Project by Innchair Solutions Ltd
Introduction
As urban hospitality spaces continue to evolve, outdoor terraces have become some of the most valuable real estate for restaurants, cafés, bars, and mixed-use venues across the UK. The Watford Roof Terrace project is a strong example of how thoughtful, well-crafted furniture can transform an open-air environment into a warm, functional, and commercially successful destination.
Innchair Solutions was commissioned to design and manufacture Scandinavian-style wooden bar stools, wooden dining chairs with patterned fabric backs, and modern dining chairs with upholstered seats and patterned backs. The aim was to create a cohesive and visually striking outdoor dining experience that enhances comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
This case study explores our complete process—from analysing the site to understanding the client’s needs, prototyping, manufacturing, and final installation.
1. Initial Analysis
Before conceptualising any furniture pieces, our team conducted an extensive analysis of the Watford Roof Terrace space. This included evaluating:
1.1 Space Layout & Circulation
The terrace featured an elongated open floor with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The challenge was ensuring a layout that:
- Allowed smooth circulation for staff and guests
- Accommodated both small and large group seating
- Provided flexibility for rearranging the space during peak hours or events
Choosing lightweight, unobtrusive, and ergonomically structured furniture was essential.
1.2 Environmental Exposure & Durability Requirements
A roof terrace naturally brings environmental concerns:
- Direct sunlight
- Occasional rain exposure
- Temperature fluctuations
- Humidity levels
All furniture therefore required:
- Moisture-resistant timber
- UV-protected finishes
- Commercial-grade, weather-resistant upholstery
The analysis phase confirmed that durability must go hand-in-hand with comfort and aesthetics.
1.3 Brand Aesthetic & Visual Direction
The venue wanted a look that aligned with contemporary Scandinavian design—clean lines, natural materials, soft curves, and a sense of understated elegance. At the same time, they wanted pops of colour and pattern to energise the space.
We concluded that a blend of natural wood, modern silhouettes, and patterned textile accents would achieve the required balance.
1.4 Guest Comfort & Seating Use-Cases
The terrace served a mix of:
- Casual coffee drinkers
- Corporate lunch meetings
- Evening diners
- Weekend social gatherings
This meant the seating needed:
- Proper back support
- Enhanced stability
- Soft cushioning for extended seating
The ergonomic factors became central to our design thinking.
2. Client Requirements
The client outlined several expectations for the furniture solution. These included:
2.1 A Contemporary Scandinavian Look
They requested furniture with:
- Smooth wooden frames
- Minimalistic silhouettes
- Warm, natural finishes
- Fabric patterns that uplift the rooftop ambiance
The goal was to create a visually inviting outdoor setting that felt relaxed yet premium.
2.2 Durability and Weather Resistance
Since the furniture would be placed outdoors, the client required materials that could handle:
- Changing weather
- Heavy daily usage
- Regular cleaning
This influenced our choice of wood species, fabric type, and protective coatings.
2.3 A Cohesive Mix of Seating Types
The Watford Roof Terrace needed:
- Scandinavian-style wooden bar stools
- Wooden dining chairs with patterned backs
- Modern dining chairs with upholstered seats and patterned backs
The challenge was ensuring all three seating categories looked related without being repetitive.
2.4 Comfortable Seating for Long Stays
The client wanted every guest—from brunch visitors to evening diners—to feel comfortable enough to stay longer, enhancing both guest experience and commercial value.
2.5 Easy Maintenance
The staff needed furniture that:
- Was easy to wipe
- Quick to rearrange
- Required minimal upkeep
We integrated stain-resistant fabrics and lightweight furniture frames.
3. What We Did
Innchair Solutions developed a complete furniture solution for the Watford Roof Terrace, executed through the following steps.
3.1 Concept Development
Our designers created multiple hand sketches and 3D digital models exploring:
- Height variations
- Backrest shapes
- Wood grains
- Upholstery patterns
- Curvature of legs and frames
We presented three design directions, all rooted in Scandinavian principles. The client selected a blend of modern and classic Scandinavian contours with gently curved wooden backrests and refined upholstery.
3.2 Material Selection
Wood
We selected European beechwood—known for:
- Strength
- Smooth grain
- High resistance to impact
- suitability for outdoor-ready coatings
The frames were finished with a UV-protected matte varnish.
Upholstery
The client wanted patterned backs to add personality. We sourced:
- Outdoor-grade patterned fabrics
- UV-fade-resistant textiles
- Stain-resistant coatings
These patterns introduced contrasts and created a lively rooftop setting.
3.3 Furniture Categories Manufactured
1. Scandinavian-Style Wooden Bar Stools
These stools featured:
- Tall, tapered legs
- Footrests for comfort
- Ergonomic backrests
- Lightweight construction
Their sleek silhouette made them ideal for high-top bar areas overlooking the terrace.
2. Wooden Dining Chairs with Patterned Fabric Backs
These chairs became the visual anchor of the terrace.
Key characteristics:
- Curved wooden frame
- Patterned backs that add visual depth
- Comfortable seating for extended dining
- High-performance outdoor fabric
The patterned backs elevated the look while preserving Scandinavian delicacy.
3. Modern Wooden Dining Chairs with Upholstered Seats and Patterned Backs
To complement the patterned-back chairs, we designed a second variant with:
- Richly cushioned seats
- Unique patterned rear upholstery
- Slightly broader seating base
- A contemporary wood profile
Together, the pieces created a layered, premium aesthetic.
3.4 Prototyping & Client Review
Before full production, we built prototypes for:
- A bar stool
- Dining chair with patterned back
- Dining chair with upholstered seat
The client tested:
- Comfort level
- Stability
- Height proportions
- Wood finish
- Upholstery feel
Adjustments were made to:
- Increase cushioning depth
- Slightly refine backrest curvature
- Enhance the footrest placement on stools
3.5 Manufacturing & Craftsmanship
Our workshop team executed the final build with detailed craftsmanship:
- CNC-cut precision frames
- Hand-finished sanding
- Kiln-dried timber for long-term stability
- Reinforced joints for commercial durability
- Upholstery done using double-stitched seams
Each furniture piece went through a multi-step quality inspection.
3.6 Installation on Site
Innchair Solutions coordinated delivery and installation at the Watford Roof Terrace.
We:
- Arranged seating layouts aligned with client operational flow
- Ensured even spacing for accessibility
- Positioned stools around the terrace bar counter
- Ensured dining chairs created a comfortable dining geometry
The final result was an organised, aesthetically impressive outdoor environment.
4. Conclusion
The Watford Roof Terrace project is a strong reflection of Innchair Solutions’ capabilities in transforming hospitality spaces through bespoke, design-led furniture.
By combining Scandinavian design influences with durable materials, patterned fabrics, and ergonomic comfort, we created a seating solution that not only elevates visual appeal but also enhances guest experience and operational functionality.
The outcome is a versatile rooftop setting that works beautifully for daytime lounging, evening dining, and weekend gatherings. Each furniture piece contributes to a cohesive, modern aesthetic while holding up to the demands of a busy UK hospitality venue.
This project demonstrates our core strengths:
- Precision craftsmanship
- Attention to detail
- Understanding of commercial hospitality environments
- Ability to blend aesthetics with durability
The Watford Roof Terrace today stands as a welcoming, stylish, and functional urban escape—an example of what thoughtful furniture design can achieve.
