Able Canopies Ltd

Prior Weston Primary, located in the City of London, required a large south facing free standing canopy that would create solar energy for their school whilst also protecting their pupils from the elements. Able Canopies designed and installed a variation on the Kensington Dual Pitch, incorporating IPV (Integrated Photovoltaic) solar glazing panels into the roof panel design to provide a solar power facility for the school.

Prior Weston Primary, located in the City of London, required a large south facing free standing canopy that would create solar energy for their school whilst also protecting their pupils from the elements. David Everett, the school’s Business Manager contacted Able Canopies for a free site survey and quotation as he had seen a Shade Sail array that we had installed at Richard Cloudesley Special School which is situated on the same site as Prior Weston Primary School.

The BriefQueenborough School and Nursery in Kent were looking to upgrade their outdoor space to create an all-weather outdoor learning and play area adjacent to one of their classrooms. As such, they contracted Carré Consultancy to source a supplier to help them create this new area and they chose Able Canopies.They wanted to create an outdoor area which could be used all year round. This created some challenges; outdoor spaces can become wet and slippery during rainy periods and too much exposure to UV rays can be harmful to our health.The SolutionThe staff at Queenborough wanted the area to look good whilst also offering functionality for lessons and play. As such, we proposed a 17.04m x 4.65m Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy that was supported by rear steel goal posts as the supporting wall was not suitable for a wall mounted structure. It was agreed that the canopy should feature side fills on both ends to block wind driving in from either side of the canopy and would be enclosed along the front with secure roller shutters and commercial fire doors. As we offer the whole package, we were also able to include the supply and installation of soft play safety surfacing underneath and leading to the canopy.

Redriff Primary School is a large school in Southwark, London that teaches children from the age of 3 to 11. In July 2013, they contacted us because they required a wall mounted timber canopy to be installed in their playground that would enable their children to play and learn outside all year round.

Jerram Falkus contacted us as they were working on a project for Roding Primary School in Dagenham, Essex. The school, which is set to be one of the biggest primary schools in the country, was having a new extension built onto its new site and required a number of new canopies to provide shade and shelter for various parts of the school site, including a covered walkway between buildings.

RSA AcademyLocation: Tipton, West MidlandsProduct: Bespoke Double Grange Free Standing CanopySize: 24.7m x 12mFrame Colour: Basalt Grey (RAL 7012)Estimated Value: £80,000Installation Date: August 2014The BriefRSA 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.

Portakabin Ltd. were working on a project for Servicecare Support Services Ltd. to install a temporary canteen and locker room facility. They required the extra building space so they could continue to operate whilst adhering to social distancing measures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.Alongside the temporary building, they were in need of a wall mounted canopy along the right elevation to provide weather protection above the main entrance to the building that leads to the corridor.Able Canopies have been working with Portakabin for a number of years, adding shade and shelter structures to their temporary buildings. Although our canopies are permanent structures, we have designed above ground planter pads and special wall brackets to enable us to install the canopies and take them down when they are on longer required.These adaptions have been designed for our Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy and have been successfully used for many years now. The staff at Portakabin therefore put the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy forward to Servicecare Support Ltd. who were pleased with the design and specifications and were happy to go ahead with the installation.The final design was 10m in length with a 3m projection to cover the whole span of the temporary building and provide the weather protection required above the entrance.

Solihull Hospital in Solihull, West Midlands, required a canopy to cover their outside ramp area that houses their waste bins, laundry bins and recycling compacters. They were in need of a structure that would be fixed to the building with a water tight seal and that would block the rain from entering the area, keeping their staff dry whilst also preventing ice from building up on the ramp which currently creates a slip hazard.

