School Shelters

Read about some of our recent school shelter projects

Curved Roof Dining Shelter Made for Laurus Ryecroft High School in Greater Manchester

This newly opened school had many fantastic facilities on offer to the students, however, it was becoming clear that Laurus Ryecroft High School was lacking some outdoor shelter. The staff knew that adding a canopy to the site would create more seating options for the students at lunchtimes, therefore reliving pressure from the internal dining hall. A&S Landscape was contracted to design, manufacture and install a Motiva Duo™ curved roof canopy, made to an overall size of 10000mm x 10000mm. The shelter was located next to a food pod which will allow the students to enjoy a true alfresco dining experience. As intake figures rise nationally, more and more schools are turning to dining canopies as a cost-effective solution. We have many design options and we can also add side panels, heating and lighting to create the ideal dining area for your school. Find out more about the curved roof shelter at Laurus Ryecroft High School.

All-Weather Play Area Shelter for Birkett House Special School in Leicester

Birkett House Special School aim to offer all their pupils the best learning environment possible. That includes classrooms kitted out to foster a fun learning experience, but they wanted to incorporate outdoor play more too. The problem was that if it rains, there’s no way children can enjoy their time out on the playground. They wanted to find a solution, so they got in contact with us to see what we could do. Together, we decided that a Motiva Mono canopy would be just the thing. This has an asymmetric roof design, with the high end sitting next to the roof of the school. This way, it becomes a real extension of the playground. Children can head outdoors right from the classroom and play outdoors, regardless of the rain. The school chose to have the canopy in blue, complementing the existing design of the school. This makes it fit right in, and really improve the look of the school too. To read more about the Motiva Mono at Birkett House Special School, click here.

William Henry Smith School Add Fabric Tepee Shelter in West Yorkshire

William Henry Smith School works with children aged between 5 to 19 years old with a range of social, emotional and mental challenges. It was important to the school that the children could spend quality time outside during the day, even when the weather conditions were poor. The staff decided to contact canopy specialists A&S Landscape for a smart-looking shelter solution. We installed a Maxima Tepee™ fabric canopy made to an overall size of 7m x 7m. To match the school’s logo, the steelwork was finished in a Brown Red colour with a Light Blue fabric roof. The new school shelter has become a very popular spot on the campus already, as it’s used during break times and even during some lessons. It was a privilege to work with such an amazing school and to help them further improve upon their impressive facilities. Continue reading about the fabric canopy we designed for William Henry Smith School.

Straight Roof Playground Shelter at Warley Primary School in Essex

Based in Brentwood, Essex Warley Primary School is lucky enough to be surrounded by many open, green spaces and even has a woodland on site for the pupils to use. Outdoor learning at this school is highly valued and so it was decided that a worthwhile investment would be to install a primary school shelter. The teachers approached A&S Landscape and it was agreed that the Motiva Linear™ straight roof canopy would be the perfect fit for the area. This outdoor rain shelter is especially popular thanks to its cost-effectiveness, meaning that more schools and nurseries are able to add some cover to their playgrounds without breaking the bank. For this project, we used Opal polycarbonate roofing to add essential protection from UV rays. Overall, this job has been a big success, now the pupils can shelter under the canopy if it starts to rain or becomes too hot in the sun. Click here to find out more about Warley Primary School’s playground canopy.

New Bridge School in Oldham Add Canopy with Polycarbonate Roofing

With state-of-the-art facilities, New Bridge School in Oldham strives to give their pupils the very best educational experience. So when it came to assessing the outdoor space, the team decided that they wanted to get better use from the area. After careful consideration, it was decided to install a Motiva Linear™ outside shelter from the A&S Landscape product range. This long-lasting structure has created plenty of covered space at the school, which can be used during break times and lessons. The versatility of the design also means the space could be used by parents and carers at the end of the school day, or outdoor play equipment could also be stored under the cover. For extra protection for the pupils, we also added post pads to the uprights of the canopy. We hope that the school enjoys their new shelter as much as we enjoyed working on this fantastic project. Learn more about the straight roof canopy we made for New Bridge School.

Read about our school shelter featured project

Jack Hunt School in Cambridgeshire adds Multiple shelters

What was the project brief?

When the weather was poor at Jack Hunt School in Peterborough, the students were forced to spend their lunch and break times inside. Fortunately for them, the school were aware of the importance of good access to outside spaces and they set out to add a cover system.

Adding outdoor shelters to the existing educational facilities would allow the school to achieve the perfect balance, which they could obtain by bringing on board A&S Landscape. With their expertise and efficient project coordination, they took responsibility for the whole process. This included the overall design, the supply, and the installation of the three proposed canopies.

What was our shelter solution?

