Torfaen Learning Zone in Wales Add Waterproof Parasol Canopies

What was the project brief?

This multimillion-pound learning centre in Cwmbran, Torfaen, is a state of the art A-Level education centre. Torfaen Learning Zone is a purpose-built learning zone that replaces three former sixth form colleges and is an exciting development. On the list of zones earmarked for the new campus were social spaces to enable students to get together and meet between lessons. Part of the plan was to include outdoor seating and shelter. A&S Landscape was brought on board to help Coleg Gwent to design the perfect shelter solution to meet this brief.

What was our canopy solution?

With the Torfaen Learning Zone being a brand-new campus, this called for a modern statement shelter solution. The A&S Landscape offering provides college and university customers with a choice of options from which to select their ideal canopy cover. From outdoor dining canopies to bike shelters, there’s an expansive choice.

The specifics of the Torfaen Learning Zone project was to provide a social, outdoor space on a raised terrace earmarked for the purpose. Our team surveyed the area to understand the exact space and dimensions available. From this information, they proposed two Maxima Parasol™ waterproof canopies. These free standing canopies are an excellent option for providing sun and rain shelter. With waterproof PVC fabric overhead, the cantilever umbrellas make sitting underneath a pleasant and comfortable experience, and they look fabulous too!

Coleg Gwent was creating a brand-new look for their whole campus at Torfaen Learning Zone, and so it was also great to be able to offer them a range of colour options to choose from. They selected PVC fabric from our offering of 40 colours, choosing White (RAL 9010). In addition, to match in with the canopy cover, they chose white steelwork canopy poles along with post protector pads. Each canopy measured 3500mm by 3500mm, with the protector pads installed at a 1200mm height.

What was the result of their new canopies?

The raised outdoor terrace area where the new canopy parasols were installed has been finished with black wrought iron balustrade and railings and slate grey concrete tiles. This modern finish was beautifully contrasted with the white from the canopy covers and matching steelwork. The end result was a contemporary finish which was perfect for this state-of-the-art educational development.

About the client

Torfaen Learning Zone, in its current form, is a completely new organisation which includes our previous client Gwent College. The opening of this fabulous centre has been much anticipated and had originally been planned to open in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic sadly delayed the opening because the contractors building the development had to work at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing measures. But at the start of 2021, the doors finally opened and work to deliver A-Levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate began. A quick look at the virtual tour of the campus shows what a fabulous treat the new students had on their first day! Their brand-new canopy umbrellas can also be seen in the video with seating now placed underneath, creating a really inviting outdoor social space.

Why invest in a canopy umbrella?

Installing a canopy umbrella can really help to define an area of your college campus, whilst at the same time giving a range of practical benefits. These benefits include:

• Shelter and protection from the sun, and in particular harmful UV rays.
• Waterproof fabric covers also protect from the rain, and our canopy umbrella products are sturdy and robust.
• Utilising outdoor space to create new social areas enables you to maximise campus resources.
• They are a great way to create dedicated, eye-catching destination spaces.
• They can refresh previously under-used areas of your school or college campus.
• They also work brilliantly for outdoor classroom ideas.

Why choose A&S Landscape for your canopy project?

A&S Landscape has an expert reputation when it comes to canopy covers of every shape, size and use. Our comprehensive portfolio of past projects is a testament to the diversity of shelter solutions that we’ve installed on school, college and university campuses throughout the UK.

Working with A&S Landscape for your shelter solution offers many benefits. Operating closely with each individual client, we aim to develop the best in the design and installation of a custom canopy to meet their specific needs. We offer you the benefit of extensive experience and the highest in quality, design and safety standards. This means that no matter how complex you think that your project is, we’re sure that we’ll be able to guide you to the best possible shelter solution.

To find out more about us here at A&S Landscape and how we can help you, simply fill in our online enquiry form or give our team a call. We’re confident that you’ll find that we’ve got the outdoors covered!

Keep on reading about our other projects located in Wales

Straight Roof Shelters Designed for Llantwit Major School

Working with the specialist building contractor we made five straight polycarbonate roof canopies for Llantwit Major School, Ham Lane, East Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan. The contract included the supply and installation of several canopies including one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 21290mm X 1600mm, one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 21000mm X 1600mm, one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 13000mm X 1600mm one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 9400mm X 1600mm and one Motiva™ monopitch straight roof canopy measuring 21600mm X 1600mm all with Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes which were coated in a matching Dura-coat™ colour finish.

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Working with our trade partner our team designed a curved roof canopy at Bettws Flying Start Bettws, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan. The full contract involved one Motiva Duo™ duopitch curved roof canopy measuring 7000mm X 4000mm and included for our Alu-Tuff™ aluminium box profile guttering and downpipes in matching Dura-coat™ colour finish and four post protection pads.

Fabric Canopy Manufactured for Gabafla and Glan Ceubal School

Working with the specialist building contractor A&S built a StarSail for Gabafla And Glan Ceubal School Gabalfa, Cardiff, South Glamorgan. The full contract involved the supply and fitting of one Maxima StarSail™ tensile waterproof fabric structure supported on a single upright measuring 5000mm X 5000mm.

Cowbridge Library Add Fabric Roof Tepee Canopy

Working with a well known architect our team made a tensile fabric roof Tepee at Cowbridge Library High St, Cowbridge, South Glamorgan. The contract included the supply and fitting of one Maxima™ Tepee tensile waterproof fabric roof structure measuring 4.75m x 5.5m.