The House Brasserie — Patio Transformation

A historic Scottsdale landmark reimagined with an AdapTive Envelope built for every season.

This award-winning restaurant expanded its capacity and elevated comfort by transforming its patio into a refined, all-weather dining room that preserves the charm of the original estate.

“Elegant patio dining at House Brasserie with adaptive roof structure, string lighting, and open views framed by black aluminum beams.”

Project Snapshot

  • Location: Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona

  • Use: Fine dining + private events

  • Envelope Type: Compact retractable roof with vertical-lift glass walls

  • Integration: Structural retrofit with concealed beams and drainage tied into the existing patio footprint

  • Objective: Preserve architectural integrity while delivering year-round usability

Design Goals

  1. Respect the 1920s architecture and integrate without altering historic facades.

  2. Add climate flexibility and comfort while maintaining open-air ambience.

  3. Expand capacity and event hosting potential without requiring new construction.

  • “Covered outdoor dining area at House Brasserie featuring adaptive enclosure system, soft daylight, and woven chairs around white-clothed tables.”
  • Retractable roof patio at House Brasserie with glass wall enclosure, outdoor heaters, and warm natural light creating an intimate dining atmosphere
  • Adaptive patio enclosure at House Brasserie with motorized glass walls, outdoor heaters, and café-style seating beneath soft string lights.
  • House Brasserie patio dining under a retractable roof and motorized glass walls, viewed past wine bottles with heaters and string lights.
  • House Brasserie courtyard tables beside a brick fireplace and twinkle-lit trees beneath a black aluminum canopy.
  • Street-front patio at House Brasserie with the retractable roof closed, picket fence, outdoor heaters, and lunch service setup.
  • Side view of House Brasserie’s adaptive enclosure with motorized glass walls and retractable roof behind a boxwood privacy hedge.

  • Custom-sized soft-top canopy provides flexible coverage, opening fully for open-air nights and sealing quietly during rain or heat.

  • Frameless clarity retains the restaurant’s garden views and breeze while sealing for A/C efficiency.

  • Integrated lighting extends evening dining hours and highlights textures of the original structure.

  • Hidden collection channels and scuppers ensure the system performs seamlessly during heavy monsoon rains.

  • The envelope’s layered design reduces exterior noise, improving indoor conversation quality.

Operational Value

  • Added Seats, Added Revenue: The once-seasonal patio now operates 12 months a year, effectively increasing annual seating capacity by 30–40%.

  • Energy Efficiency: Zoned comfort systems allow independent control for enclosed or open operation.

  • Historic Harmony: Modern comfort systems blend with the heritage architecture, keeping the restaurant’s identity intact.

  • Rapid Changeover: Staff convert from open patio to enclosed dining in under two minutes.

Guest Experience

  • Refined Atmosphere: Guests enjoy natural light and garden views without exposure to heat or wind.

  • Quiet Luxury: Balanced acoustics enhance dining quality and private events.

  • Timeless Appeal: Every element was chosen to disappear visually, ensuring the focus stays on food, conversation, and setting.

The House Brasserie shows how an AdapTive Envelope can preserve history while delivering modern comfort — a perfect blend of Scottsdale character and all-season usability.