Twinfix Limited

Twinfix has over thirty years’ experience designing, manufacturing, and installing school canopies, playground shelters and covered walkways for education establishments, including nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities. Each structure is designed to fit and enhance its surroundings while providing the school with the type of canopy, playground shelter or walkway they need. Twinfix provide a full in-house service, from design right through to installation.Outdoor areas that are currently not usable during hot or wet weather conditions can be made into fully productive parts of the school or nursery. Canopies installed adjacent to a nursery classroom create an easily accessible area for sand and water play, while a walkway can give protected transit for staff and pupils between buildings at any school site.Golborne High School is a coeducational foundation secondary school located in Golborne, Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, England.The oldest part of the school was opened in January 1954 and today it is a trust school under the umbrella of the newly formed Golborne and Lowton Co-operative Learning partnership.Last year, Twinfix were approached by Parklands Services to design, manufacture and install three fabricated, lean-to mono-pitch canopies at the school. The canopies all served a different purpose: one provided cover for an outdoor eating area, provide shelter to pupils outside their classroom as they learn and play and to provide cover to parents and students waiting to enter and leave.The structures spanning a total of 162 square metres comprise of Twinfix’s innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, glazed with 25mm multiwall polycarbonate. The roofs are non-fragile in accordance with the HSE’s test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019, an important factor when installing canopies where children may try and access the roof. Each canopy has an aluminium frame, powder-coated to RAL 7016 anthracite grey.Being a one-stop shop for designing, manufacturing and installing such outdoor structures Twinfix are proud to offer a seamless service to any school or other education establishment looking for a canopy or walkway. The staff and pupils at Golborne High School are delighted with the latest additions to their school.

Over the last decade, Twinfix have installed 10 canopies on five separate occasions at Green Lane Community Special School, part of Woolston Learning Village in Holes Lane, Warrington.The initial project involved fitting a 35m long 2m wide walkway on this school, and another 32m walkway at the adjacent school on the site, both designed to provide under cover access between car drop-off and the school buildings. Twinfix were approached by main contractor ISG Construction Ltd from Salford to design, manufacture and install these as part of their overall task to refurbish the old Woolston High School campus back in 2014.Since the original project, Twinfix have been invited back on four more occasions by Head Teacher, Paul King to install further canopies. Most recently a free-standing mono-pitch canopy spanning 80 square-metres.All the canopies designed, manufactured and installed by Twinfix have aluminium frames powder coated in blue RAL 5010. As this metal doesn’t rust in use, they will keep their good looks throughout their long life. The roof glazing consists of Twinfix Multi-Link-Panels NF fitted with tough 25mm opal multiwall polycarbonate. The NF denotes that these panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test ACR[M]001:2019, as recommended by HSG33. This is particularly important where access could be gained to the overhead glazing.Vertical glazing was included in the design of the walkways at the school which provides additional weather protection, while the canopies providing shelter in play areas were fitted with post protectors to guard the children from bumps and bangs.Paul King Head Teacher explains: “We cater for children from 3 to 18 years old. They’re not like children in a main-stream school, they’re vulnerable and they all have special needs. We wanted them to have covered access to the outside throughout the year and these canopies have enabled us to achieve this. Our children have to be taught how to play and having such large, safe protected outside areas gives us the space to do this. All the areas had to be closed off from pupils for installing the footings for the post supports and again for the actual build – but Twinfix were very accurate in the timings they gave us and they were finished within their promised timeframe. “

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

Situated in the heart of the community of Driffield, Kingsmill School is a SEN school which caters for pupils aged 2-19 years. Situated across two sites, the main school site houses Early Years through to Key Stage 4. The school was completed in May 2017 and has been purpose built to meet the needs of its pupils. Alongside eleven new classrooms, the main site also has a new hydrotherapy pool, rebound room, sensory therapy room and sensory rooms.Students aged 16-19 are based at The Kings Mill Student Centre which is based at Driffield Secondary School approximately a mile away from the main site. This comprises three classrooms and a combined common room and food technology area.When the school decided to utilise its outdoor space to provide a safe environment for pupils to learn and play undercover, Twinfix were approached by Main Contractor Hobson Porter to design, manufacture & install four classroom canopies..The free-standing mono-pitch canopies all comprise our innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, glazed with 16mm multiwall polycarbonate. The roof is non-fragile in accordance with the HSE’s test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019, an important factor when installing canopies where children may try and access the roof. Each canopy has an aluminium frame, powder-coated to RAL 5015 sky blue to match the school’s building and logo. Other features Twinfix incorporated into the design of canopies are anti-climb guttering and post-protectors, which provided further elements of safety for the students.Being a one-stop shop for designing, manufacturing and installing such outdoor structures we are proud to offer a seamless service to any school or other education establishment looking for a canopy or walkway. We are really pleased that the staff at Kingsmill School are delighted with the latest additions to their school and we know they are planning to use it for all sorts of fun and healthy outdoor learning/playing experiences for their children.

A 36 metre long mono-pitched Twinfix canopy installed at Lancaster Road Primary School in Morecambe has added considerably to the education of their 90 reception children. The new canopy is adjacent to the classrooms, thus ensuring easy free-flow of indoor/outdoor provision.

An 8m long Twinfix canopy installed on the front of the Lower Willingdon Pre-School Nursery in Eastbourne is proving a great success. With a 2.8m projection from the building and fitted with vertical glazing at both ends, Julie Langford, Nursery Manager, says it has made a tremendous difference to the nursery, with the extra space also being well used by the Breakfast and After School Clubs, as well as by parents dropping off and collecting their children.

Working alongside Premier Modular, we designed, manufactured and installed 17 canopies at 7 schools in the city.

The Martin High School is a coeducational secondary school with academy status, located in the village of Anstey, Leicestershire. The school was founded in 1957 and was named after Sir Robert Martin, Chairman of the Leicester County Council, in honour of his public service.Last year, the school were looking to replace an old, pre-fabricated block of classrooms, with a new modular six-classroom block which consists of a specialist technology-rich IT classroom as well as five other inviting classrooms which are all fitted with Smartboards, making learning more engaging for students.Principal Contractor Wernick approached Twinfix to design, manufacture and install a bespoke entrance canopy for the new building.The new canopy, which takes a pentagon shape incorporates Twinfix’s recently launched Alu-Link-Panel, a solid aluminium roof comprising of 3mm thick powder-coated, pressed aluminium for the roof, soffit and fascia. The structure spans 40 square-metres and scales 7.2 metres in height.Some of the benefits of the Alu-Link-Panel system include:Exceptional Durability: engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and wind. It is also highly resistant to corrosion and rust, making it an ideal roofing solution.Energy Efficiency: designed to reflect heat, which can help reduce your energy bills and improve comfort of your building.Easy Installation: easy to install and requires minimal maintenance, which means you can enjoy your new roof without any hassle.The Alu-Link-Panel system can be powder coated to most colours so can complement the colour scheme of the adjoining building.This innovative solid aluminium roof system will protect students and staff at Martin High School from the elements and is in keeping with the stunning aesthetics of the new Humanities Block.

