Ark Academy, Wembley

A mixed all-through school in the London Borough of Brent, the Ark Academy Wembley offers excellent learning opportunities for students from nursery level through to primary, secondary level, and finally sixth-form. A recently established academy, construction was completed in September 2010 as part of £32m development by Wilmott Dixon, who covered the construction of the nursery, primary, and secondary schools, as well as their extensive sports facilities. The Ark Academy Wembley was also one of the first new schools of the UK Government’s Academies Programme.

Carried out during their summer holiday break to avoid disruptions to school scheduling, Streetspace provided the design, supply and installation of a TRITON Maxx canopy. An effective, cost-efficient design, the freestanding structure runs a length of 60m with the use of intermediate columns, and powder coated to coordinate with details on the existing building facade.

Installed alongside the secondary school building with a polycarbonate curved roof design, the structure successfully increases the school’s available covered external space, while providing effective breakout and social space for students. In addition, the TRITON Maxx is ideal for serving additional functions, providing a covered walkway for students that offers shelter from inclement weather, while doubling up as an effective covered spectator area overlooking the school’s adjacent football pitches and basketball courts.