The BriefPG Marshall and Sons Ltd. were working on a project at St Helier Hospital for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. They were relocating the Davis (outpatient) unit which included a portable building that required weather protection over the disability access ramp and pathway leading to the unit.They also needed the canopy to connect the Davis Unit to Ferguson House (the main building), which already had a small cantilevered canopy that the hospital trust were keen to keep in place.The SolutionThe two buildings that required connecting via a canopy had a fairly awkward space in between due to the buildings not being equally parallel to one another. Following the original design drawings, it was clear that the perfect solution would be the popular Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy.

The BriefIn August 2016, we were contacted about a new build and enclosed link walkway project at St John’s School in Enfield. We were invited on board at the point where the local planning department had declined the initial design for a space between two school buildings. We were tasked with providing the shelter required for the space and to use our Kensington Mono Pitch Canopy (which most closely matched the planning requirement) to make it happen. This is significant because the area was one where we would not normally propose using the Kensington system.

Speltham Contacts Ltd. contacted us because they were working on a project at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. They were undergoing a big extension to allow them to cater for 105 extra children. Morgan Carn Partnership Architects who were also working on the project, specified a curved free standing timber canopy with a polycarbonate roof system and aluminium guttering.

Adcrest Ltd. is an electrical contracting company that was working on a new refurbishment project for Stables Market in Camden, London. Stables Market was in need of a number of new awnings to provide weather protection to the entrances of their shops. They had existing awnings in place that had been there for a number of years and were no longer fit for purpose and therefore needed replacing.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council were working on a multi-million pound regeneration project called The Works. This exciting project would transform the ruins of the old steel works land in Ebbw Vale into a vibrant and distinctive area that would bring long-term benefits to the local community, creating an exciting place to live, learn, work and play.

https://www.ablecanopies.co.uk/c/wall-mounted-canopy-case-studies/the-wyvern-school-kent-second-case-study.html

Thomas Ferens Academy required a large amount of sheltered cycle storage at their academy in Hull, East Yorkshire. This academy was built on the former Princess Elizabeth Playing Fields and opened in September 2012. It is one of the 19 new or refurbished schools delivered by Hull Esteem Consortium, the organisation appointed by Hull City Council to carry out the city’s Building Schools for the Future programme. To accommodate their cycle storage needs they required three large compounds for secure cycle parking and a large number of additional cycle racks.

The staff at Thundersley Primary School required a large, versatile walkway at their school to create a covered pathway between two of the school's buildings. This covered walkway would allow pupils and staff to travel easily between the two buildings whilst providing shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. Due to the location of the two buildings, the walkway needed to incorporate two corners in order to link the buildings effectively.

The Director of Tiptoes Day Nurseries required weather protection structures at a number of their locations in Hull, East Yorkshire and one of those locations was Tiptoes Nursery in Willerby in Hull.Upon completion of the site survey we could see that the Coniston, which they originally chose, was the perfect solution for the area they were looking to cover. It was advised that due to the size of the canopy and to provide added protection from driving rain, that they add infill panels to either side of the canopy. Infill panels are a cost-effective addition to the Coniston yet makes a substantial difference.The Coniston is a popular canopy within educational settings as it provides protection from all weathers including the rain, the sun’s UV rays and the heat from the sun, providing a cooler area underneath, and cooler classrooms that have windows where the canopy is situated.To save on costs, we suggested that the projection could be reduced slightly without causing a big impact on the size of cover required. However, a 5-metre projection was a must have for the nursery because they had existing softplay flooring in place and wanted the canopy to cover the width of the spftplay for a seamless finish. Although this impacted the cost, it was worthwhile as you can see in the photos it looks like the flooring and canopy were a part of the same design.The canopy was installed within 4 days as scheduled and went ahead with no issues along the way. The staff at the nursery were pleased with their canopy which covers 114.5 square metres and can now make use of outdoor play and learning all year round, benefits both the staff and children in their care.

