Living Space Blog

Living Space are pleased to announce that we now have a priority listing on Applegate. This is part of a strategy to take our products further into the public domain. you can find out dedicated page here.

There ae many companies offering “sail canopies” for sale to schools and commercial institutions. These tend to consist of a steel frame with a fabric stretched in a variety of shapes. Whenever we have visited schools who have requested a quotation, many express their like of the appearance of these canopies but very few ever end up being bought. The main reason for this is the cost, these canopies can be a lot more expensive than traditional aluminium canopies for schools. But also there are question marks over the longevity of the fabric used, there have even been complaints about the material being attacked by algae, and also the noise that the canopy makes in the wind.

The advantage of a fixed aluminium canopy is it is robust enough to handle the worst of the weather, as well as rough treatment by children and it is functional and requiring little or no maintenance. These structures enhance the appearance of the school, are long lasting and can be used for a variety of functions such as outdoor play areas, covered eating areas, sun shades, parent waiting shelters and many more.

While the fabric canopies look better many schools prefer the more funtional (and financial) benefits to be had by opting for an aluminium canopy.

At Living Space we are often being asked what can we provide to solve the problem of providing outdoor learning areas. There are many solutions on the market from expensive canvas canopies to cheap (and nasty) timber structures put up by the bloke who lives down the road.

The School canopies supplied by Living Space are all manufactured from structural aluminium, and powdercoated to a colour of your choice giving a very hard wearing and long lasting canopy. The roof is glazed with shatterproof polycarbonate sheeting and this provides shading from the harmful effects of the sun, protection from rain, sleet or hail and an attractive finish to the structure.

We can provide canopies that are attached to the school wall or, where this is not possible, free standing and there is a range of styles to choose from.  Some schools choose to put benches underneath or some leave the area open whle some store sand trays and play equipment. The canopies are truly adaptable and once up give years of trouble free usage.

The Cantilever Canopies manufactured by Living Space use a GRP (fibreglass) beam to attach to the wall. The GRP beam takes the weight of the canopy roof meaning the canopy does not require legs as in tradtional canopy designs. Fibreglass is a techologically advanced and very strong product meaning a cantilever canopy is a robust structure that can provide flexible coverage for many years.

Living Space manufacture a range of Glazing Bars and Roofing Systems that can accommodate polycarbonate sheeting between 10mm - 35mm thicknesses. With an aluminium contruction with attractive PVC capping the PVC Capped Rafter Bar, Self Supporting Roof System and Low Pitch Roof System are one of the leading roofs on the market. Living space also offer a full range of accessories to finish off the roof to a professional standard.

As the summer approaches and the classrooms seem to get hotter and hotter without any escape from the heat of the sun, now is the time to invest in a sun canopy from Living Space. With a robust aluminium frame and polycarbonate glazing a living space school canopy can reduce the glare from direct sunlight and help reduce classroom temperatures. With a range of different styles and canopies made to measure to suit your school and surroundings, Living Space have the canopy to meet your needs and all at a price that falls within your budget.

As well as reducing heat within the classroom a Living Space School Canopy can provide shade for pupils outside the classroom as well as giving an area for outdoor learning and play.