New Dining Canopy Enhances Lunchtimes at Q3 Academy

What was the project brief?

Q3 Academy Tipton were looking for a way to develop their area to accommodate students for dining, they were open to exploring which canopy solution would work for their space, and were interested in incorporating our flooring solutions to transform their muddy, slippery area into a safe and welcoming environment for students. With 1,600 pupils attending the school and over 500 students dining during staggered lunch periods, the school faced challenges with overcrowding.

The school worked closely with our consultants to develop a canopy that eases current pressures with overcrowding, and that was also designed with future growth in mind to provide them with a long-term solution and value for money.

What was our canopy solution?

We provided the school with our popular Motiva Duo™ canopy, with bespoke dimensions of 21000mm X 19000mm to fit their space; the canopy is styled with our simplistic but robust galvanised finish, and an Opal Polycarbonate roof.

Our Motiva Duo™ design is popular choice for schools looking to accommodate a large number of pupils for dining, the standalone structure is compromised of steel and our POLY-TUFF™ roofing for unmatched strength, which is how we are confidently able to offer the longest guarantees in the market. The design is extremely flexible and can be adjusted to fit virtually any space or capacity requirement.

About the client

Q3 Academy Tipton are part of the Mercian Trust, which aims to prepare pupils in all of its schools to enjoy life to the full, and inspire them to realise their full potential. In line with this Q3 Academy Tipton aims to support and develop young people who are enthusiastic learners and achieve excellent outcomes. To achieve this, the school focus on providing a caring community environment and excellent teachers for each class.

School Dining Canopies – choosing the right design.

At A&S Landscape, we provide a diverse range of dining solutions tailored for schools. Our experienced consultants are here to help you identify the best option for your specific needs and space. To get started, here are some key considerations:

Size

We recommend allocating 0.9m² per pupil to meet Department for Education guidelines. This ensures that your dining space is functional and compliant.

Materials

For durability and longevity, we strongly suggest a steel canopy with a Duracoat™ finish. This robust option provides dual-layer protection against rust, scratches, and corrosion, offering long-term value backed by our extensive guarantees.

Roof Type

Choose between our polycarbonate and fabric roof ranges. Here’s what to consider:

• Polycarbonate Roofing: Ideal for larger structures due to its exceptional durability.
• Fabric Roofing: A good choice for smaller structures with waterproof fabric and shade cloth fabric options on offer.

Our PVC fabric is the perfect choice for a waterproof solution (ideal for the British weather). The material offers high-strength waterproofing and is available in over 40 colours, so you can stay on brand!

On the other end of the weather-spectrum, our shade cloth canopy offers 90-98% UV protection . The high-quality knitted cloth is available in 14 colours and has been specially designed to be strong and durable whilst also offering maximum sun protection.

For larger canopies, we would however always recommend our polycarbonate roofing; this is an extremely durable material, and in the rare event of damage, only a single panel would need replacing as opposed to a full fabric roof.

Colour Options

Our canopies and guttering come in an extensive range of colours to suit your needs. For a cohesive look, we recommend aligning the colour with your school’s branding. For early years or primary settings, consider our rainbow roof option for a playful and vibrant design that children will love!

Our team are here to guide you every step of the way to create a functional, durable, and visually appealing dining space, get in touch today to discuss your options.