Outside Comfort Zone - Summer 2025

Outside Comfort Zone

BUILDING DESIGN, IDEAS & SOLUTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

Welcome to the summer 2025 edition of Outside Comfort Zone This issue is packed with updates and insights to support your upcoming projects We introduce our brand-new brochure, showcasing the latest additions to the Able Canopies range, including our newly launched entrance canopies and polycarbonate glazing roof systems. You?ll also find a spotlight on one of our recent installations at Greenvale School in London, where we created a vibrant, shaded outdoor space with our popular shade sails Plus much more

Introducing Our New Brochure ? Featuring our New Product Ranges

We?re excited to unveil our brand-new brochure, packed with fresh designs, innovative solutions, and a new look that reflects our commitment to quality and customer focus. From cost-effective entrance canopies that deliver style and weather protection on a budget, to our versatile polycarbonate glazing systems that combine durability with modern design, this edition introduces products created to meet the evolving needs of schools, healthcare settings, offices, and retail premises

With a sleek new layout, updated photography, and easy-to-navigate product details, our brochure makes it simpler than ever for architects, contractors, and organisations to find the perfect canopy solution.

Turn to the next page to explore the highlights from our latest collection and see how Able Canopies can help you transform outdoor spaces with style, function, and long-term value

Introducing Our New Brochure ? Featuring our New Product Ranges

We are delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new brochure, designed to showcase the very latest additions to the Able Canopies range along with a fresh new look that reflects our continued commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-focused solutions

This exciting new edition introduces our cost-effective entrance canopies ? a compact yet robust range developed in response to increasing demand for high-quality shelter at an affordable price point. Designed with smaller budgets in mind, these stylish entrance canopies provide reliable weather protection and instant visual appeal for a wide range of commercial settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and retail premises

In addition, we are proud to unveil our new range of polycarbonate glazing systems, a versatile solution ideal for use in canopy construction, outdoor shelters, and architectural glazing projects Lightweight, durable, and high-performing, our polycarbonate systems offer excellent light transmission and UV protection while maintaining long-term structural integrity ? making them a smart choice for modern outdoor environments

But that?s not all ? our new brochure features an all-new design and layout, giving it a fresh, contemporary look that reflects the evolution of the Able Canopies brand With improved navigation, updated project photography, and easy-to-understand product information, it?s now easier than ever for customers, contractors, and specifiers to explore our full product range and find the perfect solution for their next project

Whether you?re planning a new build, upgrading an existing space, or working to a tight budget, our latest offerings ensure you have access to the quality, flexibility, and value that Able Canopies is known for ? all backed by our comprehensive design, manufacture and installation service.

Request Your Free Copy Today

To request your copy of the new brochure or to speak with a member of our team about your next canopy project, please get in touch using the details below:

By email - sales@ablecanopies co uk or By Phone - 0800 389 9072 or

Visit our website - www ablecanopies co uk

Or to download you copy of our new brochure today use the link below with will take you straight to our brocure download page: https://www ablecanopies co uk/brochure-download/ We look forward to supporting you with your clients outdoor cover requirements and helping your client make the most of their space ? the Able Canopies way.

Sunglaze® Solid Polycarbonate Glazing Roof System: Strength Meets Elegance

The Sunpal® Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Glazing Roof System is a high-performance solution designed for a wide variety of projects, from large-scale stadiums to smaller shelters and walkways Combining strength, flexibility, and style, Sunpal® has become a trusted choice across multiple sectors thanks to its adaptability and proven performance

One of the key advantages of Sunpal® is its ability to suit a diverse range of designs. Whether your project requires sweeping curved roofs, sleek mono-pitch structures, or complex architectural features, the system adapts effortlessly. Built with lightweight, rust-resistant aluminium rafters, which can be powder-coated in any RAL colour, Sunpal® is as durable as it is visually appealing Available in multi-wall polycarbonate thicknesses from 8mm to 20mm, it provides robust coverage without unnecessary weight. Added benefits include superior UV

protection? blocking 99.9% of harmful rays, and compliance with fire safety standards (BS EN 13501 B-s1, d0), all backed by a 15-year warranty for complete peace of mind

The benefits of Sunpal® extend across a wide range of sectors. In education, schools and nurseries use the system to create shaded, all-weather outdoor classrooms and playground shelters, helping pupils enjoy fresh air safely year-round Within transportation, its strength and low-maintenance design make it ideal for bus stations, train platforms, and covered walkways, providing long-term durability even in high-traffic areas. Sports and leisure venues such as stadiums and arenas value its ability to span large areas while offering UV protection and structural reliability, making outdoor seating and viewing spaces more comfortable

