Yearly Archives: 2025

Maximising the Summer Break: Why Schools Choose Twinfix for Canopy Installations

The summer holidays offer schools a valuable window to complete improvement works with minimal disruption. At Twinfix, this is our busiest period, as more and more schools across the UK look to upgrade their outdoor spaces with high-quality canopy solutions – ready for the start of the new academic year.

A Reliable Partner for the Education Sector

With over 30 years’ experience, Twinfix is a trusted name in the design, manufacture and installation of canopies and roof glazing systems. We’ve worked with hundreds of schools, academies, and local authorities, delivering safe, durable, and cost-effective solutions that enhance everyday life on school sites.

Our end-to-end service includes:

Expert design and in-house engineering
Bespoke manufacturing at our Warrington-based facility
Nationwide installation by trained and DBS-checked teams
Full compliance with CDM regulations and health & safety standards

We understand the constraints schools face – from tight deadlines to safeguarding requirements – and we plan every project around these priorities.

Creating Flexible, All-Weather Outdoor Spaces

Twinfix canopies are a practical and attractive way to maximise outdoor areas throughout the school year. Whether it’s for learning, dining or play, our solutions are designed to support pupil wellbeing and day-to-day operations.

Common applications include:

Outdoor classrooms – supporting learning beyond the traditional environment
Covered play areas – encouraging active play in all weather conditions
Undercover dining spaces – easing pressure on indoor halls and increasing lunchtime capacity
Sheltered waiting zones – ideal for parent pick-up or staff entry points
Improved site aesthetics – giving your school a smart, professional appearance

Our canopies use robust aluminium frames and our non-fragile polycarbonate glazing systems, delivering a low-maintenance, long-lasting finish that stands up to the demands of a busy school environment.

Delivered on Time – Ready for the New Term

We know how important it is to complete works during the school holidays. That’s why our team carefully plans each summer project, ensuring timely delivery and clear communication from start to finish.

With modular systems and experienced installers, we minimise disruption and ensure your canopy is in place – and ready to use – for the return of staff and pupils.

Covered outdoor area for learning & play

Planning a Summer Project? Let’s Talk

Demand for summer installations is always high, so early engagement is key. Whether you’re looking to add a new covered area or replace an older structure, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with the Twinfix team today to book your site survey and see how we can help transform your school’s outdoor space.

Supporting Wales’ Net Zero Schools Vision with Sustainable Canopy Solutions

The Welsh Government’s commitment to ensuring all new school buildings and major refurbishments are net zero carbon in operation marks a bold and forward-thinking step for the education sector. At Twinfix, we fully support this ambition and are proud to be contributing to the delivery of modern, sustainable school environments across Wales.

With several recent canopy installations completed at Welsh schools, we’re already helping education providers create safe, functional outdoor spaces that align with decarbonisation targets.

A One-Stop Solution, Designed and Manufactured by Twinfix

As a trusted supply chain partner to the education sector, Twinfix offers a complete end-to-end service. All fabrication is carried out in-house at our purpose-built facility in Warrington, enabling us to maintain full control over quality, safety, and lead times.

From initial concept and technical design through to manufacture and installation, our clients benefit from a seamless, coordinated approach — ensuring every project is delivered efficiently and to the highest standard.

Our canopies are constructed using high-quality aluminium frames, paired with multiwall polycarbonate glazing. Both materials are lightweight, durable, fully recyclable and low maintenance — ideal for schools looking to invest in long-lasting infrastructure that supports their sustainability goals.

Solar Canopies: Clean Energy, Practical Value

To support schools looking to take further steps toward net zero, Twinfix also offers integrated solar panel canopy systems. These canopies combine practical shelter with renewable energy generation, helping schools reduce operational carbon emissions while promoting sustainability in the curriculum.

Whether part of a new build or a refurbishment programme, solar canopies provide real environmental value and long-term energy cost savings.

Building for the Future of Education in Wales

We understand the challenges schools face — from constrained budgets to the need for minimal disruption. Our prefabricated canopy systems offer a fast, efficient solution, backed by the expertise of a team that has been working with schools for more than 30 years.

At Twinfix, we’re proud to support the education sector in Wales by delivering robust, future-ready canopy and roof glazing systems that align with environmental targets and enhance the learning environment.

Planning a project in Wales?
We’d be happy to discuss how our canopies — including solar-enabled options — can support your school’s sustainability and infrastructure goals. Get in touch with our team to find out more.

