Eclipse

Enhancing Rooftop Bar Designs with Cutting-Edge Outdoor Heating Solutions

A New SoCal Bar in the Sky

Elevated 16 stories among the Orange County Skyline, Hive and Honey was made to be a central gathering place for the neighborhood and visitors alike. From happy hour to the late hour, guests come to see dramatic sunsets and stay into the night. The project was designed so that guests could soak up the views and enjoy a unique, open-air experience unlike any other in Orange County.

Located atop a hotel in the heart of Irvine, the rooftop bar looks out from the 405’s long stretch of expanse to Saddleback Mountain. As Bromic specifications leader Blake Petty noted, “The project was brought to us by the property developer who we have worked with on numerous other projects they have.  We have also worked with the hotel chain across the globe on numerous projects.  Both the developer and hotel have trust in Bromic not only in our products, but in our team from the upfront design service and technical support team that are there at every step of the way.”

Building off the growing trend of maximizing outdoor spaces and building rooftops, the clients wanted to showcase what developers and building owners can do with roofs that are usually underutilized. While many are turned into private gardens, bright terraces, or large amenity areas, Hive and Honey was made to be a new example of elevated dining and hospitality in the city.

Rooftop Architecture

A series of key design decisions were made that gave way to the shape and organization of the rooftop bar’s architecture. External columns around the patio edge combine with alternating support beams to create an airy, open space with a high ceiling height. These architectural forms were made with neutral colors to emphasize the views and provide a backdrop for the dining and gathering areas. The ceiling, floor, columns and walls share a common material palette, while the bar utilizes patterned tiles, metal detailing, and integrated lighting to stand out.

The Challenges

A key challenge for the rooftop space was that it needed to stay warm throughout the day and into the evening from the interior to the patio outside. As more consideration is given to how people move between indoor and outdoor spaces, there’s also further understanding of how this trend can create healthy, beautiful, and functional areas to come together. However, there are a few key obstacles that need to be addressed to optimize all-weather comfort.

Designing for the seasons, one of the best ways to maximize comfort and increase revenue is by integrating outdoor heaters. Outdoor heaters usually come in two main different types: freestanding and mounted. Which option is best for a specific design mainly depends on how much portability and floor space will be needed. If versatility is needed and the layout might change over time, then freestanding heaters create a great value-add for clients and building owners. In turn, for more permanent installation, wall or ceiling mounted heaters may work best. In terms of architecture, high lofty ceiling members needed a solution that wouldn’t block views of the skyline and keep the floor space open to provide a cohesive overall experience.

The Solution

At Hive and Honey, there was a strong desire to have direct warmth that could be moved when needed. This project was unique in that they have window washing equipment that is suspended over the side of the building. Due to this, they have to clear the patio of all furniture and cannot have anything mounted to the perimeter of the building as it would interfere with the window washing.

After the initial discussion using Bromic’s complimentary Design Service, the heating experts took a look at the architectural plans and mocked up a heat layout. The team then sent this back to the clients as a detailed heat plan with product specification sheets. For Hive and Honey, the solution was a combination of the Eclipse Portable heater, controlled by the Eclipse Dimmer Remote and the Tungsten Electric heater series, hardwired to a On/Off switches.

The Eclipse Portable heater series gives the rooftop bar the directional heat needed over each of the lounge areas and tables and gives the flexibility to disconnect and move the heaters out of the way during the window washing.

Being that this is on a rooftop and can get windy, the team wanted to use powerful Tungsten Electric heaters that are not affected by the wind like gas heaters can be. For ease of use, the heaters were hardwired to On/Off switches enabling employees to have independent control. At the same time, the white Tungsten Electric heaters blend in with the white ceiling and walls.

Customers love to come together outdoors, where they can enjoy good food, fresh air, and lively culture. After taking a look at the architectural plans and mocking up the heat layout, the Bromic team better understood the use of the Hive and Honey patio space, where furniture was going to be located, and where people would congregate. The result is an inspiring rooftop bar that brings hospitality design to new heights in Irvine.

Perfecting the Modern Outdoor Pool House with Bromic’s Eclipse Collection

Regina Schaurer-Will, owner of Will Pools & Wellness, a Whirlpool dealer located in Bellheim, Germany, recognizes the significance of outdoor spaces. During the initial stages of designing her contemporary pool house, Regina acknowledged the importance of outdoor heating but struggled to find a solution that aligned with her desired modern aesthetic. 

