Poltair School in Cornwall Install Large Dining Shelter

What was the project brief?

Poltair School in St Austell, Cornwall had the idea to purchase a dining canopy to increase capacity at lunchtimes for their students. The staff wanted to find something robust that could be used throughout the year and withstand the Cornish winds. They got in touch with A&S Landscape, who was quick off the mark to consider all of the options available and provide expert advice.

What was our dining shelter solution?

After discussing several excellent products with the helpful team at A&S Landscape, Poltair School decided that the Motiva Duo™ could be adapted to create their ideal custom canopy. Built to specifications of 10000mm X 10000mm, it offered enough space for many students to enjoy eating and socialising while freeing up space in the other facilities. The Motiva Duo™ was a fantastic choice for a dining shelter, thanks to its duopitch (symmetric) roof which suits standalone structures. The curved design was both attractive and practical and, combined with side panels, would protect everyone beneath it from all weathers in all seasons. Plus, staff chose Brown Red steelwork, Slate Grey guttering and an Opal polycarbonate roof to give their new canopy a striking, modern feel.

What was the result of the canopy?

The dining shelter was an instant hit with Poltair School; students have more space and options at lunchtimes, and the design adds an exciting new element to the school grounds. Staff no longer have to worry about problems with capacity and rising intake numbers, as they now have multiple dining facilities to offer. The canopy could even have other uses, such as an outdoor classroom gazebo. It is also robust enough to take windy and rainy weather in its stride and offer protection year-round. This news was very welcome to A&S Landscape, who loves to see their products having a positive impact on schools’ problems and their students’ daily lives.

About the client

Poltair School is located in St Austell, Cornwall – a beautiful old market town close to the coast. Once known for its china clay industry, it is an excellent centre for some of Cornwall’s best beaches and is just two miles away from the famous Eden Project. St Austell also houses the long-running St Austell Brewery and has a backdrop of the China Clay Mountains, the latter of which adds to the unique landscape. This Cornish town is bound to offer local people like the students of Poltair School many interesting ways to spend their free time.

The institution itself was formed in 1908 as St Austell’s first secondary school and has a long history of serving the community. They say on their website that they encourage a sense of belonging and support students to achieve their full potential. As a sports college, they also promote having a healthy lifestyle, learning both independently and in a team, and being good role models. A&S Landscape enjoyed working with the staff at Poltair School and wishes them all the best for the future.

Why are dining canopies so popular with schools?

Many of our dining shelter customers are schools, and this particular canopy type is popular because of its versatility and ability to solve institutions’ problems. The British population is growing rapidly, and so is the need for school places – in fact, 420,000 were needed between 2016 and 2021. This puts pressure on staff to expand facilities, and dining canopies provide a simple way to do this. They can also often add a more modern feel to outdoor buildings and brighten up architecture with their array of colourful designs.

Dining shelters allow students to eat ‘alfresco’ and reap the benefits of spending more time outdoors, which can have positive effects on their wellbeing and even their academic performance. Plus, they are an affordable alternative to extending existing buildings and can suit any budget.

For anyone considering installing a canopy at their primary or secondary school, a dining shelter is a fantastic option. However, canopies also have many other applications for schools that can improve facilities for students and staff alike. Contact A&S Landscape on 01743 444100 now to discover the perfect product for your institution.

What types of projects has A&S Landscape recently worked on?

Here at A&S Landscape, we work with a variety of clients to meet their canopy requirements, whether it’s an early years outdoor canopy for a nursery or an entrance shelter for a healthcare site. To find out about our most recent installations, head over to our projects page where you can read about our process, customers and successes in detail. If you’d like to know more about us and how we can help your business, school or organisation, email us at [email protected] or call us on 01743 444100 today.

Keep reading about more of our projects based in Plymouth

Straight Roof Canopy Made for Stoke Dameral Academy

Our engineers erected a straight polycarbonate roof canopy in Stoke Dameral Academy Plymouth, Devon. The job involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 14000mm X 4000mm and 12000mm x 2000mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Chaddlewood Primary School Add Shelter to Playground

We built a straight polycarbonate roof canopy at Chaddlewood Primary School Hemerdon Heights, Plympton. The job involved the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight coloured polycarbonate roof canopy measuring 7130mm X 3520mm including for our  Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Canopy Designed for Scott Medical Health College

In combination with our building contractor client A&S designed a system 60 canopy roofing system for Scott Medical Health College Stoke Damerel, Plymouth, Devon. The full contract involved the supply and installation of a System 60 straight roof polycarbonate roofing including for all roofing bars and edge trims measuring 11100mm x 2000mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.