Blog
Blog
Outdoor space has officially moved from nice-to-have to non-negotiable. Since covid the way we live, play, learn and socialise has fundamentally shifted and with it, expectations of what outdoor environments should deliver. What began as a short-term response has become a long-term rethink.
As specialists at the sharp end of all-weather transformation, we’re seeing four clear outdoor trends gaining pace and 2026 is when we predict they will really take hold.
Trend one: We’ll see padel break out of the leisure bubble
If 2025 was the year that the UK went padel crazy, 2026 will be the year it spreads everywhere! Over the last 12 months demand for our padel court canopies has been relentless and we’ve carried out installations with leading racquet clubs, leisure operators and tennis centres nationwide including Smash Padel, Nottingham Lawn Tennis Centre, David Lloyd, Bannatyne’s Health Clubs and Powerleague.
But the conversation is shifting and now as well as seeing demand surge from the leisure sector we’re also seeing growing interest from sites as diverse as garden centres, independent schools, universities, and boutique hotels – all recognising padel’s rare combination of:
As a result, you can expect to see year-round padel facilities popping up in places you wouldn’t traditionally expect – and thriving because of it.
Trend two: We’ll see independent schools thinking ever more creatively about their space and facilities
There’s no sugar coating it. 2025 was one of the toughest years in memory for independent schools, with the introduction of VAT on fees placing intense pressure on meeting pupil numbers and significantly sharpening competition in the sector.
The upshot? Parents are increasingly looking for tangible value and beautifully designed, weatherproof outdoor spaces – like all-weather sports facilities and covered dining and social spaces – are becoming a powerful and necessary differentiator.
Trend three: Garden centres will double down on experiences…and their roots
Garden centres across the UK are continuing their evolution from specialist retail spaces into full-blown lifestyle destinations. In the past year alone, we’ve helped to cover play areas, dining terraces, entrance zones and even a go-kart track for centres across the UK!
Next year, we expect to see even more imaginative thinking as garden centres continue their move into new areas like padel. But, we’re also seeing a renewed focus on the core of the business. Over the last 12 months, we’ve delivered some of our largest ever all-weather plant display canopies – protecting stock, extending seasons and improving merchandising.
The message is clear: the successful garden centre of the future blends experience and horticultural excellence and quality all-weather infrastructure underpins both.
Trend four: Affordable transformation takes centre stage
There’s no getting away from it. Budgets have rarely been tighter across the board. But that doesn’t mean ambition has disappeared! We’re seeing a surge in demand for cost-effective, high-impact outdoor upgrades that unlock the potential of under-used space quickly and predictably.
As a result, we’re predicting higher than ever demand for our off-the-shelf canopy solutions. These pre-designed, quick install, fixed price timber canopy solutions and hexagonal timber shelters provide an affordable way of instantly elevating outdoor areas and we’re seeing more and more sites waking up to the fact that smart outdoor design doesn’t have to come with an inaccessible price tag.
Make 2026 the year your outdoor spaces work harder
Whether you’re looking to unlock new revenue, attract new people, enhance experience or simply make better use of your space get in touch!
Our friendly, expert team would love to help you turn your vision into a reality in 2026!
