Glossary: AdapTive Envelope Terms
The world of adapTive outdoor architecture comes with its own language — a mix of design, operations, and construction terms that can overwhelm even experienced teams. This glossary is designed to simplify that. Each definition is practical and operator-friendly, translating product names and industry jargon into clear, useful language. Whether you're designing a restaurant patio, rooftop lounge, courtyard, or casita, these are the terms that shape real-world decisions: what systems get used, how they perform, and how fast they pay back. No marketing fluff — just the vocabulary you need to design with confidence.
Terms
Adaptive Envelope — An architectural system that opens when weather is perfect and seals when it’s not; built from a roof, vertical glazing, shading, and controls to deliver four-season use.
Couture Envelope— Curated, pre-designed Adaptive Envelope packages that can be purchased as-is or lightly configured (fastest path to concept + procurement).
Architectural Patio Enclosure — A fully integrated patio build (not a tent or bolt-on) that preserves open-air ambiance while delivering weather control and clean lines.
Convertible Outdoor Living — Any space that shifts between open-air and enclosed modes without moving furniture or disrupting service.
Retractable Roof System — Roof that opens/closes to manage sun, rain, and airflow; watertight when shut, open-sky when desired.
Retractable louver roof (louvers stack/retract away) for maximum sky exposure and premium feel.
Tilting/rotating louver roof (louvers stay in place, rotate) for precise light/heat/rain control and strong value.
Tilt Compact — Smaller footprint louver system used in compact cabanas or pods (e.g., poolside units).
Soft-Top (Textile) Roof — Tensioned fabric roof for lightweight spans and softer light; value-oriented aesthetics.
Motorized Glass Walls (VSG) — Vertical panels that raise/lower as a single sheet for panoramic views and weather protection; motorized only for premium hospitality use.
VSG5™ PRO Pack — Standardized spec for motorized vertical stack glass (stocked frame color, defined glass options) to speed quoting and delivery.
Luxury Sliding Glass (Cost-Efficient Favorite) — Multi-panel sliders delivering the modern glass-wall look at lower cost than VSG; the most commonly selected wall type in restaurants.
Frameless / Minimal Sightline — Glazing systems that minimize vertical profiles to keep views clean and premium.
Aluwall (Pony Wall) — Low architectural base (≈36–40") that carries glass above; defines space, hides utilities, improves durability and cleaning.
Screens & Shades — Motorized vertical screens for sun/glare/bug control; critical on west-facing elevations and late-day service.
Smart Automation / Presets — One-touch scenes for staff (e.g., “Lunch Shade,” “Dinner Glass Up,” “Storm Mode”) to adapt instantly without service disruption.
14′9″ Louver Span Guidance — Practical upper span shown on pricing charts; beyond this typically requires multi-bay strategy and higher cost.
Entry Enclosure (Standard) — Aluwall + sliders above with a side door; keeps entry clean, accessible, and durable for traffic.
Open / Closed State Deliverables — Visuals or render sets always show both modes so teams understand experience and operations.
Four-Season Operation — Design target: usable 12 months with heaters, fans, dehumidification as needed (HVAC design by project engineers).
Seat Utilization — % of patio seats actually in service across conditions; improving this is the fastest lever for patio ROI.
Bookable Nights — Nights you can confidently sell outside regardless of forecast; increases group sales and event revenue.
Average Check Lift — Premium outdoor seats typically raise per-guest spend due to experience and dwell time.
ROI Window (Typical) — Many operators see payback in ~12–18 months from added capacity, more bookable nights, and premium checks.
Tariff Surcharge (Pass-Through) — Imported components may include a line-item pass-through at cost; called out separately for transparency.
Lead Time Reality — Shipping commonly ~10–12 weeks after final design approval; design/coordination timelines vary by scope and permitting.
Scope Boundary (No Full HVAC) — Team can recommend heaters/fans/dehumidification; full MEP/HVAC engineering remains with the project’s licensed professionals.
Couture Casitas — Pre-designed outdoor rooms (e.g., Luna, Sol, Terra) using Prestige/Plus roofs with glass and Aluwall options.
Poolside Cabanas — Compact private retreats in repeatable sets (e.g., Evania, Miri) ideal for luxury pool decks.
Couture Garages — Architectural garage typologies (e.g., Via, Ignis, Caeli) using convertible roof/glass logic for showrooms or lifestyle storage.
Coral Shade Modules — Modular shade units useful for glare/west-sun control and thematic site integration.
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