Twinfix Enhances Bradford Station with Modern Roof Glazing

Twinfix, a leading UK manufacturer of canopies and roof glazing solutions, has successfully completed a significant project at Bradford station, providing a durable and visually enhanced roofing solution. This initiative forms part of a major government investment in Yorkshire’s rail infrastructure and aligns with Bradford’s designation as the UK’s City of Culture for 2025.

Bradford station, a key transport hub in the region, required a roof glazing upgrade to improve safety, sustainability, and passenger experience. Twinfix was selected for its expertise in the rail sector, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, long-lasting solutions for station refurbishments across the UK.

The project involved the design, manufacture, and supply of Twinfix’s innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) system, featuring polycarbonate glazing. Each panel was fitted with 6mm clear solid polycarbonate, a high-performance material offering superior strength and impact resistance compared to traditional glass. Unlike glass, which can crack, shatter, or degrade over time, polycarbonate provides a safe, durable, and low-maintenance solution, ensuring long-term performance while maintaining excellent clarity.

The Multi-Link-Panel NF system offers several key benefits:

Non-fragile design – Enhances safety for maintenance teams, reducing the risk of accidents.
Quick installation – Pre-assembled panels speed up the installation process, minimising disruption to station operations.
Lightweight and strong – Provides high impact resistance while being significantly lighter than glass, reducing structural load.
UV protection– Maintains clarity and durability over time, preventing yellowing or degradation.
Sustainable solution – Long lifespan and fully recyclable components support eco-friendly infrastructure.

David Smith MCIOB, Production Director at Miller Fabrications, where the dry assembly process took place, praised Twinfix for their professionalism and service:

“Working with Twinfix on the Bradford station project was a seamless and highly efficient process. From initial planning through to delivery, their attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident at every stage. The level of organisation, clear communication, and overall service provided by the Twinfix team was fantastic. Their expertise ensured a smooth dry assembly process at our facility in Scotland, making installation on-site both efficient and hassle-free. I would not hesitate to recommend Twinfix for future projects requiring high-quality, innovative roof glazing solutions.”

“We are proud to have played a role in the regeneration of Bradford station as part of this wider investment in Yorkshire’s rail network,” said Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix. “Our Multi-Link-Panel NF system provides a modern, lightweight, and impact-resistant solution, ensuring the station remains a safe and welcoming environment for passengers.”

This investment in Bradford’s infrastructure supports the city’s preparations for its role as the UK’s City of Culture 2025, reinforcing its position as a key destination for both commuters and visitors.

As a trusted partner to the rail sector, Twinfix remains committed to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for station refurbishments nationwide.

Pre-assembled panels being lifeted in to place at Bradford Station

Twinfix glazing at Bradford Station (Credit Telegraph & Argus)

Enhancing Outdoor Learning at Godmanchester Community Academy

At Twinfix, we understand that educational environments are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of pupils and staff. This was the case at Godmanchester Community Academy in Cambridgeshire, where a reconfiguration of their EYFS provision prompted the need for a new outdoor canopy solution.

A Space Designed Around Children’s Needs

The school made the strategic decision to relocate their Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) year group into the former music hall. This allowed both EYFS classes to operate in unison and move freely between indoor and outdoor areas – an approach that supports independent learning and child-led exploration in line with modern early years pedagogy.

However, to fully realise this new layout and provide uninterrupted access to outdoor space throughout the year, the school required a high-quality, durable canopy solution.

A Tailored Twinfix Solution

Working closely with the school, Twinfix designed, manufactured and installed a Fabricated Lean-To Canopy measuring 2.4m x 15m. The structure features our innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, glazed with 16mm opal polycarbonate. This specification was carefully selected to offer diffused daylight while reducing glare and excessive solar gain – making it ideal for young children’s eyes and play-based learning environments.

The robust aluminium frame was powder-coated in RAL 6005 Moss Green, providing both weather resistance and visual harmony with the surrounding school landscape.

A Lasting Impact

This new canopy now provides a seamless transition between the indoor classroom and the outdoor learning space. It enables uninterrupted play and exploration in all seasons and supports a more responsive, engaging teaching approach centred around the needs of the children.

“We are absolutely thrilled with our new canopy. It has completely transformed how our EYFS pupils use the outdoor space. They now have the freedom to move between inside and outside regardless of the weather – it’s made a huge difference to how we deliver our provision.”
— EYFS Lead, Godmanchester Community Academy

We’re proud to have played a part in enhancing the educational offering at Godmanchester Community Academy and to support the delivery of improved learning outcomes for the children.

