Architect Newsletter: Outside Comfort Zone (Winter 2026)

Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of Outside Comfort Zone. This issue is filled with updates and insights designed to support your clients’ upcoming projects.

In this edition, we are pleased to introduce the Coniston Apex Freestanding Canopy as a standard product, following the success and high demand of its bespoke counterpart. You’ll also find guidance on canopy solutions for modular buildings, offering smart and flexible shelter options for modern structures. In addition, we highlight one of our latest installations at the Epsom MRI Unit in Surrey, where we delivered a bespoke Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy for Apollo Build Ltd’s project. Plus much more.

Read the full newsletter here: OCZ Winter 2026

Here are our top news stories from this edition:

Able Canopies Shows at UKREiiF 2026 – Join Us at Stand F42

We’re delighted to announce that Able Canopies will be exhibiting at UKREiiF 2026, one of the UK’s leading events for real estate, investment, and infrastructure. Bringing together over 16,000 industry professionals, it’s a key platform for shaping the future of construction and regeneration.

Join us from 19th to 21st May in Leeds, where you’ll find us on Stand F42. Our team will be showcasing how our durable canopy and shelter solutions can support projects across education, healthcare, transport, and modular construction.

Read the full announcement here.

How Canopies Help Reduce Solar Gain in Classrooms

Overheating classrooms are a common challenge for academy schools, particularly where large windows and sun-facing façades allow excessive solar gain to impact comfort and concentration. As temperatures rise, so can energy costs, placing additional pressure on already stretched school budgets. Canopies are increasingly being adopted as a simple yet highly effective solution, helping academies manage solar gain while creating more comfortable and energy-efficient learning environments.

In this article on page 2, we explore how these systems work, the benefits they deliver, and why they are becoming a smart investment for forward-thinking education estates teams.

Why Early Canopy Planning Benefits Contractors  and Architects

As projects transition out of winter and towards spring completion dates, now is the ideal time for contractors and architects to review external works and ensure developments are fully prepared for increased use. With changeable spring weather and growing occupancy levels across many sectors, commercial canopy solutions play a vital role in enhancing accessibility, safety, and usability across entrances, walkways, and outdoor spaces.

In this article on page 4, we explore why early canopy planning can support programme efficiency, design coordination, and long-term performance, helping project teams deliver practical, high-quality environments ready for seasonal handover and beyond.

Length of Coniston Canopies Installed in 2025

The Coniston continues to stand out as one of our most in-demand canopy solutions, combining durability, sleek design, and excellent value across a wide range of sectors. But just how popular is it? From installation locations and customer sectors to total metres supplied throughout the year, the latest figures reveal the true scale of Coniston’s success in 2025.

On page 6, explore the statistics behind this market-leading canopy and discover why so many organisations across the UK continue to choose the Coniston as their go-to shade and shelter solution.

Click here to read the full newsletter: OCZ Winter 2026

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 schools, councils, architects and contracting firms.

For more information on our products and services please contact us Follow us on our social media accounts for the latest funding advice, new products & latest news:
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram