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Cramlington Learning Village needed more space for students to sit and eat at lunchtimes. The existing dining areas were getting crowded, which made it difficult to manage lunchtimes efficiently. The school wanted a practical and cost-effective way to expand their dining space without major construction work.
The requirement
A covered outdoor area was the best way to create the extra room the students needed for lunchtimes. The school decided on a canopy to offer shelter and keep the space usable all year round. They also wanted it to be fully enclosed, so students could enjoy their breaks in comfort no matter the weather.
The challenge
There were a couple of things we had to consider during this project. The site is in a high-wind area, so we needed to make sure the structure was sturdy enough to handle strong winds. The canopy also had to be higher than usual because of the position of the school’s windows. Our standard side panels go up to 2.6m, so we had to think creatively to make sure the enclosure worked properly.
We overcame this by adding a low brick wall around the base of the structure. This gave the side panels a solid foundation, allowing us to fully enclose the area while keeping everything secure against the wind.
Results
We installed a Connekt Colosseum canopy with UPVC side panels and a door, creating a bright and airy enclosed space for students to enjoy lunch and break times. Our team designed special steel columns to support both the roof and the enclosure, making sure everything was as sturdy as possible.
The project was finished on time and the new dining space has already made a big difference to lunchtimes. There is now plenty of extra seating, meaning less crowding and a more relaxed atmosphere for students and staff alike. The space is also multi-purpose and can be used for outdoor learning, group activities and social events, making it a valuable addition to the school’s space.
