Case Studies > Castle Howard

Creating an outdoor seating area for a restaurant at one of England's most beautiful stately homes was a challenging brief. The piece had to be sympathetic to the superb design and long history of the 18th century Castle Howard as well as functional.

The outdoor restaurant set within the Stable Courtyard required a contemporary design to complement the impressive setting. Designs influenced by the surroundings were submitted and the chosen one accentuated the existing layout of the yard following the pattern of the centuries old cobbles.

Sculpsteel worked with a team of joiners to create a wooden base for the area constructed upon a steel framed base with adjustable legs to accommodate and address the changing levels in the site and uneven cobbles.

The seating area also had to be capable of relocation, for example should the courtyard need to be returned to its original state for any period.

Sculpsteel were responsible also for the design of the panels enclosing the seating area, which again could be adapted by the use of removable panels to allow different areas to be opened out as required. The parasols of varying heights and all the decorative features, such as the planters and menu stands successfully achieve the brief for a European influenced and contemporary outside eating area

Careful planning achieved minimum disruption to the restaurant and courtyard during installation, ensuring safely for visitors and a prompt opening of the new facility.