What was the project brief?
Chelmsford County High School for Girls in Chelmsford, Essex wanted to install a canopy to create a covered seating area alongside other improvements, including a new teaching block and sports hall. This would help to boost facilities for everyone at the school, and it needed to be a striking, custom structure that could provide lots of shelter for those resting, socialising or eating beneath it. The staff also wanted the model to be modern and have a colourful yet sophisticated design. They contacted A&S Landscape, who was more than happy to help them with this project.

What was the seating canopy solution?
A&S Landscape added a custom Maxima Sail™ structure to the grounds of Chelmsford County High School for Girls. This was the perfect choice of product because it’s available in many different shapes and configurations, so it can easily be adapted to clients’ needs. The team at the school decided that one comprising six shade sails would work best for them and they loved the eye-catching, efficient design of the Maxima Sail™. They also chose Sapphire Blue steelwork and Sheba Dark Blue fabric which created a cohesive and classic look. The canopy was ideal for a seating area as the shade cloth could withstand all kinds of weather, allowing students to eat and rest outside under cover.

What was the result of the shelter?
The seating area canopy is a real asset to the facilities at Chelmsford County High School for Girls. Staff and students can now enjoy relaxing, dining and catching up with friends outdoors in all weathers, thanks to the shade sail structure, and its attractive design has made the space a popular place to spend time. It could also be used as an outdoor classroom. The quality has matched the new teaching block and sports hall, and it has demonstrated the school’s dedication towards continuous improvement for all. A&S Landscape was thrilled to hear that the shelter has been so well-received and that it has had a positive impact on everyone’s experience at the institution.

About the client
Chelmsford County High School for Girls is a selective girls’ school with Academy Status. It prioritises the academic development and pastoral wellbeing of its students, and it cultivates the core values of citizenship, imagination, enlightenment, diversity, distinction, challenge and duty. The school engages with its community and strives to prepare all of its youngsters to become confident young women. A&S Landscape was impressed by this client’s passion and conscientiousness and wishes them all the best in the years to come.

The institution itself is located in Chelmsford, Essex. This lively city is known for its exciting events programme, which includes the country music festival Dixie Fields and the pre-schoolers’ 3foot People Festival. There are many attractions to visit, from Chelmsford Museum to RHS Hyde Hall and the stunning Chelmsford Cathedral. Plus, avid shoppers are spoilt for choice, thanks to three shopping centres. This all makes the city an interesting place for both visitors and residents to explore.

Why should you consider installing a fabric canopy?
While polycarbonate shelters have many benefits, fabric canopies are also a great choice for a range of clients. They are easy to install and incredibly versatile, meaning that they can adapt to different needs – from playground shelters to dining areas – and their construction won’t disrupt your business or organisation. You can choose from a shade cloth or waterproof PVC covering which can typically be detached to keep it looking its best, as well as safe in extreme weather like heavy snow. There are also dozens of colour combinations available, so tensile fabric canopies can brighten up outside areas in a flash and encourage your employees, customers or students to spend more time outdoors all year round.

Want to find out more about the fabric shelters that A&S Landscape manufactures and installs? Get in touch today by calling on 01743 444100 or emailing at sales@aandslandscape.com. We have the answers to all of your canopy questions.

What other uses do canopies have at A&S Landscape?
They sell a diverse variety of shelters with multiple applications. Whether you represent a school searching for a colourful dining canopy, a healthcare site wanting to install some efficient covered walkway systems, or a business looking into cycle shelters for your staff, they can provide the right solution for any customer. Their products – which include the popular straight roof Motiva Linear™ and commercial-grade Maxima Umbrella™ – can meet any organisation’s requirements. If you’d like to speak to their friendly team about our shelters, send them an email at sales@aandslandscape.com now.