For retail, tourism, and hospitality settings, Sunpal® delivers stylish, modern roof coverings for

entrances, glazed walkways, and atriums, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal. In healthcare environments, it supports hospitals, care homes, and clinics by creating bright, protective extensions and covered areas that improve accessibility. Meanwhile, architects and modular building specialists benefit from its design flexibility and specification support, with BIM models and CAD details available to help seamlessly integrate the system into bespoke or complex projects

By combining architectural aesthetics with engineering excellence, Sunpal® creates spaces that are safe, comfortable, and visually impressive Whether your client is looking to provide UV-safe shelter for students, enhance a commercial entrance, or design large-scale coverage for transport or leisure facilities, the Sunpal® Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Glazing Roof System offers a smart, long-lasting solution tailored to your clients needs

Case Study: Greenvale School ? Shade Sails

Greenvale School, London (Waters Road Site)

Facilities Management Company: Equans

Product: Able Shade Sail Array

Size: 6m x 5 8m x 6m x 6 4m (square) & 6 4m x 6m x 5 4m x 6m (square)

Fabric Colour: Aquamarine

Installation Date: July & August 2025

Installation Duration: Posts ? x2 days & Sails ? x1 day

Intended Use: Sensory Garden Shade

Brief

Greenvale School is an existing customer of Able Canopies, having invested in two Coniston Wall Mounted Canopies in the past They are based in Lewisham, London and are a community special school for secondary aged pupils with severe learning difficulties

Their Waters Road site was purpose built under the Building Schools for the Future program in 2007 and caters for their KS3 and KS4 students. This means that the school is a PFI (Private Finance Initiative) which is managed by the facilities division of Equans

Equans are also an existing customer of Able Canopies; we have worked with them in the past on numerous other schools they manage. Their Operations Manager therefore got in touch with us in March 2025 to discuss shade and shelter options at the school?s Waters Road site, as they were looking to cover an area in their sensory garden

Proposal

After completing a full site survey at the school, we were able to provide Equans with a full quotation as requested

At the site survey, it was discovered that a shade sail array would fit the schools requirements perfectly for

their sensory garden They were looking to create a cool, shaded area and shade sails are perfect for exactly that They are available in a range of playful and subtle tones, allowing you to create the ambiance that would match the setting perfectly

To help the school choose the right colour, we sent them some shade sail fabric samples in the post, so they could see the colours in person Various computer screens can cause colours to appear different, so seeing them in person helped the school colour match the area perfectly, ensuring they would be happy with the end result.

Both the school and Equans were delighted with the design proposal and placed an order for the shade sails for a summer holiday installation

The Installation

When installing shade sails, we install the posts and leave them to set fully which takes 3-5 weeks. We then return to site to install the shade sail fabric Ensuring the posts are fully set before installing the fabric means we can fully tension the fabric to ensure there is no sagging, and that the school is left with a high-quality shade sail array that creates a striking focal point to their outdoor area.

We installed the shade sail posts at Greenvale School over two days in July 2025, and returned to site in August to install the fabric sails within just one day

We think the end results looks great and the Aquamarine fabric sets the area off perfectly, creating a stylish, shaded sensory area within the school grounds

Able Canopies Ltd Achieves ISO14001 & ISO 45001 Registration from the British Assessment Bureau for Another Year

We are delighted to announce that Able Canopies Ltd has once again achieved successful recertification to ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 following a recent audit by the British Assessment Bureau.

These certifications reaffirm our commitment to operating safely, sustainable, and responsibly ? values at the heart of everything we do. Together, they demonstrate our dedication to;

- Minimising environmental impact through sustainable practices

- Maintaining safe, healthy working environments

- Consistently delivering reliable, high-quality products and services

For our customers and partners this means, greater confidence, reduced risk, and the assurance of working with a trusted, certified supplier

Beyond Shelter: How Canopies Support Smarter Design & Project Delivery

When specifying products for a new build or refurbishment, architects and contractors are constantly balancing aesthetics, functionality, budgets, and compliance While canopies are often viewed as a straightforward add-on, they can in fact play a much more strategic role in both design integration and project efficiency

Seamless Integration with Modern Architecture

Modern canopy systems are designed to complement contemporary building lines while offering flexible specification options. With CAD details, BIM models, and a wide choice of finishes, canopies can be tailored to suit architectural intent rather than being treated as a bolt-on This level of integration ensures consistency across the project and enhances the overall design narrative

Supporting Compliance from the Start

Early specification of canopy systems can also help projects meet planning and regulatory

requirements more smoothly For example, systems that carry ISO-certified manufacturing processes, tested fire safety ratings, and durable materials offer reassurance not only for clients but also for contractors managing risk and compliance on-site.

