OB Café – Transforming a Container Café into a Year-Round Destination

Expanding a commercial hospitality space can significantly boost revenue, enhance the customer experience, and create an inviting atmosphere that draws in guests year-round.

For cafés, restaurants, pubs and hotels, investing in a bespoke outdoor structure such as a commercial pergola installation is one of the most effective ways to maximise seating capacity and unlock the full potential of outdoor space.

This was precisely the goal at Old Buckenham Country Park in Norfolk, where the owner, Ben, wanted to transform his container café into a weather-protected, year-round hospitality venue with a focus on maximising seating capacity and customer comfort.

The café already enjoyed a beautiful lakeside setting, but the outdoor seating area was exposed to the elements. During colder weather, wind or rain, much of the terrace space could not be used effectively.

The objective of the project was to create a fully functional outdoor dining space that could operate throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning surroundings while significantly increasing the café’s revenue potential.

How the Project Began

When Ben first came across Azure Outdoor Living at the 2024 Barclays EDP Business of the Year Awards, he knew he had found the right partner to bring his vision to life.

While other suppliers offered standard off-the-shelf pergola systems, these simply wouldn’t have worked for the site.

The café terrace featured uneven decking levels and an unusual layout, meaning a standard solution would have created operational problems and safety issues.

Azure Outdoor Living’s bespoke design approach allowed us to create a structure tailored specifically to the site conditions, ensuring a flawless fit, seamless integration with the existing building, and a professional finish.

Project Overview – Bespoke Pergola Installation for Maximum Revenue

Our team approached the project with one clear objective: to create a flexible, weatherproof outdoor dining space that would attract visitors in all seasons.

This required much more than simply installing a standard pergola. The project involved detailed planning, technical surveying, bespoke manufacturing and careful installation to ensure the final structure worked perfectly within the existing environment.

By transforming the outdoor terrace into a sheltered hospitality space, the café could significantly increase its seating capacity and maximise revenue throughout the year.

Site Survey and Technical Planning

Before any design work began, the Azure Outdoor Living team carried out a detailed site survey at Old Buckenham Country Park.

The café terrace consists of a large timber decking area overlooking the lake, with picnic tables and outdoor seating already used by visitors.

While the setting is extremely attractive, the lack of shelter meant that the space could only be used comfortably during favourable weather conditions.

During the survey we carefully assessed several key technical factors including:

• the overall footprint of the terrace
• the structural suitability of the decking
• integration with the container café building
• prevailing wind direction across the water
• drainage considerations
  installation access and working space

These measurements were essential in order to design a pergola structure that would fit the site precisely while maintaining clear walkways and uninterrupted lake views.

Site Survey Precision

One of the most significant discoveries during the survey was that the decking had varying height levels across the terrace.

Using state-of-the-art rotary laser measurement equipment, we identified height differences of up to 50mm across the intended footprint of the pergola structure.

This information was critical.

If a standard height pergola and sliding glass system had been installed, the uneven base would have resulted in misaligned door tracks and significant trip hazards.

Instead, we designed a fully bespoke solution for the frameless sliding glass door system, with each position custom sized to compensate for the variations in decking height. This ensured the finished installation would be perfectly aligned, safe, and easy to operate.

Decking Preparation and Foundation Work

To ensure the pergola structure would be securely anchored, we carried out extensive preparation work on the existing decking.

Sections of the decking were carefully removed to allow us to pour custom concrete footings beneath each pergola post.

This approach provided a stable long-term foundation for the aluminium structure while eliminating the need for visible surface mounting plates.

The result is a much stronger installation that integrates cleanly with the deck while ensuring the structure can withstand long-term exposure to weather conditions.

Louvered Roof and Door Track Integration

Once the pergola frame had been installed, we integrated the sliding glass system.

To achieve a seamless finish, we cut precise channels into the decking to house the sliding door tracks.

This allowed the glass system to sit flush with the decking surface.

