Designing Healthier Environments

Outdoor Space Health, Wellbeing and the Built Environment

As we move further into spring and approach World Health Day, attention naturally turns to health and wellbeing, not only within buildings but also in the environments that surround them.

In the built environment, creating healthier spaces is not simply about access to fresh air or natural light. It is about how thoughtfully designed spaces enable people to move, interact and use their surroundings comfortably throughout the day.

While these spaces may require additional design elements to function effectively (i.e., playgrounds), thoughtful design remains at the forefront of client expectations at Able Canopies. Drawing on practical experience, our focus is not just on what is added to a space but also on how it is integrated to support both usability and wellbeing.

Outdoor learning is now a consistent part of teaching, with schools and colleges increasingly looking to create spaces that can be used year-round. However, in the UK, where weather conditions are often unpredictable, this level of usability depends on considered design.

In practice, this means creating environments that:

Respond to client needs while supporting everyday use
Integrate naturally with their surroundings
Maximise and manage natural light effectively
Consider the positioning and orientation of structures
Select materials that support durability, safety and performance

Outdoor spaces are a fundamental extension of the learning and working environment.

Case Study: Coleg Cambria, Bersham Road Site

As part of the redevelopment of Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham, there was a requirement for new, state-of-the-art facilities, including two canopies to provide shade and shelter for the outdoor building and construction department, enabling lessons to continue in all weather conditions.

Working alongside the project architects, we proposed two Welford Dome Free Standing Canopies to cover the paving and brick construction areas. The design met both the size requirements and budget, while providing a robust and adaptable outdoor structure.

Two canopies, measuring 17m x 8m and 14m x 8m, were installed within a 10-day programme during the summer holidays, ensuring minimal disruption to the college.

The completed structures now provide 248 square metres of sheltered outdoor space — allowing students to continue practical learning regardless of weather conditions.

With the UK experiencing an average of 164 days of rain each year, these spaces ensure that outdoor lessons are no longer limited by the climate.

Product Focus: Outdoor Classrooms

Outdoor classroom structures play an important role in supporting healthier environments.

These structures can be constructed from a range of materials including aluminium, steel and timber .To learn more visit Outdoor Classrooms – Able Canopies

Designed with durability, safety and usability in mind, outdoor classrooms help bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor learning.

Looking Ahead

As conversations across the industry continue to evolve, the importance of outdoor space in supporting health and wellbeing continues to grow.

With events such as UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum bringing together industry leaders, local authorities and developers, there is an increasing focus on how environments are designed to better support the people who use them.

This year, Able Canopies will be attending the event. Our team is looking forward to connecting with industry professionals, sharing insights, and discussing the future of infrastructure and construction across the UK. Watch this space for updates.

For clients attending, this presents an opportunity to engage with our team and explore thoughtful design approaches, material options and our expanded product range.

We look forward to connecting, sharing insights and contributing to the wider conversation around healthier, future-ready environments.

In-Closing

Designing healthier environments starts with understanding how spaces are used — and ensuring they work in every condition, for every user.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install commercial grade canopies, shade sails, awnings and shelters across the UK. We specialise in servicing the education, leisure, healthcare and retail sectors and have extensive experience working with architects and contracting firms on small and large projects.
For more information or to find out how to submit a tender please contact us

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Designing Healthier Environments

Outdoor Space Health, Wellbeing and the Built Environment

Case Study: Coleg Cambria, Bersham Road Site

Product Focus: Outdoor Classrooms

Looking Ahead

See also