Straight Roof Shelter at William Gilbert Endowed C of E Primary School in Derbyshire

What was the project?

To install a playground shelter at William Gilbert Endowed C of E Primary School in Derbyshire.

Which canopies did we use?

After careful consideration, we decided upon our popular Motiva Linear™ straight roof canopy. We have installed this shelter design at many schools and businesses, as its versatility suits a range of applications. This monopitch shelter has one side of the roof slightly higher than the other to help the rainwater run into the integral guttering system.

What was the problem?

William Gilbert Endowed C of E Primary School wanted to further improve the existing playground facilities. The school had previously invested in the outdoor space, but when the weather was poor it couldn’t be used. The staff decided to contact A&S Landscape for guidance on this issue. Our design team worked closely with the school to create the ideal shade cover.

What was our solution?

We installed a straight roof Motiva Linear™ canopy at the school. The shelter measures 7000mm X 5000mm, so there is plenty of room underneath the roof. This space could also be used to store play equipment, saving space inside the buildings.

The steelwork on the shelter was finished in a sleek black colour, which works well with the surrounding environment. Opal coloured polycarbonate sheets were used on the roofing, which allows a safe level of sunlight through while blocking harmful UV rays. This was an important feature as young children would be playing outside under the canopy during the summer months.

What was the result?

Everyone at William Gilbert Endowed C of E Primary School is thrilled with the new shelter. The pupils can now spend their playtimes outside in the fantastic outdoor area, no matter the weather. This has allowed the children to exercise more regularly throughout the day, leaving them refreshed and ready for their next lessons.

The teachers can also make use of the shelter by taking their classes outside. This alternative learning space will help to create memorable lessons which the children will readily engage with. Many studies have highlighted the benefits of using an outdoor classroom, so it’s great that this school can add this experience to their curriculum.

A little bit about the client…

William Gilbert Endowed C of E Primary School is located Duffield, Derbyshire and is part of the Derby Diocesan Multi Academy Trust. With an intake of 243 local children, there is a real community atmosphere, where each and every child is known by the staff. The school aims that every pupil has the opportunity to ‘flourish and grow socially, academically and personally’, and it was a joy to get to work with such a great team.

How does childhood obesity negatively effect children and what can schools and parents do to combat this?

Children are generally not in control of the food they consume or the exercise they undertake. Furthermore, when they exercise, the respiratory implications and body weakness can create embarrassment amongst their peers as they face problems moving. Nonetheless, it is vital to promote healthier eating, more exercise, and support a child who lives with obesity in battling the depression, anxiety, stigma, and the health and academic complications linked with obesity, which is a task much more far-reaching than it first appears.

Discover how we can achieve these aims and more over on our full article page.

Why add a canopy to your primary school?

There are many great benefits to adding a shelter to your school grounds, so it’s no surprise that more and more primary schools are choosing to do so all over the country. When schools are making the decision to invest in a canopy, it’s important that they make sure they are getting value for money and that the shelter will positively impact the facilities.

Spend more time outside

One of the main benefits of installing a school canopy is that the children will get to spend more time outside in the playground throughout the year. This allows them to get more fresh air, let off steam, exercise and stimulate their imaginations. Often schools are unable to use their fantastic playgrounds in wet or cold weather, but a shelter provides year-round protection from the elements.

Alternative learning spaces

Teachers will also be able to plan lessons outside of the classroom, without having to worry about the often unpredictable weather. A shelter creates a protected space outside, where classes can gather to learn and explore the outdoors. Tables can also be added underneath to create a more equipped outdoor classroom where the pupils can write notes and complete activities.

Efficient storage solutions

Another great feature of a playground shelter is the additional storage space it creates. Instead of bringing the outdoor play equipment inside at the end of the day, the staff can simply leave the items under the canopy, protected from the weather. This means valuable space inside the building is created, and the equipment is more readily available for the next break time.

How can A&S Landscape help you?

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, our team will be able to help you transform your outdoor space. Whether you are looking for an outdoor dining shelter, covered walkway or entrance canopy, we have the perfect product for your needs. Our designs can also be adjusted and made bespoke to your exact specifications, using the latest technology and manufacturing processes.

Get in touch with us today to start your project. Send us your requirements to [email protected] or ring 01743 444100.

Take a look at some of our other featured projects in Derbyshire

Straight Roof Shelter Made for Dronfield Co-Op

In combination with our building contractor client our engineers designed a straight polycarbonate roof canopy at Dronfield Co-Op Dronfield, Derbyshire. The contract included the supply and installation of one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 17600mm X 2800mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Zaytouna Primary School Add Multi Use Games Area Cover

Working with a leading architect we erected a straight polycarbonate roof canopy and a DryMuga™ canopy for Zaytouna Primary School, Derby, Derbyshire. The contract included one Motiva™ Cantilever straight roof canopy measuring 21900mm X 4000mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish. Also a galvanised finish Motiva™ DryMuga™ duopitch curved opal polycarbonate roof structure measuring 31600mm X 17200mm including for guttering and downpipes.

Fabric Sail Shade Designed for Arboretum Primary School

Our team constructed a waterproof sail structure for Arboretum Primary School, Derby, Derbyshire. The full contract involved one 6000mm x 6000mm Maxima™ tensile waterproof fabric sail structure comprising of one square sail on four uprights including for all stainless steel fixtures and fittings and post pads.

Curved Roof Entrance Canopy Installed at Ripley Academy

Working for our contractor client we produced an entrance canopy for Ripley Academy, Peasehill, Ripley, Derbyshire. The job involved one Motiva™ Entro curved roof canopy measuring 2800mm X 1200mm with glazed side panels and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

Hasland Junior School Add Shade Sail Structure to Playground

We created a waterproof sail structure and a playground umbrella in Hasland Junior School, Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The job involved the supply and installation of one Maxima™ tensile waterproof fabric sail structure comprising of one Hexagonal sail on six uprights including for all stainless steel fixtures and fittings and one Maxima™ waterproof Umbrella structure supported on a single upright measuring 4000mm X 4000mm.

Bishops Lonsdale Add Entrance Cover to Building

In combination with our contractor client our team designed an entrance canopy for Bishops Lonsdale, St Albans Road, Derbyshire. The full contract involved one Motiva™ Entro curved roof canopy measuring 3000mm X 2500mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.