“We aimed to create a contemporary pool house using modern materials,” explains Regina. “The Eclipse Collection by Bromic was a perfect fit for us because it not only serves its functional purpose but also exudes a modern and chic vibe, exactly what we were seeking!” 

With prior knowledge of Bromic’s Eclipse Collection, Regina recognized that it would be the ideal outdoor heating solution for her space. “The heater also functions as a light source, providing warmth and creating a pleasant atmosphere in outdoor areas, especially when drying off after a swim. It perfectly enhances the ambiance of the garden, offering adjustable light intensity and heat levels with the Eclipse Dimmer Controller.” 

Regina anticipated some challenges during the planning process, such as a lower ceiling and the need for a more substantial power source to accommodate the space. However, she was able to overcome these obstacles by collaborating with one of Bromic’s Heating Experts, through the complimentary design service. With their guidance, Regina selected the Eclipse 8” Straight Pole to ensure clearance requirements were met and arranged for the installation of a suitable power source, thanks to her proactive approach. “We had to install the correct power line, which had unconventional voltage requirements for Germany. Nevertheless, we had no issues since we had planned ahead while acquiring the Eclipse heaters.”

Regina applied her own advice, often given to clients when designing their outdoor sanctuaries. When recommending outdoor products to her customers, she seeks items that align with the existing aesthetic of the space and enhance the overall outdoor experience. “I personally like Bromic’s products and consistently endorse their outdoor heating solutions when assisting clients with pool planning. I always emphasize the importance of having a heated outdoor area so that one can fully utilize the space and the pool throughout the year.” 

Eclipse Portable and Tungsten Electric at Hyatt Regency Dehradun

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas at Mussoorie, the Hyatt Regency Dehradun opened its doors in March 2022. Spread across 4.25 acres offering over 250 rooms on 7 floors, as well as a variety of amenities ranging from restaurant venues and a rooftop bar to outdoor terraces and lounges, the Hyatt Regency is the largest luxury 5-star hotel in Uttatakhand. 

The restaurants, lounges, and rooftop bar, Beyul, were designed to deliver a multisensory experience, including global food and beverages that blend with the scenic surroundings. To keep the current aesthetic of these spaces, and to counteract the strong winds passing through the foothills at the rooftop bar and all-day dining restaurants, it was important for heaters to be incorporated that were both effective and had the ability to blend seamlessly within each space. 

“The project faces some particular challenges due to its location in the hills,” says Love Chaudhary, Principal Architect of AND Studio, New Delhi, the architect for Hyatt Regency Dehradun. “Strong winds were a common occurrence, and we needed heaters that could withstand these conditions.” 

To select the most effective outdoor heating solution, Chaudhary utilized Bromic’s complimentary design service to work with a heating expert on heater selection and placement. “The experience was excellent, as their team provided valuable insights and recommendations based on our project requirements. The heat plan helped us optimize the placement of the heaters for maximum efficiency and comfort.” He continues, “Their modern and minimalist design added elegance to the outdoor spaces without compromising functionality. They seamlessly integrated into the surroundings, complementing the architectural elements.” 

 

Bromic Tungsten Electric and Eclipse Portable outdoor heaters at Hyatt Regency Dehradun’s rooftop bar, Beyul.
Bromic Tungsten Electric outdoor heaters at Hyatt Regency Dehradun’s Pan Asian Restaurant
Bromic Tungsten Electric outdoor heaters at Hyatt Regency Dehradun’s all-day dining restaurant.

“It was important for us to draw-up heat plans that made the most sense for the large spaces of the rooftop bar, the Pan Asian Restaurant and the all-day dining area,” says Abhimanyu Dabas, National Sales Manager for Bromic Heating in India. To achieve this, the high-powered Tungsten Electric and contemporary Eclipse Portable heaters were selected for the space. “We knew that the Tungsten Electric heaters would be able to provide precise directional heating that wouldn’t be affected by the high winds, and the dual function of the Eclipse Portable heaters would bring both heat and light to the lounge areas where there are no ceilings or walls for heaters to be adhered to.” He continues, “In addition, the Eclipse Dimmer Controller allows for customizable heat and light providing ease of use and flexibility for users.” 

“Overall, our experience using Bromic on this project was highly positive, and we have received positive feedback from clients about the Bromic heaters,” says Choudhary. “They played a vital role in creating inviting and comfortable outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall experience for guests. He concludes, “We would highly recommend Bromic heaters to other architects and clients in the future. Their combination of stylish design, reliable performance, and user-friendly features make them an excellent choice for enhancing outdoor spaces, and we believe others would benefit from using them as well.”