Silver Diner has just opened its new 1,581 square-foot pergola for outdoor dining at Silver Diner RIO (9811 Washingtonian Blvd in Gaithersburg). The structure now features a louvered roof and walls equipped with a retracting window and roof system.
Silver Diner Rio previously deconstructed the outdoor patio in 2022. Back then, although plans were disclosed for a completely new outdoor space, the final outcome closely resembled the previous patio design. An employee explained that the original design had posed significant challenges– its placement above water required supports to extend beneath the waterline. Ultimately, the original patio was reinstated to ensure that diners could continue to enjoy outdoor dining during the Spring and Summer of 2023.
Under the new project, the iron fence surrounding the dining area was removed. Silver Diner employees gained the ability to remotely operate both the louvered ceiling and the window system. The retractable windows use existing tracks in the pergola columns, with the upper panels descending by motor to nest behind the stationary lower panels. Meanwhile, the ceiling louvers can be opened to admit fresh air or retracted towards the main building, leaving the dining area mostly uncovered when desired.
The pergola now includes two access points to the boardwalk. The primary entrance is a standard double-door system facing the lake, while a secondary single-door on the northwest façade functions as a fire escape. Additionally, both employees and customers can access the pergola through the existing restaurant doors on the primary structure.
When the side wall panels are lowered, the three-foot-tall bottom panel serves as a railing. Per planning documents, the structure was built with materials that match the existing restaurant, ensuring that it complements and does not adversely affect the surrounding properties.
