Chipstead Valley Nursery, Chipstead

Willmott Dixon awarded the canopy & buggy shelter requirements on this new-build nursery school project to Waverley. Working against the clock to complete before the start of the autumn term, Waverley’s short lead time and competitive pricing were crucial to the overall success of the project.

Waverley’s Weatherspan® aluminium canopy consists of a number of extruded aluminium profiles that can be cut to size and quickly bolted together on site. Waverley stock all profiles in their factory allowing them to turn orders around in a matter of days at a far more competitive price than conventional steel structures. The Weatherspan® system requires no engineering or bespoke fabrication reducing costs and lead times.

The entrance canopy is free-standing entirely independent of the main building, using a sturdy 110 x 110mm goal-post frame system. The opal polycarbonate roof sheets reduce UV levels by 40% as well as providing welcome shelter from the rain.

The integrated gutter system ensures that the Weatherspan® canopy enhances the look of the school rather than being an unsightly necessity. There are no surface mounted gutters and downpipes as these are concealed with the canopy frame, with the downpipe existing the front post into the adjoining flowerbed. The sleek, clean lines of the Weatherspan® design ensure it blends in with any building design and is a welcome change from bolts, beams and plastic gutters frequently seen on steel canopies.

The buggy shelter benefits from fixed polycarbonate panels on three sides creating a shelter for buggies and scooters that is light and airy whilst providing excellent protection in wet weather.

The Weatherspan® system is made of 100% non-corrosive materials: aluminium and polycarbonate. This ensures the canopy will not develop unsightly rust marks and will continue to look as good as new for many years to come.

The end result is a smart, robust canopy that gives an excellent first impression on arrival at the nursery.