Looking for outdoor classroom canopy ideas? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here at A&S Landscape, we have a wide range of school canopies.
We are passionate about providing safe and appealing outdoor spaces for schools and our collection of outdoor canopies proves this.
In this piece we will showcase some of our favourite and best-selling outdoor classroom canopies, including:
- Shade sails
- Retractable canopies
- Curved roof canopies
- Cantilever canopies
- Canopies with side panels and doors
If our school shade sails sound appealing to you, or you’re after a new outdoor classroom canopy, then keep reading to find out more details!
Outdoor Classroom Canopy Ideas to Elevate Your Playground
We are proud of our huge array of outdoor classroom canopies. From captivating cantilevers to trusty timbers, our canopies provide shelter and are a safe space for young children to roam free during their time at primary and senior school.
We have picked our top 5 outdoor classroom canopies to look at in a bit more detail.
All of our canopies have the same purpose but differ in things such as:
- Shapes
- Sizes
- Structures
- Materials
At A&S Landscape we have over 48 years of unmatched experience to offer you a wide range of high-quality canopies and shelters for schools. Our expert design team can advise you on the best product for your exact requirements and specifications.
So, if you want to find out a bit more detail, let’s get cracking and tell you about some of our amazing school canopies.
Stunning Shade Sails
Shade sails are a great way to add character to your outdoor area. Our shade sails come in a range of colours, sizes, and fabrics, that way no matter what style you’re after we’ve got you covered.
The unusual shape of a shade sail makes it eye-catching, as well as reducing exposure to harmful UV rays . The pointy and star-like shape adds character as well as ensuring that all areas of outdoor seating are covered.
Many of our shade structures are available with waterproof PVC fabric , making them great for use all year round no matter the weather. Our shade sails are designed and manufactured to the highest quality so you can ensure that these are a great addition to your school.
Ravishing Retractable Canopies
If you’re looking for something with more flexibility, our retractable canopies are perfect for your school. Retractable canopies are known for their weatherproof design and being fit to last.
All of our retractable canopies are an innovative and cost-effective solution for many educational settings. They offer a fresh, vibrant environment that delivers the wow factor, allowing you to utilise outdoor space all throughout the year.
Retractable canopies are made from a durable structure so you can rely on them to be strong and withstand harsh weather conditions.
If you want a seamless and natural look to your outdoor area, then this is the canopy for you! All of our canopies are customisable so you can still have fun and experiment with colours and designs and ensure that it matches your school’s brand.
Some of our reflective canopies have the option to incorporate heating and lighting fixtures, creating a welcoming atmosphere that extends into the colder months. Therefore, they really enhance the importance of outdoor learning.
Classic Curved Roof Canopies
Increasingly becoming one of our most popular items, our curved roof canopies are a classic addition to any outdoor area. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they are also visually appealing with their striking and sweeping curves.
Having a curved roof offers height to outdoor areas whilst also being extremely practical. They are often manufactured from solid steel framework and unbreakable polycarbonate roofing , making them extremely sturdy and strong.
All of our curved roof canopies have the option to enclose the space by adding sides and doors, making them ideal for sheltered dining areas or outdoor learning and play.
Available as freestanding or lean-to, they are a popular outdoor canopy in many schools. Their popularity makes them a best seller and practical for any needs.
Captivating Cantilever Canopies
If you want a canopy with minimum obstructions, then our cantilever canopies are perfect. A school cantilever canopy is supported with uprights along one side of the structure only, meaning that they cover a large amount of space underneath.
Due to this design, there is more floor space created as there is a reduced number of uprights. This makes them a great playground shelter for primary and secondary schools.
All of our cantilever canopies are available with both curved and straight roof designs, with a choice of colours for the steelwork and roofing, meaning that you can have complete creative control.
They have often been used as entrance canopies and playground shelters for younger years areas in schools however, they are also extremely adaptable and suitable for any outdoor space.
Canopies with Sides
If you’re considering a canopy with side panels and doors then we have got the best selection for you. Adding side panels and doors to your school canopy ensures extra security and can allow you to store equipment securely.
Many of our canopies with sides have been used as outdoor classrooms or as a play area or covered walkway. They could also be used as an outdoor dining area, creating more seating options at lunchtime.
You have complete control over the style of this canopy – you can choose to cover one or all of the sides with polycarbonate or glass, and you can even use electrically operated roller shutter doors too!
Having a canopy with sides or doors allows pupils to learn and play in it all year round. Our perforated or part-glazed glass options mean that light can still shine in and make the environment bright and appealing to pupils.
Hear How One of Our Outdoor Classroom Designs Helped Gordonstoun School
Gordonstoun School , in Elgin, Moray, needed a shade sail to act as a multi-purpose space where students could learn, relax with friends, and even play outdoors in all seasons.
The institution is one of the leading full boarding schools in the UK, set in a 200-acre woodland campus near the Scottish Highlands, and has recently expanded its facilities to include a Sports Centre and Performing Arts department.
Adding covered facilities outdoors was therefore a natural next step and the team there wanted their shelter to be just as modern and impressive, as well as useful for their learners. They got in touch with us at A&S Landscape and our experts were quick off the mark to help.
Read the full case study here.
Can’t Find an Outdoor Classroom Idea You Like? Why Not Design Your Own?
As mentioned earlier, all of our outdoor classroom canopies are completely adaptable and come in a variety of different styles.
However, we understand that every client has specific needs that might not be met by our standard offerings, which is why we offer bespoke canopy solutions for all schools.
We can help you to design your own solution to enhance your outdoor classroom space. You have the option to design your own bespoke canopy, specifically made to measure your requirements. Don’t hesitate to get in touch and request a free proposal.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Outdoor Learning Environment
You might have seen a canopy that has caught your attention. However, before getting ahead of yourself, you need to make sure that it meets your requirements. We have come up with some things you might want to consider when choosing your perfect outdoor canopy.
Any Inclusivity Needs
When choosing your outdoor learning area, making sure that it is inclusive and adaptable for all students is a necessity. You want all pupils to access this outdoor area easily.
Consider things such as:
- Ramp access
- Smooth surfaces
- Make sure there are no obstructions
- Accessibility
Location, Location, Location
Some outdoor spaces might require canopies more than others. For example, if you have a large seating area outside with no shelter, you might want a canopy to cover this and act as extra support.
Some schools have outdoor bench areas, which are a perfect place for a shade sail. Or, you might require an entrance canopy for the front of your school.
The location of your outdoor canopy really matters. That’s why we have a great selection of outdoor canopies to suit every school’s locations and needs.
The Aim of the Canopy
Before diving straight in and picking an outdoor classroom canopy, think about what you want to use it for. Many schools have outdoor canopies because of outdoor learning policies.
It’s quite easy to pick a canopy based on aesthetics alone, but you need to think about its practicality to the school. Most canopies aim to provide shelter, but others can enhance outdoor learning experiences by adding more space to a classroom.
Some canopies can be made specifically for entryways, whilst others can act as storage containers or outdoor dining areas. Therefore, it is important to have a quick think about the aim of your canopy before buying.
Order Your Outdoor Classroom Canopy Today!
Now that you have some outdoor classroom canopy inspiration, it’s time to put your plans into action. Hopefully reading about our 5 favourite outdoor canopies has given you the push to find your dream outdoor area.
Don’t forget to request your free consultation with us and design online today – we are more than happy to help!
