Magdalen College School in Northamptonshire Adds Several Shelters

What was the project brief?

Magdalen College School in Brackley, Northamptonshire wanted to find multiple high-quality canopies in order to improve outdoor facilities for its student population. The team were interested in fabric shelters that could have many uses, such as becoming covered social areas, as well as an entrance canopy that could spruce up the way in to the school and signpost it for visitors. It was also key that the products matched each other with attractive, up-to-date designs that created a cohesive look outside the main buildings. The staff contacted us to carry out this project and we endeavoured to make it a success.

What was our canopy solution?

There were more than a few options to consider but, following discussions with us, Magdalen College School decided to have three 7000mm X 7000mm Maxima Umbrella™ canopies installed on its grounds. This is a flexible and functional model supplied with large coverage and typically a waterproof PVC fabric roof that makes it suitable for multiple purposes – such as social, playground and seating areas. Additionally, the team purchased a Motiva Entrada™ for their entrance. It boasts an angled, straight roof and a freestanding structure which impresses guests and makes spotting the way in to any building effortless. We manufactured it to measure 4000mm X 2200mm to suit the entrance, and we added Slate Grey steelwork and Celadon roofs to all four shelters to create a unified, modern look for the school’s outdoor architecture.

What was the result of the shelters?

Staff and students alike at Magdalen College School thoroughly enjoy using the four canopies on a daily basis. The facilities outside have been massively boosted and now everyone can get out in the fresh air more often, no matter the weather. The tensile fabric canopies have various potential uses, including being a great place for catching up with friends at break time or acting as an effective outdoor classroom shelter. What’s more, the entrance canopy makes a fantastic impression on visitors to the school and it keeps them dry when they are waiting to get into the building. We were pleased that the end result was so well-received by Magdalen College School, and we hope that their new outdoor facilities continue to benefit their whole population.

About the client

Magdalen College School has a lengthy, distinguished history and was founded by Magdalen College Oxford and Magdalen College School in Oxford, with which they still maintain close relationships. The institution itself is state-funded and educates students between the ages of 11 and 18. They say on their website that those ‘who attend Magdalen achieve well because they work hard and are well-taught’. We found working with the staff to be a pleasant experience and loved the support that they gave to all the children.

This client is based in Brackley, a market town in Northamptonshire. The English county is well-known for its stunning countryside, Elizabethan mansions, canals and lakes. It offers a change of pace in its larger towns too, such as the wide variety of entertainment available in Northampton. Those learning and working at Magdalen College School can certainly experience both tranquillity and excitement in this wonderful county.

How can shelters expand school provision?

Many schools face pressures due to our growing population resulting in more school-age children. Installing canopies can help them to deal with this, as they create new facilities at affordable prices. For example, they can be used as:

• Outdoor dining areas – these alleviate overcrowding and excess queuing in existing indoor spaces, as well as allowing children to get some much-needed fresh air during lunchtimes and breaks from lessons.
• Outdoor classrooms – more children means more classes, so holding them outside in a covered space can be invaluable for schools’ expansion.
• Bicycle shelters – institutions can minimise the impact of increasing pupil numbers and the resulting traffic on local areas by installing safe storage for bikes, which will also encourage staff and students to exercise rather than travel by car. This is also a great commitment to being a greener school.

Would you like to hear more about our canopies? Email us at [email protected] or call us on 01743 444100 now – we’re ready to tell you all you need to know.

What range of clients does A&S Landscape work with?

We have spent many years developing our expertise, alongside our relationships with customers from multiple industries and areas of the UK. While we are probably best-known for our work with schools, we also provide shelters for national organisations, universities, local authorities, commercial clients and more. Our helpful team can answer any questions you have about our company or products. Simply give us a call on 01743 444100 to speak to us today.

Learn more about some of our other installations based in Northamptonshire

Polycarbonate Roof Canopy Created for Isebrook SEN College

Working with our building contractor client our engineers created a straight polycarbonate roof canopy for Isebrook SEN College, Eastleigh Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire. The full contract involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 9900mm X 2900mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Christopher Reeves School Design Straight Roof Canopy

Working alongside our building contractor client our team built a straight polycarbonate roof canopy at Christopher Reeves School, Podington, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The full contract involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 17000mm X 4000mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Pitsford School Install Curved Roof Shelter

Working with our building contractor client our team created a curved roof canopy in Pitsford School, Pitsford, Northamptonshire. The full contract involved one Motiva Entro™ curved roof canopy measuring 3000mm X 1800mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Oundle Primary School Add Shelter to Outdoor Area

Working for our building contractor client A&S designed a straight polycarbonate roof canopy at Oundle Primary School, Oundle, Northamptonshire. The contract included the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy with coloured polycarbonate measuring 21700mm X 2960mm and 15800mm X 7950mm with Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish and eight post protection pads.

Outdoor Playground Canopy at Olympic Primary School

Working alongside a commercial partner our engineers built a straight polycarbonate roof canopy with roller shutters for Olympic Primary School, Queensway, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The job involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight coloured polycarbonate roof canopy measuring 8000mm X 6000mm with three electrically operated roller shutter doors 4000mm wide and glazed panels to side elevation and Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.