There were two chosen sites for the three canopies. Two of the shelters were wall-mounted to school buildings and were from our Motiva Linear™ range. Both feature modern steelwork finished in grey and clear polycarbonate roofing. The ‘Linear’ shelter has a straight roof and has several useful applications, including covered walkways, outdoor dining rooms or classroom extensions. Its standard configuration is wall-mounted to existing buildings however, the design flexibility allows for freestanding structures too.

The second chosen site was the previously neglected courtyard. We selected the Maxima Sail™ as the third and final canopy. With a great choice of fabric colour options available for these shelters, the school opted for a sky-blue colour to fit with the surrounding environment. Finishing the posts in grey, the shade sails have become a huge focal point within the school grounds. The overall look of the outdoor canopy is inviting, warm and calming.

What was the result of their new outdoor shelters?

The students of Jack Hunt School can now enjoy a pleasant experience when they break for lunch or in between lessons. Prior to the cover solution, the students would often cram into the indoor spaces found on the school grounds, which would become stuffy, congested and far from relaxing. Now, they often spend quality time on sunny days under the sail shades enjoying the fresh air, knowing they are protected from the harmful UV rays. The canopy works seamlessly with the school colours too, and so the overall aesthetics are the perfect complement to the existing school buildings.

The linear canopies too have brought several practical benefits. They are used by students waiting for lessons, during lunchtimes, or by teachers who choose to hold their lessons in an external environment. With excellent weather protection, the fun and protected areas are available all year round. Both students and teachers are delighted with the outdoor shelters and the massive benefits they bring, the school is now the perfect environment for education!

Due to their structural variability, there are several other practical uses for linear canopies. They make naturally effective and stylish cycle shelters, with the addition of side panels, or roller shutters for optimum security. Cycle racks can be installed inside, and so bike owners can enjoy superior protection for their prized possession. When a school decides to add a cycle shelter to their grounds, it is a prime example of an educational body that is going the extra mile to care for its staff and students. With this sustainable transport option becoming far more popular, especially with the Government’s Cycle to Work Scheme, it is a worthy investment. It is always worth a chat with one of our advisors should you like to discuss optional extras and find the right product for you, so please get in touch on 01743 299997.

About the client

Jack Hunt School in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire is a specialist language and sports college. In 2004, the school successfully applied to become a ‘Leading Edge’ school, meaning that they are constantly striving to overcome challenges faced along the educational journey. Working collaboratively with several organisational partnerships, they aim to inspire, test and adapt education professional practice, with the intention of raising the standards of learning and teaching.

We were thrilled to work with such a driven school that evidently went above and beyond for their students. We thoroughly enjoyed helping to enhance the outdoor environment of their educational facilities, which could now be enjoyed even in times of inclement weather. With the extra social space and the perfect outdoor teaching environment, we think school life may just have changed for the better!

Are there shelters that are more suited to a natural environment?

A&S Landscape offers a whole range of standard shelters, which are created to fit with the urban world. A wide variety of bright colours, grey steel frames, bespoke structures that offer flexible dimensions to fit with existing buildings, you name your requirements, we will deliver!

We also offer canopies that are more suited to natural settings. Perfect for a woodland environment, or for any outdoor area that needs a touch of nature, our comprehensive range of timber canopies are an amazing fixed shelter option. Sustainably sourced timber of the highest quality, that is both durable and long-lasting, these outdoor structures have gained immense shelter value in the market.

With both straight and curved roof options, and colour choices with the polycarbonate roof, the design flexibility lets you achieve your perfect canopy solution. There are multiple uses of our timber canopies including playground shelters, forest schools and nature reserves. They also offer an excellent learning environment, with many teachers opting for outdoor education as a healthy alternative to learning within the classroom. They truly are a beautiful addition, enhancing any natural environment, even within urban spaces.

Why choose A&S Landscape for your shelter?

In the 44 years, we have operated as a family firm, we have stuck to our core values we developed all those years ago. We have installed countless shelters for primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities, with each canopy project adding an essential piece to the outdoor environment. We have completed projects that create space for outdoor play, or for the development of a covered teaching area, all with the aim to enhance education facilities.

Asides from the development of shade structures for the education sector, we have worked with businesses too, including commercial sites, public attractions and garden centres. Every time we complete a project, we know that the final canopy installed is a wonderful addition to the chosen settings.

If you’d like to discuss your available options for an efficient shelter, get in touch on 01743 299997 or at [email protected].

