What was the project brief?
Wednesfield High Academy in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton had the idea to install an enclosed dining canopy to provide a new space for students and staff to spend breaks away from learning and teaching. They needed it to reduce some of the pressure on their other dining facilities to make lunchtimes easier for everyone on-site. Also, they were looking for a sleek, bespoke, enclosed design that would change how they thought about their outdoor space and had heating and lighting so the shelter could be used year-round. The staff contacted us and we quickly started making plans to create a canopy to meet all of their needs.

What was the dining extension solution?
After considering their advice on the best way to move forward and the benefits of various models, Wednesfield High Academy picked out a bespoke Motiva Linear™. This allowed them to build a fully enclosed shelter that diverged from their standard designs and was tailored to their exact requirements, with 40960mm X 7588mm specifications that offered enough space to ease pressure on existing facilities. What’s more, the Motiva Linear™ has a stylish asymmetric roof that makes it well-suited to many shelter types, including dining canopies. The welcome additions of lighting, heating, side panels and doors meant that the shelter could always be comfortably enjoyed – even in bad weather. And, the Opal roof and Slate Grey steelwork in a matt finish looked modern and inviting to anyone looking for somewhere different to spend time outside of the school buildings.

What was the result of the new structure?
The glazed structure has proved to be very useful at the University of Wolverhampton Wednesfield Academy. Break times are now not so crowded indoors or such a rush, as students and staff have more choice concerning where to eat and socialise. The fully enclosed aspect keeps out all sorts of weather and the heating keeps everyone warm on cold winter days. Plus, the shelter makes much better use of the school’s outdoor space and the simple but classy colour scheme is a great selling point to future students and their families.

About the client
University of Wolverhampton Wednesfield Academy is a mixed secondary school and sixth form that has built its ethos around its motto of ‘Changing Lives, Shaping Futures’. They say on their website that they are ‘striving to improve provision for our students on a day to day basis’ and, when installing their shelter, A&S were impressed by their dedication to their students. Also, their wider curriculum offers enrichment opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, theatre trips and a summer school.

This institution is based in Wednesfield, a town close to Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. The city has plenty for students of Wednesfield High Academy to experience and explore – including two indoor shopping centres, multiple theatres and concert venues. Wolverhampton Art Gallery provides an incredible dose of culture for eager visitors, while the city has countless restaurants and cafés to suit any budget.

How can schools customise their enclosed canopies?
Enclosed canopies offer a variety of customisation options to institutions looking for unique covered outdoor facilities, and this helps to make each model a great potential outdoor classroom shelter. You can cover one or every side with glass or polycarbonate – or even electrically operated roller shutter doors which can be perforated or part glazed to let in the light and powder coated to match or contrast with your chosen design.

What’s more, you can have doors installed with your enclosed canopy for easy access, and several of these on a larger structure can be particularly useful. Colour schemes and ideas are limitless, as they offer the widest range of shades available in the industry with many options for steelwork, roofs and more. You can also make a creative impact thanks to their printed polycarbonate option, which lets you apply your own design to your shelter and turn it into anything from the deep ocean to a tropical jungle.

Want to know more? Get in touch with A&S Landscape, the canopy and shelter specialists, now by calling on 01743 444100 – they look forward to hearing from you.

Where does A&S Landscape install shelters?
They are based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire – a central location that is truly beneficial as it helps us to supply canopies and shelter solutions for customers across the UK. From Manchester to London and from Cambridgeshire to Somerset, they can provide you with the ideal shelter, no matter your location. Email at sales@aandslandscape.com today to speak to their friendly team about your future project.