Twinfix have been working with Algeco on a new, exciting project. Algeco, Europe’s leading modular building solutions brand was awarded a Framework contract totalling £21.9m to supply secure units to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), with the option to order further units. As part of the supply of these secure modular units, Algeco have asked Twinfix to design, supply and install walkway covers along the front of each modular section and in communal areas to completely cover the space, providing a crossing place.Meeting short term demandsThe Rapid Deployment Cells Project requires Algeco to provide ‘safe and decent accommodation’. Algeco’s Cannock facility will manufacture the cells utilising DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) and Lean Manufacturing techniques. The company will install and commission a variety of units including sleeper accommodation, accessible accommodation, and ancillary units at multiple locations around the country. MoJ secured funding to design and build 1,000 additional temporary prison places, the majority of these will be delivered throughout this year. The Rapid Deployment Cells Project was initiated to create a new design that can be quickly deployed to a variety of sites to help meet the short term demands of the prison estate.Minister for Prisons and Probation Damian Hinds said:“Prison cells protect the public by making sure we have enough space to put dangerous offenders behind bars – that’s why we’re investing £4 billion to deliver 20,000 extra places. We’re rolling out a thousand Rapid Deployment Cells to create extra spaces quickly while we press ahead with the biggest expansion of prisons in over a century – building six new jails and creating thousands of additional cells by renovating and expanding existing sites.”Twinfix are very proud to be asked to be part of this exciting project and worked to design a bespoke system to meet our clients exacting requirements. As our canopy was to be attached to Algeco’s secure modular units, we needed to ensure that the design included some adjustability to allow and compensate for any tolerance in the modular unit’s installation. The finished canopy was to have secure discreet fixings coloured to match the main structure and provide a clean line to the secure facility.The tests of timeAs our product is made of long-lasting aluminium, we knew that longevity of the design wouldn’t be a problem. The canopy is a modular design and prefabricated off- site, making it quick and easy to assemble on site with minimal disruption. Lightweight aluminium is easily to handle, transport and requires minimal maintenance over its lifetime. Our customisable modular design can be altered to suit specific needs of the client, changes can include size, shape, and colour.Initially, we installed our design at HMP Norwich. We strive to continuously improve and innovate, and we used this as a learning experience, making a few minor adjustments to the design to facilitate speedier installation. At HMP Hollesley Bay, which was our second installation, we applied this learning, making small adjustments to the design, enabling us to install the entire system in just over eight weeks, bringing the canopy installation in, ahead of schedule and on budget.A well-oiled machine.As a requirement for this work, our team had to undergo enhanced DBS and background checks. With everything approved our team prepared themselves by refreshing their skills with Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP’S) and developing a Safe System of Work. This ensured everyone was aware of the hazards, especially those associated with working at height. By making sure each member of our team was part of the solution, it meant when the time came to install on site, the team were a well-oiled machine.Vicky Evans, Twinfix Director said: “We are thrilled to be part of this new project, working with Algeco. We are excited to be using our new product and a new application, whilst remaining true to our roots. We continue to look at all opportunities to provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions to our clients and work collaboratively with our supply chain partners.”

Mulberry Bear Nursery is situated on the Open University campus in Milton Keynes and provides care for babies and children of staff and students at the campus. They were looking at ways they could offer a more usable outdoor space for their children and babies.

Newmarket Hospital, a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, has revealed a remarkable transformation with the addition of a new walkway spanning a total of 99 square meters.One of the standout features of this canopy is its structure, meticulously crafted from powder-coated aluminium. This choice not only guarantees durability but also reduces the maintenance demands on Newmarket Hospital. In a healthcare setting, where patient care is paramount, this ensures that staff can concentrate on their core responsibilities without the constant worry of upkeep.The new walkway showcases the innovative Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, which incorporates polycarbonate glazing. This roofing system is not just about allowing natural light to permeate the space; it’s also about doing so while ensuring adequate weather protection.This unique roofing system utilises polycarbonate glazing, effectively diffusing sunlight, creating a well-lit and evenly illuminated space beneath the canopy. Patients, visitors, and staff can move comfortably without the discomfort of harsh sunlight or the risk of glare. The canopy also provides effective weather protection, shielding individuals from rain and creating a dry and secure passage, regardless of the weather outside.The design of this roofing system aligns perfectly with safety standards, particularly in healthcare settings, as it complies with HSE’s drop test ACR[M]001:2019, ensuring it is non-fragile and capable of withstanding potential impacts without shattering.In a healthcare environment, safety is non-negotiable. The Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF glazing meets rigorous safety standards, providing protection against potential breakage. This means that even in the rare event of an accidental impact, the glazing won’t shatter, minimising the risk of injury to those underneath. It’s an assurance of patient well-being, and it’s something Newmarket Hospital takes seriously.Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix, commented on the project: “The new walkway at Newmarket Hospital is a testament to the superior quality and design expertise offered by Twinfix. This installation marries durability, aesthetics, and safety, ultimately enhancing the healthcare experience for all stakeholders. We take pride in having delivered a solution that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of Newmarket Hospital.”This project is more than just a canopy; it’s a symbol of progress and excellence, and it’s a part of the journey toward a better healthcare experience for all.”