See some more of our school shelter projects

Fabric Tepee Creates Modern Shelter at Greentrees Primary School in Wiltshire

Greentrees Primary School is an institution that prides itself on providing the best learning experience to their students. They aim to create a happy learning environment, where pupils are excited to come and learn every day. This encompasses so much, including providing excellent outdoor spaces. It’s hard to do that though when dealing with the British weather. Rainy days or blazing sun make it difficult for children to be allowed to be outdoors. The school looked to us for a solution, so we worked with them to find it. They chose a Maxima Tepee, something that offers just the shelter they were looking for. Having been made with waterproof material, it’s a great place for pupils to shelter from the rain on their break times. The tepee also adds a modern edge to the school’s design. It looks fantastic on the school grounds, making it very popular with everyone who uses it. To read more about the Maxima Tepee at Greentrees Primary School, click here.

Parents Protected from The Weather with Shelter at Beechgrove Junior School in Middlesbrough

At the end of the school day, parents need to come and collect their children from school. The problem is they have to do this whatever the weather. In our climate, they’re more likely to be standing in the rain than not, something that really isn’t pleasant. Beechgrove Primary School wanted to protect their parents from the weather, so they talked to us to see what could be done. They found that a Motiva Mono was just the thing to protect them. This shelter allows ample space for parents to gather underneath, so they didn’t have to get wet as they wait for the school bell to ring. The curved roof of the shelter adds a great decorative touch to the school. It makes it look more modern, making it a delight to see every afternoon. It’s certainly improved things for both pupils and parents alike. See more about Beechgrove Junior School’s curved roof canopy.

Blue Cantilever Canopy at Newdigate Primary School in Warwickshire

Newdigate Primary School were in the middle of an extensive renovation, and they knew needed a canopy for their playground. Having a shelter on the grounds means that children can easily go and play, no matter what the weather is like. After all, no child wants to be cooped up indoors when they could be outdoors playing. However, the school had another consideration in mind, too. They knew that they didn’t want posts under their canopy, as they wanted to make the space as safe as possible. They decided to talk to us, to see if it were possible. In fact it was, with the use of a Motiva Cantilever canopy. These canopies work by using back, front, or central upright options. This enables you to avoid posts anywhere you don’t want them. The school were able to have the posts in a safer location, so children can run and play under the canopy without any concerns. To read more about Newdigate Primary School’s cantilever canopy, click here.

Playground Canopy in Enfield at Suffolks Primary School

Suffolks Primary School in Middlesex wanted to add some cover to their playground so that the pupils could spend more time outside. After completing some research of canopy manufacturers, the school came across A&S Landscape and the rest as they say is history! We installed a straight roof Motiva Linear™ shelter, made to an overall size of 12000mm x 4000mm. To match the surrounding environment, the steelwork was finished in a lovely Ultramarine Blue colour which also works well with the Moondust polycarbonate roof. The end result is that the pupils now have a covered space they can use when they want to shelter from the weather. The teachers can also utilise the area during lessons as an outdoor classroom, which will surely create an engaging and memorable class. What better way to learn about the world around them than to experience it first-hand? Find out more about the playground canopy we made for Suffolks Primary School here.

St. Helen’s Primary School in Swansea Add Multi-Purpose Straight Roof Canopy

It’s amazing how much value a canopy can add to school grounds. Their main purpose is to create shelter from the rain when you need it most, when children are playing outdoors on their breaks. It’s so important to have, as it allows children to blow off steam when they need to even when the weather is wet. St. Helen’s Primary School asked us to install a canopy to give them that shelter, but they didn’t want it to stand out from the rest of the building. They chose a Motiva Linear canopy, as it adds a lot of shelter and looks great, too. The navy blue colour blends in with other fittings, so the canopy looks as though it was always there. As well as sheltering pupils, parents find the cover perfect to wait under at home time. It’s also a great place to store equipment, saving space indoors. See more about the shelter at St. Helen’s Primary School.

Covered Walkway for Aurora Hanley School in Stoke-on-Trent

Aurora Hanley School had a problem with one of their walkways on property. It was used often for pupils to get from one area of the school to the other, but it was exposed to the elements. In the rain and snow, it wasn’t pleasant to go out there, but it had to be done. The school knew they needed to do something to make things better, so they got in touch with us. They looked at what we had to offer and decided upon a Motiva Linear canopy, to cover that walkway as students were moving around. It works well as it still has open sides, allowing for students to enjoy the outdoors even as they’re sheltered from the elements. The school decided on a slate grey colour for the canopy, ensuring that it fits in perfectly with the rest of the school. It looks great and keeps the pupils dry. Read more about the straight roof covered walkway at Aurora Hanley School.

The Importance of Playground Shelters for Schools

Schools catering for younger children including Infant Schools, Playgroups and Nurseries, often require an outdoor covered play area to ensure free flow play is possible in all weathers. They also provide additional outdoor teaching space, allowing teaching to be extended into the playground whatever the weather. A covered teaching area, providing all-weather protection is just one of the many benefits of waterproof shelters for schools.