Challenge

Zenith was contacted by Paul Hooper, Site Manager at Wexham Court Primary School in Slough, in 2018 with the requirement to replace old wooden structures with new canopies.

Ian Manners of Zenith quoted for two 4x4m Airone Tipo 150 canopy structures, but unfortunately the school didn't have enough budget at that time.

In Oct 2019 Paul asked for a re-quote as the Head Teacher was very keen on the Shade Sails. Ian then quoted for two 4x4m Vela Sails but, as with most Sail structures, they do not have wind and snow loadings to UK Building Regulations.

Solution

As an alternative, Ian proposed the Vela 150 sail structure which does have snow loadings to UK Building Regulations as the sails are enclosed within a steel framework. These fell within the school's budget and two 4x4m Vela 150 structures were ordered with RAL 7037 [Dusty grey] metalwork and RAL 5002 [Ultramarine blue] canopies.

Installation was completed on 3 Jan 2020, in time for the children returning to school on the 6th.

About the product

Vela 150 structures are available in a range of standard sizes - 3x3, 4x4, 5x5 and 6x6m - but can also be made to special order. Metalwork is galvanised and can be powder-coated in a choice of RAL colours.

The structures also have a unique drainage system, whereby the beams act as gutters so rainwater runs off the canopies, into the beams, down through the leg columns and out through drainage holes at the bottom, or it can be linked to underground drains.