As those winter days grow shorter and the temperature drops, it’s easy for pupils and members of staff to retreat indoors. But what if there was a way for them to enjoy outdoor activities all year round, regardless of the weather?
Don’t worry, as at A&S Landscape, we offer enclosed dining canopies that let your pupils enjoy alfresco dining come rain or shine! In this blog, we’ll talk you through the 5 benefits of an enclosed canopy, as well as showcase some of our best enclosed canopies so that you can see just how efficient they are. More than a shelter from rain and snow, they offer a wealth of benefits during those dark and dreary winter months.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
5 Benefits of an Enclosed Canopy During the Winter Months
As winter rolls around, so do dark nights, cold temperatures, and strong snowfall. In some cases, school attendance can significantly drop due to adverse weather conditions, and, inadequate heating in school buildings can significantly impact student comfort and concentration during winter.
The solution is simple: if your school has the budget, we recommend investing in an enclosed canopy and making those challenging winter months that little bit easier by providing additional space that offers heat, comfort, and shelter.
Below, we have 5 incredible reasons that your senior school could benefit from when investing in an enclosed canopy this winter. Let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail…
1. Protection From the Weather
Perhaps one of the most obvious benefits of an enclosed canopy is the protection from harsh weather conditions. In the winter, we can be exposed to a whole variety of bad weather including wind, rain, snow, and hail. Therefore, you’ll want to keep your pupils dry and comfortable. Many of our canopies also come with built-in gutter systems that effectively channel rainwater away from the covered area, helping to prevent slippery surfaces.
2. Increased Usable Space
As well as providing ample shade and shelter, an outdoor dining room could actually help your crowded school. An enclosed canopy can allow pupils to enjoy their lunch outdoors without worrying about the weather and without having to sit or even stand in an overcrowded lunch hall. You could even move your dining tables and chairs and use your canopy as an extra classroom providing a dynamic and engaging space for outdoor learning.
3. More Versatility
An enclosed canopy is also incredibly versatile and can encourage your school to create a more engaging and weather-resilient environment for everyone. It can serve many different uses, from an outdoor classroom to an exam area. The great thing about having an enclosed space is that pupils can connect and socialise with each other during breaks come rain or shine. Whether you’re after a place to relax, read, or learn, an enclosed canopy can do it all!
4. Improved Wellbeing
Did you know that spending time outdoors significantly benefits our mental health? Well, even on cold or overcast winter days, an enclosed canopy allows students to spend their time outdoors, exposed to natural light and fresh air. Exposure to fresh air has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function, all things which can be beneficial when it comes to behaviour and willingness to learn.
An enclosed canopy can also provide a peaceful retreat for students to relax, de-stress, and recharge during breaks or free periods. For more information, have a read of our blog: The Benefits of Outdoor Learning.
5. Additional Features
Another great benefit of an enclosed canopy, especially during winter, is the fact that it comes with an abundance of additional features. At A&S Landscape, you can choose from features such as lighting, heating, flooring, and additional seating options. Heating means that pupils can use the canopy in colder months, ensuring a warm and comfortable temperature for learning, socialising, or outdoor dining. Retractable or permanent side panels provide extra protection from the wind, rain, and sun, creating a more enclosed and versatile space.
Our Best Enclosed Canopies for Winter
Now that you understand the incredible benefits of an enclosed canopy, especially during those colder months, you might want to see some examples in action. We’re incredibly proud of our enclosed canopies with sides, with each design truly helping to elevate your space and enjoy dining outdoors.
Explore our best enclosed canopies below:
Motiva Expanse™
The future of school dining, our Motiva Expanse™ is the answer to overcrowded eating spaces and will of course keep your pupils well sheltered during the winter. You have the option to choose between a standalone or attached structure, as well as choosing additional features such as flooring, lighting, heating, or additional seating. Snow-safe and wind-safe, this is one of our best enclosed canopies for those harsh winter conditions, keeping pupils warm and toasty.
Crafted from a solid steel framework, you can choose any RAL colour finish. You also have the choice of a wide range of side panel and door options so you can match the aesthetic of your school perfectly. The Motiva Expanse™ is ideal for creating a safer and more comfortable environment for all who work or attend your secondary school.
Motiva Vista™
Another of our favourite and most popular enclosed canopies is our Motiva Vista™. This is the latest addition to our dining canopy range and can help to create a versatile space which can be used throughout the year and can be especially useful during those winter months. Whether you want it for additional dining space or other occupancy uses, this canopy can be made completely bespoke to suit your school’s needs.
This enclosed canopy also comes with the option to add heating, lighting, and flooring, and has one of the longest guarantees on the market. It is of course snow-safe and wind-safe, making it the perfect shelter for those chillier winter days. Choose from clear or opal roofing for a truly unique touch!
Keep Your Pupils Warm This Winter With A&S Landscape!
Hopefully, this guide has taught you all you need to know about our best enclosed canopies. Not only do they protect pupils from harsh winter weather, but they are also crafted from high-quality materials and offer an abundance of benefits that you should have learnt from this blog!
At A&S Landscape, we are truly passionate about the design and installation of bespoke outdoor canopies. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, you can trust us to take care of your latest canopy project.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our friendly team will be more than happy to get back to you. Or, give us a call on 01743 444 100.
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