What was the project brief?
Telford College in Wellington wanted to purchase a shade sail that could offer significant shelter to students looking to take a breather, catch up with friends, eat, or even study outside – so they could do so year-round. It was important that the canopy looked sleek and sophisticated, without obtrusive colours or design elements, to convey the institution’s modern values. When the college contacted A&S Landscape, they were thrilled to have them on board as a client because of their close proximity to the A&S Landscape office, and they endeavoured to meet all of their needs as best as they could.

What was the shade sail solution?
Telford College took their time to talk through what they wanted to get out of their shelter with them, and they used this information to match them with an ideal product: the Maxima StarSail™. Thanks to a combination of a shade sail and umbrella design around a centre post, this model always brings innovation and functionality to an outdoor space. They built it with Squirrel Grey steelwork and a Moss Green roof which complemented the architecture while making a fantastic and sophisticated impression. Plus, measurements of 4000mm X 4000mm meant that there was room for young people to enjoy some quiet time or various activities beneath it, in any weather.

What was the result of the new shelter?
The canopy allows students to make the most of getting outdoors all year round, so they can fit essential breaks into their day and experience the mental health benefits of dining, socialising or relaxing outside – which may even aid them in their studies too. The inconspicuous, contemporary shade sail design clearly shows the college’s commitment to modernisation, improvement and looking after its community. This project was special to them due to this customer being based in their home county, so it was truly satisfying to see it come to a successful conclusion with an amazing example of their tensile canopy systems.

About the client
Telford College was formed in 2017 with the merger of New College Telford and Telford College of Arts and Technology. It offers a wide range of courses – such as apprenticeships and vocational and academic studies – and it also boasts top-notch facilities like its £3 million Discovery Centre with a Computer Aided Design suite, £2.5 million Creative Hub, and duo of recording studios. It was wonderful to add their product to this list and help this institution build on its legacy of innovation.

Telford College is located in Wellington, Shropshire’s second largest market town. Residents can enjoy being close to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the opportunities for exercise and leisure that it provides. Wellington naturally has a popular market, housed in a wonderful Victorian indoor market hall, as well as a full events calendar including its Midsummer Fayre, Community Carnival and Literary Festival.

What problems can canopies solve for academic institutions?
Covered MUGA at Zaytouna Primary SchoolSchools, universities and colleges are complex and interact with hundreds or thousands of staff and students with differing needs on a daily basis. This means that they can encounter complicated issues that they need to solve quickly. Thankfully, shelters can often offer a solution. For example, growing student populations require expanded areas for mealtimes, and installing a dining canopy is an easy, efficient and cost-effective way of creating another lunchtime space without wasting money on an entirely new building. What’s more, with the constant need to update facilities and offerings for young people, Covered Multi Use Game Areas (MUGAs) such as a tennis court canopy enable modern access to sports provision all year round. Wellbeing is also becoming a more prominent topic and issue to address, and shade sails can create sheltered relaxation areas like a sun shade which can be part of an institution’s plan of support.

If you’d like to hear more about the benefits of adding a canopy to your school or other academic institution, give A&S Landscape a call today on 01743 444100.

Who does A&S Landscape work for?
Over their forty-plus years of experience in the sector, they have built an extensive and diverse client list that they’re proud of. They have created shelters for primary and secondary schools across the country, universities like the University of Birmingham, local authorities like Walsall Council, businesses like Severn Trent Water and Royal Mail, and public attractions like Windsor Great Park. They can discuss with you how they can adapt their products to match your preferences and the needs of your site – simply email at sales@aandslandscape.com or call them on 01743 444100 now to talk with the team.