Looking to improve outdoor access at your school?
Get in touch with our team to discuss bespoke canopy solutions tailored to your space, curriculum and budget.

Twinfix Shortlisted for Supplier of the Year at the Modern Methods of Construction Awards

We are proud to announce that Twinfix has been shortlisted for Supply Chain Partner of the Year at the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Awards 2025! Hosted by Step Connect2 in partnership with the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), these awards celebrate the very best in offsite construction innovation.

Being recognised in this category reinforces our commitment to delivering market-leading, high-performance roofing and canopy solutions that support the evolving demands of offsite and modular construction. Our pre-engineered polycarbonate and aluminium systems align with industry principles by offering faster installation, enhanced durability, and improved sustainability.

A Trusted Partner in MMC

As a leading supply chain partner for the education, rail, commercial, and healthcare sectors, we collaborate with principal contractors, architects, and modular building specialists to streamline construction processes. Our systems reduce installation time, minimise site disruption, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment—helping our clients meet project deadlines efficiently and cost-effectively.

Looking Ahead

The MMC Awards 2025 will take place in Birmingham on 8th May, bringing together industry leaders to celebrate innovation in offsite and modular construction. We are honoured to be shortlisted and look forward to the awards ceremony, where we will stand alongside other pioneers in the industry.

A huge thank you to our dedicated team, valued clients, and partners for supporting our mission to drive efficiency and sustainability in modern construction. Stay tuned for updates!

Case study: Filey Station restored to its former glory

Filey railway station was originally opened in 1846. The station serves the seaside town of Filey in North Yorkshire and is situated on the Hull to Scarborough line.

Now a Grade II listed building, it was designed by G. T. Andrews and has long been a gateway for passengers and tourists arriving at the seaside town for day trips and holidays, for this reason the station has communal value. So, when planning permission was sought to refurbish areas of decay, there were obvious concerns that this lovely little station would lose its charm and character. Network Rail and its Principal Contractor had to be careful how they managed the refurbishment work. While much of the refurbishment plans called for like-for-like repairs, some of the works proposed replacements with modern materials.

Historic England said it was particularly concerned about the replacement of the trainshed lantern with a polycarbonate alternative. The public body suggested that the replacement would have “a detrimental impact on the building’s appearance and a negative impact on the spatial qualities of the station interior.”

With North Yorkshire council defending the plans, commenting that the refurbishment intervention was required to extend the life of the station and to prevent further deterioration of the fabric of this historic building. The Railway Heritage Trust was in full support of the preservation of this historic structure. Going on to say that Filey station operates as part of a modern railway and risk of accidents to passengers and staff must be reduced wherever possible. The Trust added that repairs would make the station more attractive for passenger and the commercial activities within it, all helping to sustain its future. It also stated that it supported the use of polycarbonate for the lantern replacement.

A crucial decision was reached that “New Materials, if undetectable by the average person, are an appropriate response to reduce the requirement for future maintenance.” Filey Station remains a fine example of G. T. Andrews’ work, being one of the best remaining architectural examples on the network. This left only one question remaining, who do you go to when you need to replace an important piece of architectural history with modern materials that need to be undetectable to the average person?

Fortunately, there is just such a place. A place that has a long and distinguished past of helping restore our architectural history while offering all the benefits of modern materials, modern health & safety, modern building principles and modern sustainability thinking. A place where the past, the present and the future come together. This place is, of course Twinfix. Known as the “Pioneers of Polycarbonate”, Twinfix are the recognised experts at this sort of thing. Based in Warrington, their products are letting light shine through some of the most historic buildings in the country along with some of the newest including airports and education institutions. Twinfix’ products are easy to handle, easy to work with, light weight and indistinguishable from glass once installed. Their reputation is such that the scope of works produced for the project specifies Twinfix products to be used.

The refurbished lantern lets light flood into the interior of the trainshed, bathing the interior and platform in warm, natural light. This modern material makes it easier to maintain and reducing the stress or loading on the rest of the building. To those who pass through the station or view the station from the outside, there is little change. G. T. Andrews’ original vision looks as good today as when it was first built. For the little seaside town of Filey, the gateway is well and truly open.

