Warden Park Secondary School in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, was facing a growing challenge: insufficient dining space for its students. With limited indoor capacity and increasing pressure during break times, the school needed to create additional dining space that was not only functional and weather-resistant but also able to withstand high footfall and potential misuse. The solution had to be robust, secure, and supportive of students’ wellbeing.
Kensington Systems worked closely with the school to design and install a SpaceMax™ dining canopy, providing a versatile, covered area for students to eat and socialise. To enhance comfort and protect against the elements, matching shutters were installed along one side of the canopy.
These shutters significantly reduce wind and weather exposure, making the space more inviting in all seasons. The ground beneath the canopy had a natural slope, so the shutters were carefully adjusted to ensure a seamless, flush fit when lowered—maintaining both functionality and aesthetics.
The result is a durable, outdoor dining area that supports the school’s needs while encouraging students to spend more time outside. The canopy offers a space that not only eases pressure on indoor facilities but also promotes physical and mental wellbeing through outdoor social interaction—making it a long-term investment in both infrastructure and student experience.