Case Study
Bike Shelter Glazing Replacement at Swakeleys School for Girls
Project Overview
Swakeleys School for Girls in Hillingdon contacted Tamstar after several of their existing bike shelter glazing panels were either missing or cracked, had become unsafe and required replacement. With students regularly gathering in these outdoor spaces, the school needed a fast, durable solution that would restore the shelters, improve safety, and create usable cover during wet weather. Tamstar surveyed the site, supplied and installed new UV-protected, impact-resistant polycarbonate glazing panels, and added protective side sections to enhance coverage creating a safer, smarter outdoor environment for students.
Client Overview
Client Name: Swakeleys School for Girls
Sector/Industry: Education (Secondary School)
Location: Hillingdon, UK
Type of Site: Busy school campus with high student footfall
Relevant Context: Multiple shelter frames across the playground used daily for bike storage and congregation
Several existing shelter frames had lost their existing sheeting due to cracking and impact damage. Once removed, this left exposed metalwork and open coverage areas, creating:
• Safety concerns around exposed edges and bare frames
• Lack of protection from rain, wind, and UV exposure
• Congestion at remaining covered areas
• Increased risk of vandalism on exposed structures
• Non-compliance with expected safeguarding and maintenance obligations
The school also wanted to repurpose some of the shelters as covered standing areas for students not just bike storage.
With outdoor space heavily utilised during breaks, time and disruption were critical factors.
Swakeleys required a solution that would:
• Restore clear weather-resistant covering to 12 shelters
• Improve student safety and reduce environmental exposure
• Add side panels to increase protection and prevent wind-driven rain
• Enhance visual appearance across the site
• Avoid costly full shelter replacements
• Minimise disruption
• Zero interruption to daily operations as all work was completed during the school holidays
• As scheduled installation was completed within 2 days
• Extension of shelter lifespan by 8-10 years
Tamstar conducted a site survey and assessed the structural integrity of each shelter frame. Based on usage demand and safeguarding priorities, we recommended:
• New UV-resistant polycarbonate glazing panels
• Upgraded side protection panels for improved enclosure
• Vandal-resistant fixings
• Precision cutting and on site shaping for perfect alignment to existing frames
To minimise disruption, our installation team worked strategically in the school holidays.
Timeframe: Completed in 2 days
Method: Planned refurbishment with on-site panel replacement
Communication: Regular updates with the facilities manager to ensure safe installation procedures
The Results
The refurbishment transformed the shelters across multiple playground zones, delivering:
• Enhanced weather protection for students and bikes
• Clear, modern visibility thanks to new transparent panels
• Extended lifespan of existing metal frames avoiding full replacement costs
• Improved safeguarding compliance
• Reduced maintenance demands due to new durable polycarbonate glazing
Additional improvements:
• The new side cover panels create a sheltered social area
• The use of vandal-resistant sheets reduced the likelihood of future breakages
• Visual appearance uplifted a prominent student area
Before
After
Installation completed with minimal disruption during school day
“The new glazing panels look fantastic and have made a huge difference to how students use these areas. The project was completed quickly and professionally, with clear communication throughout. We’re very pleased with the result.”
Suzanne Stevenson, Facilities Contact
• Zero interruption to daily operations as all work was completed during the school holidays
• As scheduled installation was completed within 2 days
• Extension of shelter lifespan by 8-10 years
• Refurbishment extended shelter lifespan and avoided major replacement costs
• Students now benefit from safer, weather-protected outdoor space
• Work was completed quickly with no impact on school timetables
Services Featured
• Shelter Glazing Replacement
• School Outdoor Shelter Refurbishment
• Polycarbonate Panel Installation
• Weather Protection Enhancements
Project Summary
| Project Detail | Outcome |
| Sector | Education |
| Duration | 2 Days |
| Completed On Time? | Yes |
| Disruption Level | Minimal |
| Location | Hillingdon, UK |
Results at a Glance
• 8-10 year extended usable lifespan
• Zero downtime during school hours
• Improved weather shelter for students
• Reduced maintenance obligations
Why Refurbishment Instead of Replacement?
Refurbishing existing shelter frames:
• Reduces capital expenditure
• Minimises environmental impact
• Avoids unnecessary groundwork
• Delivers faster turnaround
• Maintains site familiarisation for students and staff
Ready to Improve Your Outdoor Shelter Safety
If your site has cracked glazing, exposed shelter frames, or requires weatherproofing upgrades, Tamstar provides fast, reliable, and compliant refurbishment services.
Contact us today for a free site assessment and quotation.
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