – a lounge located on the rooftop of Melt, says Kulp.

“The bar was enclosed, but the other half of the rooftop was outside and opens to the elements,” Kulp explains. “We selected NanaWall for its ability to make the space more usable. We didn't look at other wall products because frankly there weren't any other solutions that offered what NanaWall did.”

Creating a Flexible Solution

Specifically, Kulp and his project team selected NanaWall’s HSW60 – an aluminum-framed, single-track sliding system with open corners – to transform the formerly unusable space into a year-round, sophisticated nightlife destination.

According to Melt owner, George Paxos, the system has been a success. “The NanaWall is a wonderful tool, enabling us to accomplish our goal of creating the experience of a relaxing evening for our guests, whether the weather is cooperative or not, by simply opening and closing the wall,” says Paxos.

“Being in the northeast with unpredictable weather, the NanaWall allows our guests to experience the outdoors even when the wall is closed,” Paxos adds.

At 81 feet across, using 21 individual panels, the HSW60 wall system solution for Melt meets the design and aesthetic needs of the owner’s and architect’s shared vision. Yet on a functional level, almost every sliding panel in the closed position can be converted for use as an incorporated, single-acting swing panel, which can be open inward or outward. The effect on table layout and relative openness to the outdoors is unlimited, says the architect.

“NanaWall Provided the Answer to the Issue of the Outdoor Elements and Gave Us the Opportunity to Create a Unique and Stunning Rooftop Lounge That Dramatically Morphs From Indoors to Outdoors, Instantly.”

The Benefits of a Single Track

Panels can be taken out of the plane of the opening, and the wall can be completely out of sight if desired. When the wall is closed, all panels are on a single track, eliminating the need for bulky, multiple tracks and the thick walls they demand. Instead, it is sleek, slim and appealing to the eye.

The HSW60 system is also highly customizable. Along with the original panels, additional parallel and perpendicular tracks can easily expand or reduce heated or air-conditioned spaces. Another appealing feature is the flexible number of panels, restricted only by structural and steel constraints. Even if there are structural posts, tracks can be laid to the inside or outside of the posts to allow sliding of the panels beyond the posts.

Designers have freedom with the HSW60 system, too. With a smart, variable angle astragal profile, systems can be supplied with any segmented angle between 0° and 9o° between panels, allowing the designer to create completely open corners or bays.

Year-round Appeal

For Melt Restaurant, NanaWall’s ability to bring the outdoors in is a perfect match for the comfortable interiors with warm wood finishes and rich, natural colors. Outside, the signature red awnings are now matched by red outdoor seating and even a new fire pit.

Adding to the accolades for the NanaWall system, the interior designer for Melt, Jeffrey Beers, notes, “NanaWall provided the answer to the issue of the outdoor elements and gave us the opportunity to create a unique and stunning rooftop lounge that dramatically morphs from indoors to outdoors, instantly.”

Melt Restaurant floor plan illustrating HSW60 stacking glass walls with multiple remote panel parking locations.

Configuration

HSW60 individual panel system with swing access doors and panels stacking at opposite ends of the opening for flexible space separation and unobstructed views.

What Our Customers Have to Say

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“NanaWall offers the flexibility of two different dining experiences in one space at Gloria's. It transforms from a unique al fresco dining experience to a comfortable climate controlled environment in a matter of seconds.”

— Matthew S. Crittenden, President, MSC Design, Architect

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