Having already provided an Apple shelter for this school they were interested in Handspring Design making other structures for the playground as they had a strong commitment to a creative outdoor environment.

The school had some existing picnic style benches and wanted a structure to enable them to cover the benches and make an outdoor classroom.

Handspring Design came up with the sweet chestnut leaf pergola, or canopy structure, made from Douglas Fir with galvanised steel feet and flitch plates as well as timber framing connections. There were lots of compound angles and complicated joints to cut. The company envisioned it being covered with a tensile fabric however the school ran out of funds and so decided to cover it when necessary.

This structure could be recreated with a cover for outdoor space at a bar / cafe / restaurant.