NBDA Architects were working for Parkdean Resorts to renovate a number of their holiday parks across the UK and one of those parks was Trecco Bay in the stunning costal town of Porthcawl in South Wales. They were in need of a large shade and shelter structure that would provide weather protection to their visitors whilst dining alfresco and also double up as an all-weather outdoor entertainment area.The canopy they settled on for Trecco Bay was the Tarnhow Dome, which is a fantastic choice. This stunning canopy can span up to 12 metres and has an unlimited length, making it absolutely perfect for outdoor dining areas and for holding events and entertainment.

Mildren Construction Ltd were working constructing Uckfield Retail Park; 41,000 sq ft development at The Ashdown Business Park in East Sussex totalling £15m. Each unit had already been pre-let to M&S Food and Home Bargains and as part of the development, they had a requirement for a cycle shelter adjacent to the soon to be Home Bargains store.

The BriefWeald of Kent Grammar School were having some building works completed at their school in Tonbridge, Kent. As part of the renovation, they wanted to create an outdoor space which would be protected from the weather whilst still keeping an open and airy feel to the area which would be used to extend their dining area into the outdoors all year round.  The SolutionAfter looking through our product portfolio, they could see that the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy would be the perfect solution, the addition of polycarbonate side panels and doors, similar to our modular outdoor classrooms, would provide the full weather protection required, whilst still having full visibility inside and out.

Wexham Hospital in Slough, Berkshire required a freestanding entrance canopy installed at the entrance to their A&E department. This canopy would provide cover to those entering and exiting the building, ensuring the internal floors were kept as dry as possible. The hospital staff were also finding that stone chippings were being brought into the building and flicking up into the mechanism of the electronic doors, resulting in the motors burning out and so a solution was also needed to solve this issue.

White Spire School is a special school for all ages in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Mr Wilson, the Assistant Head Teacher called in with an enquiry for a large canopy. He was looking to create a large covered area in their playground that they could use as an outside gym all year round.

Royal Liverpool University Hospital, MerseysideContractor: Saxon ContractingProduct Installed: 2no Kensington Junior Wall Mounted Entrance CanopiesCanopy Sizes: 2no.2.8m x 1.5mFrame Colour: Black-Grey, RAL 7021Installation Date: September 2022The BriefThe Royal Liverpool University Hospital in Merseyside were having a new state of the art facility built to replace their existing site which could no longer accommodate the demands the hospital was required to achieve.The new hospital would feature 641 single en-suite bedrooms including 40 critical care beds, 41 emergency department spaces and 66 acute medical unit spaces, making it a very welcome upgrade by staff and locals.Saxon Contracting were working on the project alongside the main contractors and asked us to send an estimate for two Kensington Junior Wall Mounted Entrance Canopies. They specifically required safety glass to cover the commercial canopies, which was perfectly achievable because the Kensington range is available with a choice of solid polycarbonate or toughened glass panels.The SolutionWe sent an estimate as requested for the two canopies, both 2.8m x 1.5m with Black-Grey (RAL 7021) frames as requested.Because both entrance canopies were to be fixed onto external lift shafts which did not have the usual steel internal supports that we would usually fix to, and we were therefore required to resin fix the canopies into a concrete wall, it was important that these canopies were supplied with site specific structural calculations.We are able to provide full site-specific structural calculations for each project we undertake if required, so this wasn’t a problem.The InstallationThe installation was carried out over two phases with the first phase including the installation of the first fix brackets into the concrete wall.There was an issue when installing the first fix brackets because the lift shafts did not have a bridge installed. However, we liaised with the contractors, and they were able to add birdcage scaffolding onto the lifts which solved the issue, resulting in us installing the brackets as required.We then left site as planned so that the other contractors onsite could install the panelling onto the lift shafts.Once the panelling was completed, we returned to site when scheduled to complete phase two which included the installation of the canopies onto the brackets.The hospital was officially opened in October 2022 with patients and staff making good use of the shelter above the lifts to keep them dry when entering and leaving. The canopies also help to make the lifts safter by reducing the slip hazard of driving rain.

