What was the project brief?
Basildon University Hospital in Basildon, Essex needed an entrance shelter as part of refurbishments to one of its buildings. The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust wanted to update the front entrance as it had been there since 1972 and required modernising, and then it could also match the new facilities they would provide like shops and a Post Office. They thought the canopy should be light and contemporary, welcoming to patients and staff alike, and able to shield those arriving from the elements.

What was their shelter solution?
Basildon University Hospital liked the look of their products so they asked us to create a canopy during these exciting developments. After thinking over their expertise-led recommendations, they picked out a Motiva Entrada™. This was a great choice because its angled roofline has a distinctly modern look, which is accompanied by a clever freestanding design that doesn’t rely on building steelwork or interfere with brickwork. They were able to manufacture the shelter to suit the hospital’s entrance perfectly, with measurements of 5900mm X 1200mm. Anthracite Grey steelwork and a

Glass roof came together to both work with the sleek architecture of the updated building and let in lots of light, making the way in very open and inviting while also keeping the rain off of those arriving.

What was the result of the new entrance shelter?
The canopy was just right for the needs of Basildon University Hospital. The front entrance now provides the perfect welcome to anyone making their way into the health facility, whether they are staff coming in for their shift or locals visiting loved ones, and it’s really easy for newcomers to locate where they need to go. It works incredibly well with the rest of the updates at the hospital – which included a new bereavement and patient advice and liaison service suite, and a refurbished multi-faith room – and the overall modernised feel. Plus, the Glass roof makes sure the entrance shelter is never a dark place to be and it protects those beneath it in bad weather. They felt excited to lend their knowledge and product to this important and successful project.

About the client
This customer is situated in Basildon, a town well-located in relation to the capital, countryside and coast. It has a permanent Heritage Trail across its centre, plus the Enchanting Farm Park which is lots of fun for all the family. It also has more parks and open spaces than any other town in Essex – such as the 120-acre Wat Tyler Country Park which features an RSPB Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone.

Basildon University Hospital is part of the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. As well as offering the services you would expect from such a healthcare site, it has several facilities to keep its staff and visitors comfortable and well-fed. These include a restaurant, the League of Friends tea bars, and two Royal Voluntary Service shops with essentials and a small range of baby items, respectively. It was a pleasure to contribute to the improvements at this friendly hospital.

What benefits do entrance canopies have?
entrance shelter broadmead roadMaking a good first impression is important when it comes to any business or organisation, and one way you can ensure this is with an attractive entrance. An entrance shelter can impress visitors by conveying a style that reflects your values and brand, as they come in a myriad of colours and designs – including with curved, straight and wave roofs. What’s more, they protect anyone arriving in bad weather to show that you’ve given thought to their wellbeing, and they signpost the way in to reduce hassle and wasted time during what may be a stressful trip.

It’s undeniable that entrance canopies have benefits for all sorts of sectors, from healthcare to retail and academia. They can provide buildings with a visual lift, be useful for both clients and customers, and align a first impression with the true identity of your organisation. To learn more about their shelter solutions, call them on 01743 444100 now.

Where can I hear from other A&S Landscape customers?
They take pride in completing successful projects that their clients can enjoy for many years to come. You can see the results for yourself in their Gallery. Plus, you can read what past customers have had to say about their canopy installation, approach and products on their Testimonials page, which includes videos and quotes from schools, businesses and more. One glowing example is, “There was nothing A&S could have done to improve, it was a really good job.” (Senior Surveyor, Broadmead Road).

Get in touch today by emailing their canopy and shelter specialists at sales@aandslandscape.com with your shelter ideas or questions.