Our Lady of the Missions Primary School in Thornliebank, near Glasgow has welcomed students back to a new academic year with the addition of a brand new 5 metre diameter Twinfix umbrella canopy. With benches fitted underneath it is part of the new outdoor learning space organised by the Parent Council.

With its team of experts in the polycarbonate and roof glazing fields, Twinfix works on developing the best, newest and most cost-effective roof glazing products. A family business, Twinfix has been involved in the polycarbonate roof glazing market for nearly 30 years. This year, Twinfix worked with Principal Contractor AmcoGiffen restoring Pembroke Dock Station. Twinfix supplied its non-fragile roofing system the Multi-Link-Panel to replace the old tired, discoloured glazing at Pembroke Dock Station.

In these uncertain times, as schools find their new ‘norm’, government guidelines advise schools to increase outdoor play. In response to this guidance, many schools are looking at ways to utilise their outdoor space and provide protection from the inclement British weather. Canopies, outdoor shelters and covered walkways could be a great investment for any education establishment.

A special educational needs school in Salford welcomed an additional sixty pupils across its two sites in Swinton and Irlam this September.Springwood Primary School, which is the only primary school of its kind in the city, increased its overall capacity to three hundred pupils from nursery to Year 6.The expansion involved enlarging a second site at Craig Hall in Irlam which the school used as a ‘temporary annex’ for around three years.Twinfix were approached by MTX Contracts the Principal Contractor on the project to design, manufacture and install a canopy at the site, between the building and existing canopy.A major challenge that Twinfix’s design team needed to over-come was a Build-Over-Agreement issued to the school by the Water Board, which required 24/7 access to the drains beyond the proposed site for the canopy.The team rose to the challenge and designed this mobile canopy, a first of its kind for Twinfix. This impressive free standing curved canopy, spanning a total of sixty square metres comprises of a sliding section with a run length of three metres and a static section with a run length of 17.5 metres.The aluminium structure is powder-coated to RAL 5003, Sapphire Blue. The half barrel vault roof design was constructed using Twinfix’s bespoke roof glazing systems glazed with 10mm clear polycarbonate. The non-fragile system achieves a Class B designation in accordance with the HSE’s ACR[m]001:2019 drop test.The main challenge was to create a frame that was strong enough to retain its shape when moved but light enough for a single person to open and close the retractable section. This was achieved through material choices, such as the polycarbonate vertical glazing instead of glass to keep the weight to a minimum. The expert team also designed a bespoke track and wheel system which allowed the whole frame to glide open and close very easily, once closed it was locked in position to the adjacent fixed frames which retain it in place during high winds.Director at Twinfix, Dan Smith commented: ‘From initial concept we felt like this product would fit in well with our current product range, so had confidence it was something we could develop for the client. The finished design looks really well and is extremely easy to use, this is a credit to our internal design and fabrication teams that worked together to achieve our goal’Matt Lawrenson, Deputy Head at Springwood commented on their new canopy: ‘Over the Summer of 2021, we had a Sheltered Walkway constructed and installed by Twinfix at our SEND provision, where we have children with a range of complex additional needs aged 2-7 years old. Our sheltered walkway allows us to move pupils between our existing school building and the new extension we have had built. As well as ensuring safe passage for children and staff, the quality and dimensions of the structure will provide an ideal additional learning space for our pupils, lending itself to a whole host of possibilities. It is light, spacious, and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the walkway satisfies an extremely specific and demanding design brief, with a retractable section which will allow utilities services access to a rising main in the event that this should be needed, without compromising its appearance or necessary sturdiness. We could not be more pleased.’You can see the canopy in use here.

The new canopy we recently installed at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Whitehaven has provided their nursery children with an additional 32 square metres of covered outdoor learning and playing space. Powder coated in RAL 5010 Matt Blue, the aluminium frame has a roof glazed with our Multi-Link-Panels NF fitted with 25mm opal multiwall polycarbonate glazing. The NF indicates that these panels pass the recommended drop test, ACR[M]001:2014, achieving a Non-Fragile designation. The polycarbonate glazing incorporates a special coating that prevents the passage of UV in sunlight, so it will help to give protection to those underneath.

As part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, Platform 1 at Stamford Station in Lincolnshire was recently refurbished. Careful consideration resulted in the use of Twinfix Multi-Link-Panels Non-Fragile to replace the old curved corrugated roofing of the canopy and the end result is more in keeping with the original age and design of this elegant Grade II listed building. Passengers and staff are now all benefiting from the high levels of natural light that floods the platform.

The official opening of Stourton Park and Ride on 16 September 2021, marks the 150th anniversary of public transport in West Yorkshire. In 1871 a horse tram commenced between the city centre and Headingley. The horse soon gave way to electric trams, trolleybuses and petrol buses, the latter quickly being superseded by those with diesel engines.The £38.5 million public transport project situated in the Stourton area of Leeds, at junction 7 of the M621, was delivered as part of a wider scheme to help Leeds City Council’s aim of transforming the Leeds City Region into a net zero carbon economy by 2038.BAM Nuttall, appointed to develop the site, started detailed designs in January 2019. They approached Twinfix with a requirement for a free-standing mono-pitch canopy and Twinfix worked closely with them to design, manufacture and install a striking canopy spanning 73 square metres.The canopy comprises of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) roof glazing system which combines a maintenance-free aluminium frame fitted with virtually unbreakable solid polycarbonate glazing. This innovative system meets the non-fragile requirements outlined in ACR[M]001:2019 and sits over Western Red Cedar roof cladding, aluminium framework and posts, powder-coated in RAL 9005 jet black.The finished canopy enhances the aesthetics of the site, while offering protection from the elements for its visitors.

Twinfix, a leading provider of roofing and canopy solutions, has successfully completed the design, manufacturing, and installation of a 225sqm canopy at The Corner in Darvel. This project, in collaboration with the Darvel & Area Regeneration Team (DART) and Coltart Construction, showcases Twinfix’s expertise in creating striking structures that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment.Twinfix was entrusted with the task of designing a canopy that not only provided aesthetic appeal but also met stringent safety requirements.When liaising with Coltart Contracts on the requirement of the free-standing pyramid canopy, the large size of the structure needed to be considered. Tiered panels were included in the design and a frame manufactured in galvanised steel, which has a high strength to weight ratio was requested. The Galvanisation process protects the metal, while adding colour through powder-coating provides an additional element of protection from rust extending the structure’s life span. The Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system, known for its robustness and ability to transmit natural light, was meticulously integrated into the design, offering visitors a safe and visually pleasing experience.Twinfix’s skilled team then commenced the manufacturing process, using state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to rigorous quality control measures. The components were crafted with precision to meet exact specifications, ensuring a flawless end result.The Twinfix-designed canopy at The Corner brings a host of benefits to the project and the local community. It not only enhances safety but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the town, transforming it into an inviting space. The versatile 225sqm canopy provides a hub for community gatherings, meetings, and local markets, aligning with DART’s vision for the development of the area.Steve Gillies, Treasurer at DART, expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating, “The Twinfix canopy has exceeded our expectations, providing a safe and visually striking space for our community to come together. We are delighted with the outcome and grateful for Twinfix’s expertise and dedication throughout the process.”The completion of this project further solidifies Twinfix’s reputation as an industry leader in innovative roofing and canopy solutions. Their commitment to excellence and ability to tailor designs to meet unique client requirements have made them a preferred choice for projects of all scales.

The 6.2m x 7.8m partly freestanding canopy has been erected between two buildings at the former independent North Cestrian Grammar School in Altrincham, Cheshire, which has been attracting a plethora of pupils since it became an academy in 2016.

