RSA Academy - Double Grange Freestanding Canopy

RSA Academy

Location: Tipton, West Midlands

Product: Bespoke Double Grange Free Standing Canopy

Size: 24.7m x 12m

Frame Colour: Basalt Grey (RAL 7012)

Estimated Value: £80,000

Installation Date: August 2014

The Brief

RSA Academy had a large outside dining area in the grounds of their secondary school in Tipton, West Midlands, yet it had no cover from the weather and could not be used on rainy or very hot sunny days. In order to gain as much use from this area as possible, they contacted Able Canopies and invited us to design a product that would provide the cover required, whilst also integrating well with the school’s exterior aesthetics.

The Solution

After completing a full site survey, it was established that a number of options were possible to fulfil the school’s needs that would also create a stunning structure with the wow factor.

We put forward two designs. The first was a bespoke Double Grange Free Standing Canopy with a gullwing roof that would we could neatly install in the alcove of their existing building. The other was for a number of single and double Ulverston umbrellas with waterproof tensile roofs.

The school chose the first option of the Double Grange Free Standing Canopy as it would provide uninterrupted cover from the weather to a large expanse, and would match the style of the building, keeping a sharp, well-defined modern appearance. We designed and installed a bespoke central post with central guttering in order to achieve the gullwing roof as desired.

The 35mm structured polycarbonate roof panels also provide in excess of 98% protection from harmful UV rays which was an important feature of the shade and shelter structure as requested. The canopy frame was to be powder coated in Basalt Grey (RAL 7012) to match the window frames of the building that the canopy would be installed adjacent to.

We were able to provide the school with superimposed images of the canopy, so they could pass them to the school governors for final approval.

The Installation

The canopy installation was booked for the summer holidays as requested by the school in August 2014 and a pre-site commencement meeting was carried out in July to finalise the installation details and address any health and safety issues. This ensures a smooth installation and enables us to address any potential issues before arriving on-site.

The installation went ahead with no problems along the way and all involved were pleased with the end result.