“We were pleased to be part of this 2.9million project and it was great to work with Colt Construction, Twinfix and other Supply Chain partners. Twinfix successfully installed a bespoke glazing system, delivering value and sustainability in a collaborative way for the client.” Ian Danby, Contracts Manager Orchard Roofing and Building.

Vicky Evans, Twinfix Director said: “It’s great to see Filey Station restored to its former glory and collaboratively deliver a full repaint and metalwork repairs of all roof trusses and timbers with new roof lights and roof repairs.”

Filey station before roof glazing restoration

Twinfix Attends the Prestigious Peloton Spotlight Rail Awards

Last week, the Twinfix team had the pleasure of attending Peloton’s prestigious Rail Spotlight Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The event brought together key figures from across the rail industry to celebrate excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

We were proud to be shortlisted for five awards, reflecting our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions for the rail sector. While we didn’t take home a trophy this time, it was an honour to be recognised alongside so many outstanding companies driving progress in the industry.

The evening provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, share insights, and celebrate the achievements of those shaping the future of rail. A highlight of the night was hearing from motivational speaker Jo Fairley, founder of Green & Black’s chocolate, whose inspiring journey reinforced the power of resilience and innovation—values we hold close at Twinfix.

We’d like to extend our congratulations to all the winners and finalists. It was a privilege to be part of such a special event, and we look forward to continuing to support the rail sector with our innovative canopy and roof glazing solutions.

Twinfix and Sustainability: Building a Greener Future

At Twinfix, sustainability is not just a trend but a core principle embedded in our operations, products, and philosophy. As the construction industry increasingly focuses on reducing environmental impact, Twinfix is leading the way by offering sustainable solutions that contribute to greener building practices. Two of the primary materials used in our product range—polycarbonate sheet and aluminium—are at the forefront of sustainable construction innovations.

Polycarbonate Sheet: The Green Choice

Polycarbonate sheet is gaining popularity in green building projects due to its excellent durability, lightweight nature, and energy efficiency. Multiwall polycarbonate sheets, in particular, provide enhanced thermal insulation due to their structured layers that trap air, helping to reduce energy usage for heating and cooling. This improved insulation contributes to lower energy consumption and supports sustainable building practices.

Furthermore, polycarbonate is 100% recyclable. At the end of its lifecycle, the material can be repurposed into new products, contributing to a circular economy and reducing landfill waste. Its lightweight properties also reduce transportation emissions, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious construction projects.

Aluminium: A Champion of Sustainability

Aluminium is another key material in Twinfix’s product portfolio, known for its impressive sustainability credentials. Aluminium is fully recyclable without any loss of its physical properties, allowing it to be reused repeatedly. Recycling aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium from raw materials, significantly reducing its environmental impact.

The strength and durability of aluminium also contribute to the longevity of Twinfix’s products. A longer lifespan means fewer replacements and reduced resource consumption over time, aligning perfectly with sustainable building practices.

Sustainable Solutions in Action

Twinfix has implemented these sustainable materials in a variety of projects, contributing to the creation of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly spaces. Our canopies, shelters, and roof glazing solutions not only provide practical benefits but also support clients in achieving their sustainability goals.

A Greener Future with Twinfix

By choosing Twinfix, clients are not only investing in high-quality, durable products but are also making a conscious decision to support sustainability. As we continue to innovate, our focus remains on offering solutions that meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible building practices.

Case Study – Twinfix Enhances MasterChef’s New Birmingham Studio with Bespoke Brise Soleil and Canopy Solutions

Project Overview

The recent refurbishment and extension of MasterChef’s new studio in Birmingham have transformed a Grade II listed warehouse in Digbeth into a state-of-the-art production hub. The development includes cutting-edge sound stages, pre- and post-production areas, and an outdoor filming space, bringing 750 jobs to the area and significantly boosting the local economy.

As part of this ambitious renovation, Twinfix was selected to design, manufacture, and install bespoke brise soleil and a cantilever canopy that not only provide functional shading solutions but also complement the aesthetics of the historic building.

Project Scope & Twinfix’s Solution
Twinfix was commissioned to provide:

10 brise soleils, each measuring 3.5m in length with a 1m projection, designed to regulate sunlight and reduce glare while enhancing the visual appeal of the studio’s exterior.

A cantilever canopy engineered to imitate a brise soleil, offering additional shading while seamlessly integrating into the building’s design.

Material & Finish
All structures were expertly crafted from durable aluminium, ensuring long-term performance with minimal maintenance. To maintain the heritage aesthetic and blend harmoniously with the renovated warehouse, each component was powder-coated in RAL 9011 (graphite black), providing a sleek and modern finish in keeping with the studio’s industrial character.

