
Butterfly Awnings for Schools, Nuseries, Local & National Educational Trusts
Some schools might require a larger covering of space, which is where Shade Zone’s Butterfly Awnings unique support structure provides the perfect solution.
It allows you to fit awnings on both sides to shade especially large open spaces and locations, such as outdoor eating or social areas in the playground.
The Butterfly Awning is another in the ShadeZone school range that is available with customisation options to help fit the branding of your school or institute. The Butterfly Awning refers to a free standing, retractable awning, or retractable canopy system. Unlike traditional awnings which are connected to the side of a building, these are freestanding and have the awning retract out on either sides or one side at a time depending on your preferences.
ShadeZone are fully insured & SafeContractor Approved Installers.
ShadeZone is a trusted supplier of shade solutions to schools all over the UK, and understands the importance of UV protection for children. That is why we ensure that all of our awnings are equipped with UV ray protective fabric, which also stand against rainfall, keeping students safe and dry whatever the weather.
These awnings are electrically operated by remote switch and are simply controlled from inside the school by the push of a button, great for keeping track of when it will be open or closed and stops students from changing any settings. The cassette can withstand rain and wind, ensuring that students and staff can remain protected and extend outdoor playtime hours.
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Large selection of awnings with various designs and shapes
Size: Maximum size with one awning 7 x 4m, total coverage 7 x 8m
Use: Designed to provide sun and light rain protectionOperation: Manual or electrical operation
Fabrics: 155 fabric patterns
Frame: 56 frame colours and over 100 fabric colours to choose from
If you'd like to find out more about this product, information on fittings, or to arrange a visit to our showroom, just get in touch.



Butterfly Awnings Product Features
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Aluminium Top Optional
The Aluminium Top bridges the gap between the awnings. Our School Butterfly Topas Awning is suitable for almost all installations, whether stand alone, in a niche, below a balcony or underneath a roof overhang. -
Integrated LED Lighting
LED spotlights integrated into the awnings cassette are available on request. The economical LEDs stand out due to their low energy consumption and are infinitely dimmable through a number of options from, remote control, by hand or Smart School app via smartphone or tablet. -
LongLife Arm
The appeal of our the low-noise LongLife arm is its very high tension force – even in gusty conditions. This ensures the fabric is exceptionally well positioned. -
Wind Resistance
The Topas School Butterfly Awning excels due to its wind resistance. It consequently copes easily with winds up to force 5 on the Beaufort scale.
The benefits of a Butterfly Awning
Cost-Effective Expansion Solution
As budgets tighten, Shade Zone canopies offer an affordable alternative to traditional construction. They allow schools and universities to create additional usable space quickly, bypassing the high costs and delays associated with building extensions.
Enhanced Outdoor Learning Opportunities
They enable schools to quickly and affordably create additional usable space without the lengthy and expensive process of traditional construction. This practicality has led to a growing interest in canopies, with more schools opting to implement them each term to address their space needs and improve the overall functionality of their outdoor environments.
Protection from Harmful UV Rays
With rising temperatures and record-breaking heatwaves, protecting students and staff from UV rays is more crucial than ever. Shade Zone canopies provide shaded areas that safeguard against harmful exposure while creating comfortable outdoor environments.
All-Weather Versatility
From sheltering against rain to providing shade on sunny days, our canopies ensure outdoor areas can be used year-round. This adaptability maximizes the functionality of your school grounds, no matter the weather.
Promoting Health & Well-being
Providing covered outdoor spaces encourages fresh air breaks and outdoor activities, contributing to students' physical and mental health. Teachers and parents also benefit from protected spaces during school events or pick-up times.
Aesthetic & Functional Enhancement
Shade Zone canopies are not just practical—they also enhance the visual appeal of your campus. Available in various designs and colors, they complement existing architecture while creating attractive, multipurpose spaces.
Specifications Butterfly Awnings
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Download our specification sheet for school awnings here
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143 standard fabric patterns available and 56 standard frame colours, including an extra 150 more RAL colours to choose from.
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Retractable Awnings for Schools come in a range of sizes to suit your outdoor space. We can advise on the right size for you. Please note: The Maximum Width x Projection you can go up to in size in this product range is: 12m x 4m. All Sizes below this are achievable. Contact Us for further details.
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Our Retractable School Awnings can be provided with either a Manual Operation or Electrical Operation. Our dedicated education awning team can help you decide what would suit your awning recuirements best.

Butterfly Awnings Installation options
As a leading provider and installer of Butterfly Awnings across the UK, we prioritise both innovative design and uncompromising safety.
Ideal for educational environments, Butterfly Awnings create cool, shaded spaces for students to relax during hot days, helping to prevent heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Their post-free design makes them especially suitable for nurseries and pre-schools, offering unrestricted space for children to play and learn safely.
Engineered to endure the demands of educational settings, Butterfly Awnings are perfect for schools, nurseries, staff, and visitors. Common uses include covering outdoor dining areas, staff seating spaces, and providing essential shade for Early Years’ playgrounds and activity zones.
SafeContractor Approved
Each Butterfly Awning is tailored to meet your specific requirements and budget, ensuring premium quality without compromise.
These awnings are built to withstand strong winds and integrate seamlessly into any environment. With a variety of frame colours and a selection of stunning fabrics, you can create the perfect ambiance for your space.
Butterfly Awnings provide a stylish and practical solution for creating shaded outdoor areas. They offer flexible protection from the sun when needed and can be easily retracted to enjoy open skies whenever desired.