Delivering Value Through Efficiency

From a contractor?s perspective, working with a single specialist canopy supplier simplifies the process With design, manufacture, and installation all managed in-house, lead times are shortened, variations are reduced, and site coordination is more efficient This reduces the likelihood of delays and ensures a smoother handover for both client and contractor.

Canopies as Multi-Functional Assets

Beyond weather protection, canopies can also contribute to long-term value Whether creating sheltered social spaces in schools, covered walkways in healthcare facilities, or striking

entrances in commercial settings, a well-specified canopy enhances usability and aesthetics while providing tangible benefits to end users.

Final Thoughts

For architects and contractors, canopies are not just a finishing touch ? they?re an opportunity to deliver added value, streamline project delivery, and support architectural integrity. By integrating canopy solutions early in the design process, projects can benefit from both functional performance and visual impact

To explore specification support and see how our canopy systems can integrate into your next project, contact the Able Canopies team

To contact our team: Call: 0800 389 9072 or Email: sales@ablecanopies.co.uk or

Visit www ablecanopies co uk

Sunpal® Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Glazing Roof System: Versatile, Durable, and Efficient

The Sunglaze® Solid Polycarbonate Glazing Roof System is the perfect choice for projects that demand both strength and visual appeal

Designed with solid polycarbonate panels that replicate the clarity and elegance of glass, Sunglaze® offers a premium look while delivering exceptional durability It is equally suited to large-scale installations such as sports arenas, shopping centres, and transportation hubs, as well as smaller projects like school canopies and covered walkways

One of the key advantages of Sunglaze® is its construction The solid polycarbonate panels are mounted on lightweight, rust-resistant aluminium rafters, creating a structure that is both robust and long-lasting The rafters are anodised as standard for additional protection, but they can also be finished in any RAL colour, giving architects and designers the flexibility to match their canopy to its surroundings The panels themselves are available in a range of clear and tinted colours, providing an attractive finish that works in harmony with any architectural style

Beyond aesthetics, Sunglaze® also provides outstanding

protection The system offers up to 99.9% UV protection, ensuring safe and comfortable environments for all who use the space This makes it particularly beneficial for schools, healthcare facilities, and leisure settings where the wellbeing of users is a priority With a 15-year warranty, Sunglaze® delivers not only beauty and performance but also peace of mind for many years to come

Sunglaze® brings unique benefits to each sector it serves In educational environments, such as schools and colleges, the system creates safe, sheltered outdoor spaces that encourage outdoor learning and social interaction while protecting students from harmful UV rays In transportation hubs, Sunglaze® provides reliable weather protection for platforms, waiting areas, and walkways, ensuring passengers remain comfortable while retaining a sleek and modern aesthetic

For sports and leisure complexes, Sunglaze® is an ideal solution. Its combination of strength and clarity makes it perfect for stadiums and arenas where unobstructed views and long-term durability are essential. Similarly, in retail, tourism, and hospitality

environments, Sunglaze® enhances the curb appeal of buildings while creating bright, inviting sheltered spaces such as entrance canopies, outdoor dining areas, or shopping centre walkways

In healthcare facilities, Sunglaze® canopies support accessibility and wellbeing by providing sheltered outdoor walkways and covered entrances that are practical, attractive, and safe Finally, for bespoke and modular architecture, Sunglaze® offers design flexibility It integrates seamlessly into custom builds, adding architectural flair while maintaining reliable performance against the elements.

The Sunglaze® Solid Polycarbonate Glazing Roof System is more than just a canopy covering, it?s a design statement Combining the sophistication of glass with the strength and resilience of polycarbonate, it ensures that outdoor spaces remain functional, safe, and visually impressive in every sector Whether you are creating a sheltered courtyard, a striking entrance, or a large-scale roof for a public facility, Sunglaze® delivers style, performance, and long-term value

Introducing Our New Range of Cost-Effective Entrance Canopies

At Able Canopies, we are pleased to announce the launch of eight brand-new entrance canopy designs, specially created to offer a stylish and practical solution for covering doorways. These canopies combine cost-effectiveness with high-quality materials, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of commercial applications.

