For pupils and staff members, travelling between buildings can be a daily challenge, especially in the unpredictable British weather! The ideal solution? A covered walkway canopy. These solutions are simple yet powerful, providing a safe shelter from A to B.
In this blog, we’ve got 5 practical covered walkway canopy ideas for your school, each one demonstrating how a simple structure can make a real difference. Here at A&S Landscape, we’re experts in the design and installation of canopies for schools that are both durable and attractive.
Ready to see what difference a walkway canopy can make? Let’s dive into it…
What exactly is a covered walkway canopy?
First of all, let’s explain what a covered canopy walkway actually is.
Essentially, a covered walkway is a structure that is designed to provide protection from the elements when walking from one location to another. In a school, they’re typically installed outside of existing buildings and are used to connect different areas within that facility, for example, classrooms or canteens.
At a glance, some great benefits of a walkway canopy are:
- Great weather protection & safety
- Reduced congestion in corridors
- More usable space throughout your school
- A comfortable environment that’s exposed to more sunlight & fresh air
- A cost-effective investment
- Improved well-being and mental health
5 of our best covered walkway design ideas
If you’re after some real-life examples of successful walkway ideas, then look no further! Below, we’ve got five of our most practical and strong walkway solutions. Each one has been tried and tested in real schools, so that you know they’re up to scratch.
Be sure to check out our case studies page for even more inspiration. But for now, here are our top 5 walkway ideas…
Our Motiva Linear™ straight roof
Starting off strong is our Motiva Linear™ design. This is our monopitch straight roof variant, where one of the sides is higher than the other for extra elevation. Covering large widths of space, this is the perfect pick for covered walkways and keeping pupils dry and protected during their journeys to and from buildings.
It’s extremely easy to install and snow-safe, so your pupils are protected during even the harsh weather conditions! This long-stan
Fun Shade Sails
Looking for something a bit more quirky? Then a school shade sail is the perfect choice. Not only are they practical, but they instantly add character to any outdoor area! Made from a high-quality shade cloth fabric, they come in a huge range of colours and add a dynamic, striking look to your outdoor area.
Of course, they provide crucial shade for walkways, but they also have incredible sun protection and are perfect for creating a fun, inviting atmosphere that pupils will love. Lots of our shade sail structures are available with PVC fabric for even further use!
Discover more by reading our blog: What is a Shade Sail? Benefits, Ideas, & More
The Duopitch Roof canopy
Our Motiva Duo™ is our symmetric curved roof variant, where both sides are the same height, giving you a gorgeous curved roof, which is also the standard configuration for outdoor walkways or dining areas. This design provides excellent rainwater run-off and a timeless, symmetrical aesthetic that complements any architectural style!
Built with a strong steel frame and durable polycarbonate roofing, this not only looks impressive, but provides lots of practicality and functionality and makes it ideal for covered walkways and sheltering pupils between destinations. You’ve also got the option to add side panels and doors, offering even more shelter and safety. For those cold, snowy days, you won’t have to worry about gritting pathways or tending to slips and trips.
Discover how to create a safe school playground during harsh weather conditions & beyond.
A sturdy Cantilever canopy
Next up is one of our impressive Cantilever Canopies. These canopies are supported with uprights on one side and are anchored to an existing building on the other side. This creates an open, clear space underneath without any vertical supports to obstruct movement, which is particularly useful for walkways where you want to maximise floor space and ensure a seamless flow of pupils and staff.
Available with both curved and straight roof designs, you can customise your canopy and choose the colour of your steelwork and roofing. A durable polycarbonate roof provides excellent protection from the rain and sun, so you can sit back and relax knowing that pupils are kept dry during their journey between classes.
A simple Enclosed Canopy
And finally, on our list of walkway canopy ideas is a classic enclosed canopy with side panels and doors. For all year-round weather protection, this truly is a great solution! And, you can transform a general walkway into a sheltered, weatherproof space that is protected from the rain, wind, and cold.
You can even add electrically operated shutter doors, which can be powder-coated to match or contrast the existing structure. And, perforated or part-glazed glass options mean that light can still shine through, making the space feel light and airy.
Hear from an expert…
Still not convinced by our top ideas? Then how about hearing from one of our canopy experts?
“The Motiva Linear™ is one of our most popular designs and works well as a covered walkway. As we manufacture the structure, we can give you great flexibility with the finished canopy to ensure it works perfectly for your specific area!” – Stefanie Lomas, canopy expert at A&S Landscape.
Our expert team is always on standby to be friendly, professional, and give you the best service possible.
Find your perfect canopy today with A&S Landscape
Hopefully, this blog has showcased some of our top covered walkway canopy ideas. As we can see, finding the right covered walkway for your school is about more than just shelter; it’s about creating a seamless, better connected playground. Whether you want a simple design or something with more aesthetic appeal, you’re sure to find your perfect solution with A&S Landscape.
If you’re feeling inspired by our designs and want to get a quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you!