The benefits of this approach include:

• reduced trip hazards
• improved accessibility for customers with mobility challenges
• a clean architectural finish
• a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces

This level of detailing is only possible with a fully bespoke installation.

Bespoke Pergola Design and Features

The pergola system installed at Old Buckenham Country Park was designed specifically for commercial hospitality use.

Bioclimatic Pergola

Electric louvered pergola system
Wall-mounted design

Dimensions:

Width: 11,000mm
Projection: 8,000mm
Height: 2,700mm

The pergola is finished in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey with a premium AkzoNobel powder-coated finish for exceptional durability and weather resistance.

The bioclimatic louvered roof allows the roof blades to open and close electronically, providing full control over sunlight, shade and rain protection.

Frameless Sliding Glass Doors

The installation includes a frameless sliding glass door system using 10mm toughened safety glass.

Each section was custom manufactured to compensate for the varying deck heights discovered during the survey.

This ensures smooth operation while maintaining uninterrupted views across the lake.

Heating and Lighting

To ensure the space remains comfortable throughout the year, the pergola also includes:

• 6 high-performance infrared heaters
• RGB LED lighting integrated into the gutter face
• cool and warm white LED lighting integrated into the louvres

This lighting and heating combination creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that allows the space to remain usable well into the evening.

The Finished Pergola Installation

The completed pergola has completely transformed the OB Café terrace.

What was previously an exposed outdoor seating area has now become a fully enclosed, highly versatile hospitality space that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The sleek aluminium frame introduces a modern architectural feature while still complementing the natural surroundings of Old Buckenham Country Park.

The frameless sliding glass panels provide protection from wind and rain while maintaining panoramic views across the lake.

During warm weather the glass panels can be opened, allowing the terrace to function as an open-air dining space.

When the weather changes, the panels can be closed to create a sheltered environment that keeps guests comfortable without sacrificing the outdoor atmosphere.

Project Lead Commentary

“This was a really rewarding project for our team because the location is absolutely stunning.

The site presented some challenges with the uneven decking and unique layout, so a standard pergola system simply wouldn’t have worked.

By designing everything specifically for the site, from the foundations to the custom frameless glass doors, we were able to create a structure that looks fantastic while also working perfectly for the café’s daily operation.

Seeing the terrace full of customers enjoying the space really shows how powerful a well-designed outdoor hospitality area can be.”

Dave Mudd
Project Lead – Azure Outdoor Living

The Result – A Smart Investment for Long-Term Revenue

The entire installation was completed in just 10 days, transforming the OB Café into a vibrant year-round venue.

The new pergola space now comfortably seats up to 60 guests, dramatically increasing the café’s revenue potential.

With integrated heating, lighting and a weather-controlled louvered roof, the structure provides a warm and inviting environment in all weather conditions.

Visitors can now enjoy the lakeside setting whether dining in the sunshine, relaxing in the evening or visiting during colder weather.

The project has successfully transformed an underutilised outdoor area into a high-impact social hub that attracts customers and increases footfall.

Project Specifics

Location:
Old Buckenham Country Park, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Roof System
Electric Bioclimatic Louvered Pergola
Wall mounted
11,000mm x 8,000mm x 2,700mm

Vertical Systems
Frameless sliding glass door system
10mm toughened safety glass
Custom sized to compensate for varying decking levels

Colour
RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey
AkzoNobel powder coated finish

Heating
6 infrared heaters

Lighting
RGB LED strips in gutter face
Cool and warm white LED strips integrated into louvres

Decking Preparation
Concrete footings installed beneath pergola posts
Flush channels cut into decking for sliding door tracks

Why Invest in a Commercial Pergola?

For cafés, restaurants, pubs and hotels, installing a bespoke commercial pergola is one of the most effective ways to increase revenue.

Benefits include:

• increased seating capacity
  improved customer comfort
• protection from wind and rain
• longer customer visits
• higher average spend per guest
• increased repeat business

By creating a comfortable, sheltered environment, hospitality venues can generate significantly more revenue from their outdoor space.