Shades by Design supplied and installed exterior motorized Progressive Screens across the open-air restaurant at the W Hotel South Beach. Positioned along the building’s oceanfront facade, the screens protect guests from South Florida’s intense sun, coastal winds, and light rain — allowing the restaurant to operate comfortably in conditions that would otherwise force guests indoors.
The Progressive Screen system was the right choice for this application: engineered specifically for exterior, large-format deployments, it delivers the structural rigidity needed to withstand oceanfront wind loads while maintaining a refined, unobtrusive appearance. When retracted, the screens withdraw into slim aluminum cassettes integrated flush with the building’s architecture, leaving the facade completely clean and open. When deployed, they form a continuous protective barrier across the full height of each bay, keeping the outdoor dining environment sheltered without sacrificing the tropical garden views and open ambiance the property is known for.
The solar mesh fabric diffuses harsh glare and blocks UV while preserving outward visibility — guests still enjoy the lush surroundings and natural light, just without the heat and discomfort. Side-channel guide tracks keep each screen perfectly taut at any height, preventing billowing or lifting even in strong coastal breezes. The motorized operation allows staff to adjust individual screens or all units simultaneously, giving the restaurant full control as weather and sun angles shift throughout the day.
