Featuring stylish circular steel uprights, beautiful glulam roof supports and a mild steel and glazed roof. This stunning canopy can be adapted to fit around any application and will create a visual extravaganza to any of its onlookers.
A beautiful architectural atrium canopy and walkway. The Francis Combe Canopy was originally designed for a project at Francis Combe Academy in Watford. The glazed structure was featured within a landlocked courtyard running along the inner elevation of the academy’s new building, with differing heights to run parallel with the building’s façade.
As a permanent covered walkway, this structure addresses the everyday needs of busy school campuses. It provides reliable protection from rain while maintaining a light and open atmosphere for pupils and staff moving between buildings.
The design is particularly suited to: • Internal courtyards • Transitions between teaching blocks • Dining and breakout areas • Entrance approaches and reception zones
In each case, the canopy supports safeguarding and visibility, with clear sightlines maintained through the glazed roof configuration.
Structural Composition and Materials
The Academy structure brings together robust steel components and engineered timber supports to achieve both strength and architectural quality.
Key Construction Features • Steel columns and beams, hot dip galvanised for corrosion resistance • High-level steelwork powder coated to a wide range of colours • European larch glulam beams providing warmth and structural integrity • Patent glazing system with glazing bars and pressure plates • Monopitch roof design for efficient drainage • Powder-coated aluminium guttering and downpipes
The integration of glulam timber softens the overall appearance, ensuring the canopy sits comfortably within modern education architecture.
Glazed Canopy with Monopitch Roof
The monopitch roof form ensures effective rainwater run-off while maintaining a clean linear profile along the façade. As a glazed canopy, it maximises natural daylight within the covered route, reducing the sense of enclosure often associated with solid roofing systems.
This configuration offers several benefits: • Bright, welcoming circulation routes • Reduced daytime reliance on artificial lighting • Clear supervision across the covered area • A contemporary aesthetic aligned with new-build education schemes
The patent glazing system provides secure fixing and long-term weather resistance, supporting durability in exposed UK conditions.
Adaptable Walkway Canopy Design
The original Francis Combe installation required the structure to accommodate differing building heights within a confined courtyard. The Academy canopy can be adapted to: • Follow stepped façades • Adjust to changes in ground level • Run parallel to irregular elevations • Form extended routes across larger campuses
This flexibility makes it suitable for both new-build projects and retrofit schemes where space and geometry may be constrained.
Durability for High-Footfall Use
As part of Broxap’s range of school canopies, the Academy structure is engineered for long-term use in demanding environments. Protective finishes and material selection ensure resistance to: • Corrosion and weathering • Daily high footfall • Impact in busy circulation zones • Long-term UV exposure
The combination of galvanised steel and treated glulam beams supports extended service life with routine maintenance.
Installation and Project Coordination
Manufactured in the UK, the Academy Glazed Structure benefits from precision fabrication and controlled finishing processes. Broxap provides full installation services across the UK and Ireland, coordinating structural erection, glazing installation, and drainage integration.
For contractors and local authorities, this ensures a streamlined delivery process and consistent quality from manufacture to completion.
Integration with Wider Campus Infrastructure
The canopy can be specified alongside complementary elements such as: • Cycle shelters and covered storage • External seating and dining furniture • Bollards and boundary treatments • Wayfinding signage and lighting columns
This coordinated approach supports cohesive campus design and enhances the overall functionality of the external environment.
A Refined Covered Walkway for Schools
The Academy Glazed Structure demonstrates how a covered walkway for schools can provide practical shelter while elevating architectural character. Through the combination of steel, glulam timber, and glazed roofing, it delivers durability, transparency, and visual distinction in equal measure.
For architects and specifiers seeking a robust and adaptable walkway canopy solution within education settings, the Academy structure offers a carefully engineered and visually confident design.
High level steel powder coated to a wide range of colours
European larch glulam beams
Patent glazing system
Monopitch roof with glazing bars and pressure plates
Powder coated to aluminium guttering and downpipes
Delivery Message
Broxap offer a standard carriage service for all products, this usually takes between 3-28 days as lead times vary on specific products and quantities.
