In the heart of quaint Old Town, one of Maine’s earliest developments and timber hubs, the newly renovated Kanù Restaurant is a new icon of innovative adaptive reuse of historic buildings and commercial rooftop spaces. Reimagined by the renowned team at Ervin Architecture, this project masterfully blends the 19th-century charm of a brick-and-timber mercantile building with modern design functions across its three levels. Perhaps the most impressive transformation of all is the astonishing rooftop bar and lounge that reflects the vibrant culture of the picturesque town below. Complete with disappearing commercial glass doors, the renovation redefines the rooftop dining experience while preserving and celebrating Old Town’s historic charm.
Revitalizing a Historic Rooftop Bar with Commercial Glass Doors
The moment guests step onto Kanù’s rooftop they are immediately greeted by a captivating 41-foot-wide opening that offers a glimpse into the laid-back outdoor lounge. Setting the tone for an unforgettable evening, the space invites patrons to relax and socialize while taking in the panoramic views as they transition seamlessly between the indoor bar and open-air lounge. Reflecting Ervin Architecture’s careful consideration of the building’s historic significance, the commercial glass doors work in tandem with the structure’s new contemporary features without disrupting its timeless character. This design approach extends to the lively nightclub on the second floor and the charming farm-to-table restaurant below, providing a versatile venue for memorable and immersive experiences. “This three-story multifaceted complex reflects our commitment to design excellence,” says Rob Ervin of Ervin Architecture. “Kanù establishes itself as a must-visit destination in Maine.”
Enhancing Bar Atmosphere with Flexible Design Solutions
The revitalized rooftop now offers a light-filled, indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar that will keep patrons returning year after year. The commercial glass doors form a dynamic, open-air environment where guests can seamlessly move from the bar to the outdoor lounge areas, almost as if no walls existed at all. This indoor-outdoor ambiance is further enhanced by a four-panel system of inswing folding windows that connect restaurant goers directly to views of the lively town below. All while complementing the building’s historic façade. These matching folding windows elevate the bar area with continuous sky-high views and refreshing natural light and airflow, resulting in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. “NanaWall counter-sized folding glass windows give the interior bar atmosphere a little extra design kick,” says Ervin Architecture. “All in all, these two applications transformed the space and significantly helped elevate the overall design to new heights.”
Maximizing ROI with Weather-Performing Design Solutions
At the core of Kanù’s design are commercially rated commercial glass doors and matching windows, engineered to excel in mid-rise and high-rise buildings. These systems are reinforced for high wind loads and provide advanced structural integrity, ensuring optimal performance in commercial rooftop spaces. Patrons can enjoy panoramic views and an indoor-outdoor experience year-round, regardless of the weather. At Kanù, these solutions keep the rooftop lounge secure, protected, and functional even in adverse climate conditions—attracting customers and maximizing profitability throughout the year. The 14-panel system and matching folding windows are equipped with double-glazed, Low-E insulated glass to maintain comfort, even when lounging close to the panels. This ability to create adaptable indoor/outdoor spaces is vital for rooftop applications where maximizing ROI and the customer experience are paramount.
Meeting Regulatory Building Codes in Commercial Rooftop Spaces
Navigating strict historic and regulatory building codes is a significant challenge in adaptive reuse projects. NanaWall systems excel by providing solutions that comply with these stringent requirements and enhance a building's historic character. At Kanù, this compliance was essential to seamlessly integrate modern design elements while preserving the heritage of the building. Additionally, these systems meet local energy efficiency standards, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs and maintain comfortable indoor environments year-round. An ADA-compliant floor track was also integrated with the bifold system to ensure safe, unobstructed transitions between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. "NanaWall is #1 in our opinion here at Ervin Architecture in its ability to blur the envelope of a building and create a dynamic environment that can adapt to the changing weather,” says the architect. “The seamless transition continues to this day to be the 'crown jewel' of KANU.”
Total Customization and Versatility
NanaWall systems are designed to meet the needs of any commercial setting, offering customizable sizes, configurations, and hardware options. With over 50 standard colors and 200 unique powder coats available, these systems seamlessly merge with existing aesthetics, complementing contemporary and historic business settings while elevating their brand. The 14-panel system at Kanù was specified with two swing panels and convenient kickplates at each end, allowing for quick transitions when closed. Standard to each system is an innovative two-point locking mechanism consisting of a top and bottom locking rod for added security. Designed for smooth, single-handed operation, these commercial glass doors provide the ultimate flexibility for commercial rooftop spaces, enhancing customer experience and maximizing ROI.
Photo courtesy of Ervin Architecture
Final Thoughts
The award-winning Kanu Restaurant was recently featured on the cover of Restaurant Development + Design, recognized at the 2023 NanaWall NanaAwards, and highlighted in ARCHITECT Magazine. By transforming a historical building into a modern, multi-functional complex, the Ervin team has crafted a space that honors the past while embracing the future. Kanù Restaurant & Rooftop is more than just a dining destination, it is an experience that celebrates the rich history of Old Town while embracing cutting-edge architectural innovation. Through the thoughtful integration of NanaWall systems and a meticulous design approach, Ervin Architecture has created a space that is both timeless and contemporary, offering guests an unparalleled experience in every season.
To learn more about this project and explore the rest of the 2023 NanaAward winners, visit our extensive inspiration gallery!