Premium Quality Canopies at an Affordable Price

Our new entrance canopy range is designed with durability, functionality, and aesthetics in mind Each product features a robust aluminium frame for long-lasting performance and is topped with high-quality acrylic roof panels, offering excellent weather protection and UV resistance

These materials have been selected for their strength and minimal maintenance requirements, ensuring the canopies look great and perform reliably for years to come ? all without stretching your budget

Post-Free for a Sleek, Unobstructed Finish

What sets this new range apart is their post-free design These canopies are supported entirely from the wall, meaning there are no front posts. This not only gives a clean, contemporary look, but also offers unrestricted access, which is particularly beneficial for:

Schools and nurseries where space around doorways is limited

Retail units and high-footfall commercial entrances

Accessible entrances requiring full clearance for mobility aid users

Customers who prefer a more open and minimalist appearance Ideal for a Range of Commercial Settings

Whether your clients are looking to enhance an entrance of a school, care facility, office, or retail unit, our new entrance canopies offer a simple yet effective shelter solution that enhances the appearance and functionality of your clients building?s entrance

With eight designs available, your client can choose the shape and style that best suits your clients building?s architecture, while staying within budget To learn more about our new entrance canopy range, Entrance Canopies product page: www ablecanopies co uk/products/ canopies/entrance-canopy/ or contact us

Avonwick Entrance Canopy

The Avonwick is a small entrance canopy that offers a perfect balance of modern styling and dependable weather protection, making it an ideal choice for enhancing entrances across a wide range of environments

The Clarendon XL Entrance Canopy is specifically designed for wider doorways and high-traffic access points, this modern canopy offers a perfect balance of style, functionality, and durability

Waterford Entrance Canopy

The Waterford Entrance Canopy is designed to protect doorways from the elements while enhancing the exterior of your building

The Clarendon Entrance Canopy is designed with both style and functionality in mind, this modern canopy is ideal for many settings, creating a welcoming and sheltered space at your clients doorway

The Evesham Entrance Canopy is a sleek and modern solution designed to provide effective shelter while enhancing the visual appeal of any entranceway.

Entrance Canopy

The Dalwood Entrance Canopy seamlessly blends a contemporary design with a robust construction, offering an elegant solution for protecting entrances from the elements

The Roxby Entrance Canopy is a contemporary and durable solution that offers year-round protection against the elements

The Winchester Entrance Canopy is a refined, high-performance shelter solution designed to protect doorways and access points while enhancing the architectural appearance of your premises

The Architect?s Guide to Commercial Shade Structures

When designing commercial spaces, outdoor areas are integral to user experience and project success Whether planning a restaurant terrace, school playground, or corporate campus, the right shade structure transforms unusable space into valuable assets.

Understanding Commercial Shade Solutions

Modern commercial shade structures combine architectural aesthetics with engineering precision. Today?s market offers tensioned fabric systems, wall mounted structures, and custom-engineered solutions that span impressive distances while maintaining clean, contemporary lines These structures provide UV protection, define spaces, reduce building energy costs, and extend outdoor furniture life

Key Design Considerations:

Structural Integration

Shade structures must integrate harmoniously with your clients design while meeting engineering requirements. Wind loading presents a primary challenge Fabrics can create significant uplift with lateral forces, that will require careful calculations by a structural engineer.

Material Selection

Fabric and frame choices significantly impact aesthetics and performance High-grade architectural shade sail fabrics offer UV stability, weather resistance, and colour retention. Waterproof tensile fabric provides excellent durability, while polycarbonate offers superior

longevity and high UV protection. Frame options include marine-grade aluminium, galvanised steel, and glue-laminated timber.

Sector-Specific Applications

Educational environments such as schools, nurseries, colleges, and universities require robust structures for playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces Consider vandal resistance and maintenance access in design.

Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, care homes, and hospices require gentle, filtered light without stark shadows Emergency vehicle access influences structure location and height

Hospitality venues such as restaurants, holiday parks, and hotels demand systems functioning throughout extended operating hours while maintaining inviting atmospheres Consider lighting integration such as canopy side panels, for all-year-round use

Sustainable Design Integration

Shade structures reduce solar heat gain on building facades, cutting cooling loads while allowing natural light They can support integrated systems like solar panels, rainwater collection, and lighting Consider recyclable materials and end-of-life disposal in material selection.

