Solihull Sixth Form College – Three Welford Dome Free Standing Canopies Case Study

Solihull Sixth Form College, West Midlands

Product: 3no Welford Dome Standing Canopies
Sizes: 3no. 12m x 6m
Frame Colour: Basalt Grey RAL 7012
Installation Date: August 2021, August 2022, April 2023
Intended Use: Student social and study canopies

Brief

Solihull Sixth Form College was founded in 1974 and provides further education for students aged 16 to 19 across Solihull and Birmingham.

In 2021, they were looking to invest in a permanent covered outdoor area that their students could use to socialise, study, and enjoy their lunch.

After browsing our product range, they liked the look of our Welford Dome Freestanding Canopy. We therefore scheduled a free site survey so we could assess the area and determine whether the canopy would be both suitable and viable for the location.

Are Freestanding Canopies Ideal for Schools and Colleges?

Yes, freestanding canopies are a great way to add shade and shelter to schools and colleges, as they can be designed to cover both small and large areas. They also do not require a suitable wall for fixing, meaning they can be installed almost anywhere within your school or college grounds.

What Makes the Welford Dome Freestanding Canopy the Perfect Canopy for Colleges?

The Welford Dome Freestanding Canopy was the perfect option for Solihull Sixth Form College because it is a permanent structure designed to withstand the UK’s weather conditions 365 days a year, with a life expectancy of up to 25 years.

It provides protection from all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and sun. It also blocks over 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, helping to create a shaded and much cooler environment beneath the canopy during hot summer days.

The robust steel frame, which is available in any RAL colour, combined with vandal-resistant and shatter-resistant polycarbonate roof panels, makes this freestanding canopy ideal for busy, well-used areas and locations where vandalism may be a concern.

Installation

Following the completion of the site survey, measurements were taken and the site was assessed as suitable for the proposed canopy.

The college selected a 12m x 6m Welford Dome Freestanding Canopy, allowing us to return to the office and prepare a firm quotation for review.

In June 2021, the college placed their order, and the canopy was installed during the summer holidays in August 2021, as requested.

Second Canopy

In 2022, we returned to site to install a second 12m x 6m Welford Dome Freestanding Canopy adjacent to the existing structure. This extended the all-weather social space, allowing more students to socialise, dine, and study outdoors together.

Third Canopy

Following the success and popularity of the first two canopies, we returned to site in 2023 to install a third 12m x 6m Welford Dome Freestanding Canopy alongside the existing structures.

Conclusion

Solihull Sixth Form College now provides its students with 216 square metres of weather protection, enabling them to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year, regardless of the weather.

If you’re looking to create a similar outdoor space for your students, contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve the perfect solution for your requirements.