Context

PV canopies and concrete benches from Langley Design combine style, sustainability, functionality and educational value for Chilmington Green School, part of a new ‘garden community’ in Ashford, Kent.

Officially opened in Sept 2025 and designed to a high specification, the school offers excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, with sustainability at the heart of its design.

Work undertaken

As part of the external landscape, Langley Design collaborated with Bowmer + Kirkland and Ares Landscape Architects to create bespoke PV canopies that complement the school’s modern architecture and landscaped grounds.

The PV canopies provide multifunctional outdoor covered areas for seating and cycle parking, while also generating renewable electricity on-site to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and energy costs.

In addition, Langley Design installed modern, durable concrete benches to create outdoor learning and socialising spaces for students.

Project detail

Canopies

Aligned with the project’s vision of green development, five large clear-span monopitch Sheldon Canopies (SCP311 N/S) were designed and manufactured from treated Redwood TRC4 with galvanised steel frameworks and R32 Slate Blue roofing, designed to accommodate PV panels.

The size and scale of the canopies make efficient use of landscape space, creating extensive all-weather outdoor areas for students and staff. The integration of PV panels enhances the aesthetic appeal, blending seamlessly into the landscaped grounds while making a clear design statement.

Seating

To complement the multifunctional canopies, 17 Pewsham Concrete Benches (PBN428) were installed to provide durable, low-maintenance seating that supports social interaction, outdoor learning, and flexible use of the landscaped spaces. Strategically positioned alongside pathways, green areas and recreational zones, the benches offer ample space for students to gather, learn, and socialise.

The use of concrete ensures longevity, with resistance to weather and heavy daily use, while maintaining a modern, clean-lined aesthetic that aligns with the overall school design.

Result

The bespoke PV canopies seamlessly complement the modern architecture and landscaped grounds. Close collaboration with Bowmer + Kirkland and Ares Landscape Architects ensured that design, functionality and construction were fully aligned, meeting both the client’s vision and the practical needs of the school.

The result is five large, clear-span monopitch Sheldon Canopies that provide multifunctional, all-weather areas for seating and cycle parking, while integrating PV panels to generate renewable electricity on-site.

The project demonstrates how functional infrastructure can double as a design statement while supporting the school’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals, as well as providing outdoor spaces that are both practical and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on the school community.