AMP Clean Energy Ltd.End User: Commercial Site in ColchesterProduct: Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy with a Goalpost Frame, on BracketsFrame Colour: Hipca WhiteSize: 5m x 4.975mInstallation Date: March 2024The BriefAMP Clean Energy supply batteries and storage for their clients, among other services and in January 2024, AMP’s Head of Delivery reached out to Able Canopies as they were looking to add a shelter within their battery site in Colchester, Essex.They were specifically looking for a commercial canopy that could be installed into their existing concrete base, that was freestanding and could be left in strong winds. They also required the canopy to be dismantled and used elsewhere as it was only required for 6 months in its current position.The SolutionThey had seen the canopy we installed at Air Products plc and wanted something similar, that matched the above specification with a quick turnaround. Our canopy with the quickest turn around is the Coniston which can be supplied as both a wall mounted canopy and a freestanding canopy.After discussing the differences between Welford Dome Freestanding Canopy (to match the canopy installed at Air Products Plc) and the Coniston, AMP Clean Energy opted for the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy.Whilst the Coniston is a permanent structure that has been engineered to withstand all that the UK weather has to offer, we can also dismantle the canopy and install elsewhere if required. This made it the perfect solution for AMP Clean Energy.As mentioned above, they originally wanted a freestanding canopy, we can provide this with the Coniston by using a ’goalpost’ frame this will also give them the minimum heights at the front and rear of the canopy. Using brackets, we also secured the canopy onto the existing concrete wall for additional support and rigidity.The InstallationThe existing concrete wall that we planned to install the canopy against was only 2.7m high which would leave a 400mm gap between the height of the canopy and the top of the wall, we therefore used a PVC flat board to bridge the gap. Whilst this could not guarantee a watertight seal, it would dramatically reduce driving rain coming in from the back of the canopy.AMP Clean Energy required a quick turnaround, and, on this occasion, we were able to achieve exactly that. From the time of the initial enquiry to the time we completed the installation, the entire job was completed within 7 weeks.After SalesIn July 2024, we returned to site to temporarily remove the roof so that the staff at AMP Clean Energy could remove the batteries. As mentioned, they wanted a canopy that could be taken down and whilst the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy is a permanent structure, we can take them down if required, or in this case, remove the roof then add it back when required.Here’s what AMP Energy Clean Energy had to say about Able Canopies:“Excellent Job!”Service: “Excellent”Installation: “Excellent”Product: “Excellent”Would you recommend us? “Yes”

John Perry Primary School, Dagenham, EssexCouncil: London Borough of Barking & Dagenham CouncilProduct: The Coniston Wall Mounted CanopySize: 5m x 4mOutdoor Projects Package: Steel Mesh Fencing & Retaining Concrete WallFrame Colour: Hipca WhiteInstallation Date: August 2020 Brief London Borough of Barking & Dagenham were looking to revamp the outdoor play area at John Perry Primary School and transform it into a secure, all-weather outside area that can be used all year round.We had previously worked with them on a number of projects at Eastbrook Primary School where we had installed Two Wall Mounted Canopies in 2019, Three Freestanding Canopies in 2022 and a Timber Canopy in 2022. Also, at the time of enquiry, we had just been awarded the contract for the large timber canopy at Manor Longbridge Infant School, which both fall within LBBD’s constituency.Proposal The council sent over their specifications which included a canopy, soft play safety surfacing, associated drainage & kerbings and a retaining wall. They were also looking to have all works completed within the schools’ summer break, so that all building works would be completed before the staff and pupils returned.As part of our outdoor projects service, we can provide the whole canopy package including groundworks such as soft play, tarmac, artificial grass and aluminium decking along with fencing such as timber or steel. This helps to make the project for the client much more seamless. Solution We were therefore able to send the LBBD council a quote to include all the works they required making the project much simpler for them and they would be dealing with just one company, rather than multiple contractors.The canopy we provided a quote for was a 5m x 4m Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy on rear and front goal posts. This would fit the space perfectly and provide all the cover required to keep pupils dry, cool and shaded when required.The canopy area was not suitable for the standard Coniston wall mounted option, due to the makeup of the building being single storey and largely windows and doors. We were able to provide a rear steel goal post/bracket system, which allowed us to fix to each side of the area. This solved the obstacle perfectly without any issues, and all parties were happy with the solution.The Coniston is such a versatile canopy that can overcome almost any obstruction, allowing schools and businesses across the UK to benefit from weather protection all year round. You can read more about the Coniston and its versatility here: The Coniston Versatile CanopyInstallationWe were awarded the project at the beginning of one of our busiest times of year, the school summer holidays. However, as we stock the components in our HQ warehouse, this enabled us to achieve a super-quick order-to-installation timescale, and we were able to find a slot available to ensure the canopy works were completed before the school returned in September.All parties involved were pleased with the end result, and the pupils and staff were able to enjoy their new outdoor play area upon their return to school in September.

