Covered outside space has been a growing requirement in the UK since Covid, allowing everyone to work and play outside in fresh air.
St Faith’s School in Cambridge made contact with SMC2 to design and build a 112 sqm canopy over their play area to protect the children from rain and sun and increase the usage of the bark chip play area which was not being used to the maximum potential for the school. SMC2 worked with BB+C Architects in Cambridge for the planning application. Constructed using glulam timber and textile membrane roof, this gave the school an eco-responsible building that was easy to install due to its offsite manufacture and which optimises the use of the play area. The translucency of the textile membrane ensures the play area is bathed in natural light during the day with no need for artificial lighting, reducing the carbon footprint for the school further.