Twinfix was commissioned to design, manufacture, and install two bespoke canopy structures at Imjin Barracks in Gloucester, a key military site housing the Headquarters of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC). As part of a larger initiative to provide modern, sustainable accommodation for Army personnel, Twinfix’s expertise was called upon to create durable and functional canopy solutions that would also contribute to the site’s renewable energy objectives.The project included the installation of two canopies: a part free-standing, part lean-to, mono-pitch entrance canopy, and a free-standing mono-pitch walkway canopy. Both were designed to enhance functionality and contribute to the Army’s environmental and sustainability goals through the integration of photovoltaic solar panels.Both canopy structures were constructed using high-quality aluminium, which carried the UKCA mark, ensuring full compliance with UK safety standards and regulations. The aluminium was powder-coated in RAL7016, giving it a robust, long-lasting finish that harmonised with the overall architectural aesthetic of the new building. Squared posts were chosen for both canopies, adding to the structural integrity and sleek appearance of the designs.For the entrance canopy, Twinfix utilised their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile system, fitted with 7.5mm laminated clear glass for the roof glazing. This system ensured the structure was highly durable, while also allowing natural light to pass through, creating a bright and welcoming entrance. Additional features such as closure trims, including ridge and fascia, provided a clean, secure finish. The entrance canopy, supported by three squared aluminium posts, measured 7.54 metres in length with a projection of 2.051 metres, offering essential shelter and enhancing the overall appearance of the building’s entryway.The walkway canopy, spanning 56 metres in length with a projection of 2.7 metres, was constructed using pressed aluminium sheet, powder-coated to match the entrance canopy. The roof, made from 3mm thick polyester powder-coated pressed aluminium, was designed for maximum durability and weather resistance. This structure, which featured one hip and one valley, provided a seamless connection between different parts of the site, offering protection from the elements for personnel moving between buildings.Both canopies featured integrated aluminium guttering to ensure efficient water drainage and weather protection. Structural calculations were carried out to confirm that the canopies met all necessary performance and safety requirements. .A key feature of the walkway was the integration of photovoltaic solar panels, which aligned with the wider project’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The solar panels helped reduce the building’s reliance on external energy sources by contributing to its renewable energy generation capacity, supporting the Army’s broader Net Zero Carbon goals.Twinfix’s involvement in this project exemplifies their ability to deliver high-quality, bespoke canopy solutions that not only meet the practical needs of a modern site but also contribute to its environmental sustainability. The entrance and walkway canopies at Imjin Barracks provide long-lasting protection and shelter, while also enhancing the energy efficiency of the site through their integrated solar technology. This project demonstrates Twinfix’s commitment to innovative design and sustainable construction practices in line with the latest industry standards.

In 2018, pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix marked the first use in the UK of its premium bolted glass canopy. In fact, two of its new “spider-bolt” contemporary canopies have been used at the new Trumpington Park Primary School which supports the new Great Kneighton housing development near Cambridge, along with an existing secondary school and existing library building.

University Coventry Hospital is situated in the Walsgrave on Sowe area of Coventry and is part of the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. The hospital opened in 2006, replacing Walsgrave Hospital the original hospital at the site.Twinfix was approached by Principal Contractors William Gough to design, manufacture and install a walkway from the helipad on the first-floor deck to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department. The requirement was for a robust walkway that was structurally sufficient to withstand the usual weather forces and the down draught from a helicopter in close proximity.Liaising closely with William Gough and designer Pinnegar Hayward Design, the expert team at Twinfix designed, manufactured and installed a 240 sqm free-standing mono-pitch canopy with vertical perforated side panels. This impressive canopy design included lockable double leaf gates to secure the area.The roof comprises of our Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system powder coated to RAL 5010 – gentian blue and glazed with 16mm multiwall polycarbonate, and the vertical panels were powder-coated to RAL 7037 – dusty grey. As this metal does not rust in use, the walkway will keep its good looks throughout its long life.

We reglazed the porte cochere at Victoria Station using our aluminium-framed Multi-Link-Panel fitted with our Georgian wired polycarbonate glazing. This virtually unbreakable glazing mimics the traditional Georgian wired glass that would have been fitted to the three roofing areas when it was first built, but it has all the many benefits of polycarbonate, as well as Heritage approval for use at this prestigious and busy London station.

The Multi-Link-Panel system glazed with Georgian wired polycarbonate from pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix was specified by Network Rail for the entrance canopy element of a £1 million refurbishment of historic Wigan Wallgate station in Lancashire. The glazing panels, each comprising fast-track “fix and link” aluminium structural bars glazed with 6mm solid Georgian wired polycarbonate, were pre-assembled at Twinfix’s factory in Warrington, Cheshire, for delivery to site for installation by specialist contractor Everlast Rail.