Hartshill Medical Centre – Nuneaton, WarwickshireClient: Malvern Homes Ltd.Contractor: Enrock Construction Ltd.Architect: Hayward ArchitectsProduct: Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding CanopyFrame Colour: RAL 9004 Signal Black (matt finish)Size: 3.1m x 1.5m with hip into 1.41m x 1.5mInstallation Date: March 2023The BriefHartshill Medical Centre in Nuneaton, Warwickshire is a £3m state of the art practice that was opened in early 2023, replacing the much smaller, nearby Chancery Lane Surgery.We were approached during the early stages to tender for an entrance canopy which would provide shade and shelter above the main entrance.The SolutionHayward Architects who were designing the project, asked us to submit a quote for a Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding Canopy in an L-shape, so it could follow the outline of the entrance.We provided them with a price as requested, and also alternative costs for two more cost-effective canopies for comparison and choice. The alternative canopies we quoted for was the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy and the Kensington Junior Wall Mounted Entrance Canopy.As a result of conversations with Enrock Construction Ltd. and Hayward Architects, they opted for the Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding Canopy which they preferred from the initial enquiry. This was because they really wanted a canopy with supporting rear posts for ease of install and to reduce strain on the building.The Kensington Junior doesn’t have supporting posts and the Coniston has a difference appearance to what they first had in mind including front posts, making both unsuitable for the design.The Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding Canopy was therefore the perfect solution; it is very popular within commercial settings including hospitals, medical centres and hospitality venues and has a stylish, high-class appearance with a robust construction to compliment the design. It can be covered with toughened glass panels which adds to the aesthetics, or 5mm solid, clear polycarbonate which mimics the glass appearance.The order was placed in February 2023 for a 3.1 metre x 1.5 metre canopy with a hip, enabling it to follow the external corner of the entrance, into a 1.41 metre x 1.5 metre canopy.InstallationJust one month after receiving the order, we installed the door canopy within four days as scheduled. It was powder coated in RAL 9004, Signal Black with a matt finish to coordinate with the building’s windows.The end result looks fantastic and really sets of the main entrance of the brand-new medical centre which will serve patients for many years to come.

