KEEPING COOL AT WAGAMAMA

The comfort of diners is a key consideration for any successful restaurant, so when a popular eatery realised their premises were suffering from excess heat, The Window Film Company were brought in to help.

The Lakeside branch of Wagamama benefits from a glass frontage, with floor to ceiling glazing providing a stylish appearance and delivering a naturally light internal environment. Whilst from an aesthetic point of view the glazing was appealing, it was allowing for the steady build-up of heat. Sunlight was streaming through the glass unchecked, ultimately resulting in uncomfortable high temperatures for both staff and guests.

The Window Film Company offer a wide range of solar control films, each offering a different appearance and level of performance. The films work by reflecting away a percentage of the sun’s energy before it can enter the room, preventing the ongoing build-up of excess heat. As the film stops the heat before passing through the glass, it is far more effective than blinds or curtains, also allowing for natural light transmission and preventing the loss of vision.

A number of samples were supplied to the restaurant owners, enabling them to test each type on the glazing in question. Testing in situ provides an invaluable illustration as to how the film will look and perform in different lighting levels and at different times of day, meaning that any film selection is made with 100% confidence. After deliberation and experimentation, the restaurant owners decided on Cool Steel 50.

This particular film was chosen for its more neutral appearance but effective performance. The less reflective nature of the film meant that vision was allowed from both sides of the glass; prospective customers could see in whilst diners could enjoy a view to the exterior whilst the slight tint in the film delivered a reduction in heat.

With the film choice made, The Window Film Company’s dedicated operations team liaised with the restaurant to organise a suitable time for the installation. It was agreed that the work would take place before the restaurant opened for business, thus removing the chance of any disruption for customers. The panels were installed to the internal face of the glazing by a team of The Window Film Company’s specialist fitting teams, with the film beginning to protect against heat immediately.

The finished install left the glazing with a mild tinted appearance without affecting the view or detracting from the stylish aesthetics of the glass, allowing staff and visitors alike to enjoy a more consistently moderate internal temperature.

For more information on the range of solar control products offered by The Window Film Company, please contact a member of the team on 01494 794477 or email info@windowfilm.co.uk.