Lincroft Academy in Bedfordshire Add Dining Area Canopy

Utilising the adaptable Motiva Duo™ product from our range, a concept for the canopy architecture was drafted up to include glazed panels to the west elevation of the structure.

Project Specification

Product: Motiva Duo™
Size: 12500mm x 10000mm
Steelwork:
- Slate Grey - RAL NO. 7015
Roof:
- Opal

What was the project brief?

Lincroft Academy located in Oakley, Bedford, is a rapidly expanding school . Popular within the local community, the numbers of students welcomed through their doors has increased over recent years. This is a trend that they expect to continue and has meant that they needed to think strategically about how to expand the facilities on site.

Located in a residential area, Lincroft Academy were mindful that any development plans could impact upon their immediate neighbours. They wanted to create an all-weather, outdoor space that could accommodate pupils at mealtimes, provided shelter throughout the year, and fitted sympathetically with the surrounding area. With these things in mind, they approached A&S Landscape for assistance with their project.

What was our outdoor dining canopy solution?

No matter what type of site our clients have, there are always a number of factors to take into consideration when it comes to the design and installation of a canopy. Lincroft Academy is a good example of where there is an ultimate aim to achieve, but with specific requirements that must be taken into consideration during the design phase.

Our expert team had plenty of details to work from, and, after a site survey, they were able to develop drawings for a free standing canopy. Utilising the adaptable Motiva Duo™ product from our range, a concept for the canopy architecture was drafted up to include glazed panels to the west elevation of the structure. The addition of glazed panels provided additional shelter from the wind and driving rain. The location of the canopy structure meant that on two sides the shelter was protected by railings, hedging and an existing structure, so the inclusion of the end panel created a very sheltered area.

Lincroft Academy’s outdoor dining area canopy was constructed from a solid steel shelter frame measuring 12500mm x 10000mm. This created a substantial covered area beneath which the school’s students could enjoy a well-deserved break at lunchtime. Lincroft Academy chose to customise their design by selecting Slate Gray (RAL 7015) steelwork for the frame, and an Opal coloured polycarbonate roof, both selected from our wide range of choices.

What was the result of their new outdoor dining canopy?

As the size of the solid steel shelter frame installed at Lincroft Academy suggests, the installation of the new canopy cover created a great multi-functional outdoor space. Sheltered from the worst of the elements and with the inclusion of seating inside, not only can the ever-increasing number of pupils at the school find a seat to enjoy their lunch break, but it also provides additional recreational space.

Because the school is located at the heart of a residential area, one element of the design brief for the canopy architecture was for it to be sympathetic to the wider community. The nature of the Motiva Duo™ canopy with its curved roof meant that the sleek design is not intrusive and did not overshadow the neighbouring properties. This new installation created a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

About the client

Lincroft Academy is part of the overarching Sharnbrook Academy Federation, encompassing the schools of Sharnbrook Upper School, Harrold Priory Middle School and, of course, Lincroft Academy.

Lincroft Academy offers an exciting curriculum to its students. With a strategic plan for the future development of the school, they recently refurbished their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics facilities to a 21^st Century standard. They also offer the chance for pupils to study subjects including drama and business studies, as well as the Prince’s Trust programme as an alternative curriculum choice.

When it comes to awards and accreditations, Lincroft Academy has also been recognised across a broad range of curriculum areas. In 2019 they were awarded the School Games Platinum Award. These awards are Government-led and were originally launched in 2012 to recognise schools who commit to the development of sporting competition across their school and the community.

Why invest in a Motiva Duo™ canopy?

The Motiva Duo™ canopy is an extremely flexible canopy cover. Whether your site is a secondary school wanting to create additional covered outdoor dining space, or a primary school wanting to introduce additional outdoor enrichment areas, the design can be developed to fit your school’s individual needs.

Some of the additional benefits that the Motiva Duo™ bring include:

The addition of customisations such as side panels and doors
Comprehensive guarantees on both product and workmanship, giving you peace of mind in relation to the quality, safety, and durability
A low maintenance structure which, at the same time, is sturdy in any conditions, including heavy snow and strong winds.

The Benefits of Eating Outdoors and Its Effect on Student Welfare

There is a lot of research that points out the benefits of spending time outdoors; lowering heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones and muscle tension. It can also uplift your mood. Enhancements in attention, memory and concentration have also been attested.

How does this effect children in school? Well, being inside for most of the day is linked to increased anxiety and depression. Couple this with the appeal of computer games and social media at home and you can see how necessary it is to offer children as many opportunities to be outdoors during the school day as possible.

Spending time outdoors improves Vitamin D levels (an important hormone that helps to protect against a series of diseases such as osteoporosis, depression, heart attacks and stroke). It is revealed in research that many of us do not get a sufficient amount of this important vitamin, so more time outside is key to help address this deficiency.

With the longest break in the school day being the lunch break, a good resolution is alfresco dining. More and more schools are improving their outdoor areas, setting up outdoor dining spaces, with canopies, shade sails, umbrellas and even enclosed outdoor dining rooms. With growing pupil numbers, this is a solution to the increased pressure that existing dining rooms come under as schools grow.

Continue reading our blog post to find out how schools can tackle this issue and allow their pupils to spend more time outside.

Why choose A&S Landscape for your outdoor dining area canopy?

At A&S Landscape we pride ourselves on our extensive experience of working with schools, colleges and universities. Over the history of our organisation, we have helped a wide range of clients to realise their canopy cover designs. Whether you are looking to install a new cycle shelter or an outdoor dining area like Lincroft Academy, there is a shelter solution to match your requirements. By contacting us to find out more, you can access the benefit of our expertise to help you to decide on the best option for your site.

Our friendly team are always happy to answer your initial questions, so contact us to find out more. You can reach us by calling 01743 444100, emailing [email protected], or alternative by filling in our website enquiry form.

Find out more about some of our other projects completed in Bedfordshire

Biddhenham International School Add Fabric Umbrella Canopy

In collaboration with our building contractor client our team produced a playground umbrella in Biddenham International School And Sports College Biddenham Turn, Bedford, Bedfordshire. The contract included the supply and fitting of one Maxima™ waterproof Umbrella structure supported on a single upright measuring 7000mm X 7000mm.

Waved Roof Shelter Designed for Roecroft Lower School

A&S created a wave canopy at Roecroft Lower School Buttercup Road, Stortford, Bedfordshire. The contract included one Motiva Wave™ monopitch curved roof canopy measuring 5100mm X 4000mm with Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Shelter With Polycarbonate Roofing Made for Challney High School

Working for our building contractor client A&S made system 60 roofing at Challney High School Stoneygate Road, Luton, Bedfordshire. The contract included System 60 roofing measuring 31960mm X 2258mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Someries Junior School Add Fabric Umbrella Shelter

Our engineers constructed a playground umbrella for Someries Junior School Luton, Bedfordshire. The full contract involved the supply and installation of one Maxima™ waterproof Umbrella structure supported on a single upright measuring 5000mm X 5000mm and post protector.

The Mary Bassett Lower School Install Two Canopies

A&S produced two straight polycarbonate roof canopies at The Mary Bassett Lower School Bassett Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. The contract included the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 14630mm X 4000mm and one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 14580mm X 4000mm. Both canopies included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.