Southville Primary School Installs a Covered Play and Learning Space

The staff wanted to improve their outdoor space so pupils could play and learn outside in all weather conditions. The open playground area provided little protection from rain and sun, meaning outdoor activities often had to be cancelled. With Bristol’s changeable weather, this limited opportunities for outdoor learning and play. The school needed a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution that would suit their busy environment and blend well with the historic school buildings.

Challenges

• Limited Shelter: Outdoor areas were exposed to both sun and rain, restricting their use during school hours.
• Heritage Setting: The main school building is listed, so any new structure had to be sympathetic in design and colour.
• Space Constraints: The chosen site had to allow for free movement of pupils and safe access routes.
• Durability Needs: The canopy had to withstand frequent use and changing weather without high maintenance.

Our Solution

A&S Landscape worked closely with the school to understand their needs and the best place for the canopy. After a full site survey and consultation, we recommended the Motiva Linear™ monopitch canopy, which is ideal for creating covered spaces against existing buildings.

We supplied and installed one Motiva Linear™ canopy measuring 18,500mm x 3,000mm. Its straight roof design provided a clean, modern look that fitted neatly alongside the existing school architecture. The solid steel frame was finished in our Duracoat™ colour system, ensuring long-lasting protection and a smart appearance.

A new timber bow-top fence was also fitted to define the space and improve safety. This created a safe, enclosed area where pupils could gather, queue, or take part in outdoor learning without exposure to harsh weather.

The canopy’s clear polycarbonate roofing allows plenty of daylight through while shielding pupils from rain and harmful UV rays. The result is a bright, open space that remains usable all year round.

Key Features and Materials

• Structure: All-steel frame finished in our Duracoat™ colour system for durability and an attractive appearance.
• Roofing: Clear Poly-tuff™ polycarbonate roofing for high light transmission and UV protection.
• Design: Monopitch straight-roof style, allowing smooth water runoff into Alu-Tuff™ guttering and downpipes.
• Safety: Rounded post pads available in bright colours to ensure pupil safety.
• Fencing: Timber bow-top fencing to enclose the area and maintain a natural look that suits the school site.

Results

• All-Weather Use: Pupils can now enjoy outdoor lessons, lunch, and playtimes even when it rains.
• Improved Safety: The fenced area provides a secure and visible boundary for younger pupils.
• Better Use of Space: The canopy turned a previously underused area into a functional learning and waiting zone.
• Long-Lasting Design: The Duracoat™ finish and Poly-tuff™ roof ensure the structure will stay smart and strong for many years.
• Heritage-Friendly Appearance: The design complements the school’s listed buildings while adding modern practicality.

Conclusion

The new Motiva Linear™ canopy has provided Southville Primary School with a much-needed covered space that supports both play and learning. The area can now be used throughout the year, improving the daily experience for pupils and staff alike.

By choosing a solution that matched their heritage setting and met their practical needs, the school has gained an attractive, functional structure that will serve them well for years to come. A&S Landscape was proud to help Southville Primary School create a space that keeps their pupils active, comfortable and connected, whether rain or shine.