Challenges & Solutions
The project presented unique challenges, including the need to respect the architectural integrity of the Grade II listed building while delivering a contemporary shading solution. Twinfix’s in-house design and manufacturing expertise allowed for a fully bespoke approach, ensuring compliance with heritage requirements while meeting the functional needs of a high-specification film production environment.

Additionally, installation within a bustling redevelopment project required careful planning and coordination with other contractors. Twinfix’s experienced team worked efficiently to deliver and install the brise soleils and canopy on schedule, ensuring seamless integration with the broader refurbishment works.

Outcome & Impact
The completed installation has significantly enhanced the MasterChef studio, providing effective solar control and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the renovated space. The combination of functional shading and architectural harmony underscores Twinfix’s ability to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to complex heritage projects.

This successful collaboration reinforces Twinfix’s reputation as a leading provider of innovative canopy and glazing solutions, demonstrating our commitment to quality, design excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Why Twinfix?
With decades of experience in designing and manufacturing high-quality aluminium structures, Twinfix continues to be the trusted partner for projects that demand both aesthetic sensitivity and robust functionality. Whether working within heritage environments or contemporary settings, we provide tailored solutions that stand the test of time.

For more information on our bespoke brise soleil and canopy solutions, contact Twinfix today.

Case Study – Whitley Bay station’s canopy restored

Whitley Bay Station has had a rocky past. The original station at Whitley was opened in 1860, but this was replaced four years later with a station situated to the north.

In 1882 a new “Whitley” station was opened, this was renamed Whitley Bay in 1899. Eventually, due to the passenger numbers, not only of those living in Whitley and travelling to Newcastle for work but also holiday makers and day trippers visiting the town, a new station was required. So, in 1910 a new building was opened. Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner later said of the building that it “(lends) some distinction to an undistinguished neighbourhood”.

The new building is full of glass and steel and has seen its fair share of changes, numerous adjustments and a short closure between 1979 and 1980 to allow for alterations to join the Tyne and Wear Metro system. The station was granted Grade II listed status in 1986. The glass panels which make the station such a bright and friendly place have not been without their problems. Age hasn’t helped and as the glass ages, it breaks and falls onto the platforms or tracks below bringing a halt to the service.

Metro operator Nexus has spent £5.3m restoring Whitley Bay Station’s canopy by replacing almost 1,300 panes of glass with polycarbonate, but there is still more to do with the atrium ceiling needing new glazing and two smaller canopies needing restoration.

When it comes to supplying 1,300 panes of polycarbonate to recreate the historic look of Edwardian glass. providing a complete system, which can make installation quick and easy, offering solutions for weight reduction to avoid unnecessary stress and loading on the 110-year-old steel work and an in-depth knowledge of safety, CDM and building regulations, you need a manufacturer, not just a stockist. Twinfix are the only logical choice, known as the “Pioneers of polycarbonate” they have products and solutions to solve every problem. As a British manufacturer they understand the product, the need for longevity of the product and can help design bespoke solutions should the need arise. Their multi-link system offers ease of installation, light weight construction, rigid and robust assembly with the look and feel of glass but all the benefits of a modern material. Reduced and easy maintenance, plus superior toughness and sustainability make their aluminium and polycarbonate systems the intelligent choice for today and years to come.

The benefits of the new stations canopy are already being seen with large sections of the scaffolding being removed. The platforms and track are bathed in a warm natural light without the inherent risk associated with hundreds of glass panels above passengers’ heads. Other features which have been added include new lighting and CCTV cameras installed, throughout the station to improve security.

“We are pleased to have led this important refurbishment work and following consultation with Twinfix, we are confident that the specified glazing system is the best long term sustainable solution for the job.”

Nick Zissler, Structures Design Lead York MHB Consultants

“We were pleased to deliver this important project on behalf of our client, which saw the canopy restored at Whitley Bay Station. Twinfix oversaw the canopy design and installation and worked collaboratively with us and their supply chain to provide a sustainable, long-term solution.”

Duncan Manning, Senior Project Manager, Kier Transportation

“We were pleased to oversee the installation work at Whitley Bay station. This is a restoration project we’ve been proud to be a part of, and we can see our work will truly leave a legacy for the local community.”

Ian Danby, Contracts Manager, Orchard Roofing and Building