Waterloo Road, BBC – Greater ManchesterProduct Installed: Shade Sail ArraySail Sizes: 1no. Triangle Sail; 4m x 4m x 2m2no. Irregular Quadrilateral Sails; 5.5m x 4m x 4.5m x 3mSail Colours: 2no. Yellow & 1no. Sky BlueInstallation Dates:Posts – July 2023Sails – August 2023Installation Duration: Five days over two phasesIntended Use: TV Set Shade SailThe BriefWall to Wall Media is a UK television production company that is part of Warner Bros. Television Studio UK. They are suppliers of hugely popular, award-winning programmes since the 1980’s. One of which is Waterloo Road, a British television drama series set in a troubled comprehensive school in northern England.Having recently moved the set of their hit show Waterloo Road, they were looking to add a shade sail array within part of the production filming area.Shade sails are very popular within schools to provide shade and shelter from the sun including up to 96.5% protection from harmful UV rays. So, installing shade sails on set would add to the authenticity of the school setting.Waterloo Road’s Production Designer therefore got in touch with us, explaining their need for a shade sail array to be installed in the new filming location for ‘Waterloo Road’, but they had to be installed before 1st September to fit in with the filming schedule. A free full site survey which was promptly booked. Conducting a full site survey enables us to create a firm quotation with no estimated or hidden costs.The SolutionUpon completion of a site survey, it was established that shade sails were indeed feasible in their chosen area. After discussing the size and design options. We provided a couple of scenarios for this product, and they opted for a shade sail array which consisted of; 7 No. post’s with 2 No. irregular square sails and 1 No. Triangle Shade Sail.Wall to Wall Media chose option A, the array of 3no. shade sails including one sky blue 4m x 4m x 2m triangular shade sail, and two yellow 5.5m x 4m x 4.5m x 3m irregular quadrilateral sails.The InstallationThe shade sails were installed over two phases, this is because we always install the posts first, this enables us to then measure for the sails to ensure they fit within the area where the posts were installed, and also importantly, the posts are left to set for four weeks. We then return to site to install the shade sails and tension them tight to avoid sagging.There are a couple of reasons why we do not install the posts and sails on the same day. Firstly, if we have an issue where a post had to be moved due to unknown underground conditions, the sails would then not fit and would have to be re-made. Secondly, if the concrete had not cured in time, the tension from the shade sails could cause the posts to move and the sails to sag.The posts were therefore installed over four days during the middle of July, and the sails were installed within one day during the middle of August. This schedule worked perfect for the production company as they required the installation to be completed before they began filming for their 14th series in September. When asked how she felt about the product and service received from Able Canopies, Katy Tuxford, the Production Designer said “Great job. Highly recommend.”.Although the shade sails were installed as prop for the TV show Waterloo Road, the actors and staff can all benefit from shade and shelter during their breaks under the shade sails.You can catch the latest series of Waterloo Road which features our Shade Sails on BBC iPlayer, along with series 1-13.

Royal Mail Delivery Office, LeicestershireArchitect: Watson Batty ArchitectsProduct Installed: The Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding CanopyCanopy Size: 4.2m x 1.5mFrame Colour: Traffic Red RAL 3020Installation Date: September 2024Installation Duration: Two daysIntended Use: Customer Service Point ShelterThe BriefRoyal Mail were opening a new delivery office in Hinkley, Leicestershire and because they were occupying an existing building, it required some modifications to enable them to make maximum use the space for their needs.They instructed Watson Batty Architects to design the new layout of the existing structure which included a customer service point on one side of the building, where customers could collect and pay for their parcels. This would reduce the need for customers to enter the main building. However, With the customer point being on the outdoors, the need for weather protection was paramount.The SolutionWatson Batty Architects then specified our Kensington Mono-Pitch Free Standing Canopy after seeing it listed on NBS Source. The contractor, Vinci Facilities then came to us for a price to supply and install a 2m x 1.5m Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding Canopy with a Flame Red (RAL 3020) frame to match Royal Mail’s branding colours.The Kensington range of commercial canopies is very popular, particularly within industrial settings due to the robust, chunky frames and roof panels that have a glass like appearance. The Kensington range can also be covered with toughened glass if preferred.The InstallationAn order was placed in June 2024 for installation over two days in September 2024.Although the Kensington Mono-Pitch is a free standing canopy, we installed it close up against the wall and used aluminium flashing at the rear of the canopy where it meets the building to ensure a watertight shelter between the building and the canopy.The installation went to plan with no problems along the way and all involved was happy with the end result.If you require a commercial canopy for your project,contact us today to discover the perfect solution.