Working with Specialists

Successful projects involve early collaboration between architects, engineers, and shade specialists. Request detailed engineering

calculations and wind load analyses Reputable suppliers provide CAD details, specifications, and technical support, integrating seamlessly with project documentation

Conclusion

Commercial shade structures are sophisticated architectural elements requiring careful consideration of structural, environmental, and user requirements. Success lies in early integration of shade considerations, collaboration with specialists, and selecting systems that balance performance, aesthetics, and long-term value For technical specifications and project consultation on commercial shade structures, contact our architectural support team We provide detailed CAD drawings, NBS BIM models, and design assistance to help integrate shade solutions seamlessly into your next project

Canopy Solutions for Architects & Specifiers

Essentials Information for Architects and Specifiers

At Able Canopies, our core objective is to provide innovative and reliable weather protection solutions that enhance outdoor spaces. Our premium products are designed to support outdoor experiences? whether for dining, waiting, or learning? by offering protection from rain and sun and facilitating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Our website includes all the drawings, technical specifications, and recent project images you may need to support your clients project. These user-friendly resources make it easy to compare systems, roofing options, and materials, enabling quick and accurate specification decisions

You?ll find our full product range online ? whether you?re specifying a walkway, dining canopy, shelter, sunshade, or all-year-round weather protection

Specifications for download

Visit your preferred product page at www ablecanopies co uk

Our in-house control over the design, manufacturing, and installation process? paired with our commitment to regular site meetings? ensures smooth project execution and high client satisfaction This hands-on approach has earned us a loyal customer base that values our consistent service and quality craftsmanship

Canopies for Modular Buildings

Modular buildings offer flexible

and practical solutions for temporary or semi-permanent spaces across sectors like education, healthcare, and construction However, it?s a common misconception that modular structures can? t accommodate long-lasting canopy installations At Able Canopies, we?re here to dispel that myth.

Our Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy is designed to integrate seamlessly with modular buildings, offering a durable and visually appealing shelter solution

A great example is our project at Southampton University Hospital (pictured below)

Working with Portakabin, the contractor responsible for supplying and installing the modular units, we were asked to provide a canopy to connect two buildings and create a weatherproof walkway between them. The Coniston canopy was the perfect solution ? our custom brackets ensured a secure fit to

the modular unit, and we installed the eaves flush against the structure for a watertight seal

Adding canopies to modular builds creates sheltered, functional outdoor spaces that protect users from the elements while enhancing aesthetics and accessibility Whether you?re looking to expand usable space or improve access, the Coniston provides a tailored, cost-effective solution

Product Highlight: Entrance

Canopy ? Kensington Canopy

Entrance canopies can reduce slip hazards on wet, rainy days by reducing how much driving rain enters the building and also how much is walked into the building on foot. This helps to make your entrance much drier and safer

The Kensington Wall Mounted Entrance Canopy as an ultra-modern design which incorporates stylish steel framework to create a cantilevered canopy that works perfectly as a door and entrance canopy.

The Kensington Entrance Canopy offers a maximum projection of up to 2 5m and can be extended to any length, creating a generously sized sheltered area or even a walkway alongside a building

Also available with coloured polycarbonate as an upgrade.

Our Product Brochure

If you would like a copy of our full product catalogue then let us know on 0800 389 9072 or sales@ablecanopies.co.uk and we will get one out in the post to you. It contains all you need to transform your outside space and keep those cycles secure. As well as our canopy systems, the brochure contains information on all our accessories and upgrades ? such as side fills, heating and lighting and colour options.

You can also download your copy from: www ablecanopies co uk/brochure-download/

Essential Information for Architects & Specifiers

Our website includes all the drawings, technical specifications and recent images that you could need to help your project These user friendly details allow you to quickly compare different systems, roofing options and materials, enabling efficient, informative specifications to be made Our whole product range is available allowing you to decide on the best solutions for walkways, dining areas, shelter, sun shade or all year round weather protection Visit our website and navigate to your chosen product page www ablecanopies co uk

Committed to Service Quality

We are committed to the highest standards of customer service, which is independently audited wherever possible

- External assessment of our quality through our achievement of ISO and ACCLAIM certification requirements means that our service is delivered to a consistently high standard

- We have achieved Constructionline Gold status ? meaning our approach to health & safety, environment & waste and equalities & diversity meet recognised standards

- Each project will have a thorough site survey to ensure your requirements are fully understood and the installation can be completed with the minimum disruption

- At all times our expert team is available to answer questions and help you with project timing and planning