For facilities managers, estates teams, and school estate managers, winter in the UK is the ultimate test for outdoor infrastructure. Wind-driven rain, icy mornings, and short daylight hours can quickly expose weaknesses in older shelters and fittings, leading to maintenance headaches and unnecessary expense.
The good news? With the right weatherproof solutions, you can keep your outdoor spaces safe, practical, and visually appealing all season long. At Tamstar, we specialise in durable, British-manufactured outdoor facilities, from bike shelters and smoking shelters to bespoke installation projects, all engineered to perform through harsh UK weather.
This guide explores what makes a shelter truly “winter-ready” and, in particular, showcases three of our most popular cycle shelters, the Astro 10, Spectrum 6 bike, and Atria 20 bike, each designed for different site needs and capacities.
What “Winter-Ready” Really Means
When specifying outdoor facilities products for year-round use, consider materials and design details that actively resist winter’s toughest challenges.
- Galvanised steel frames protect against rust, road salt, and constant moisture, providing a long-lasting foundation.
- Optional powder coating adds colour and a second layer of protection, perfect for branding or school colour schemes.
- Impact-resistant, UV-stable glazing such as PETG or polycarbonate withstands wind load and temperature fluctuations without cracking or fading.
- Clever roof design and drainage keep surfaces clear of standing water and prevent internal leaks.
- Secure ground fixings ensure stability, even in high winds or uneven ground conditions.
- Professional installation guarantees that everything from anchor alignment to drainage is correct from day one.
With these essentials in place, you’ll reduce maintenance, extend lifespan, and ensure your site remains tidy and usable throughout the colder months.
Winter Tough Cycle Storage: Three Proven Shelter Options
1. Astro 10 Bike Shelter – Compact, Robust, and Budget Smart
The Astro 10 Bike Shelter is an ideal solution for smaller areas that still demand strong performance. Designed to store ten bicycles, it comes galvanised as standard for corrosion resistance, with an optional powder-coated finish for added durability. It’s clear Perspex polycarbonate back panels provide excellent visibility and UV protection, as well as ultimate high impact resistance, ensuring bikes stay dry while maintaining natural surveillance for security.
Best suited for: Primary schools, small workplaces, and compact sites looking for a reliable entry-level option.
Why it works in winter: Built with weather-resistant materials and a simple modular format that makes installation quick and easy, even in cold or damp conditions.
2. Spectrum 6 Bike Shelter – Flexible Footprint for Smaller Clusters
The Spectrum 6 Bike Shelter is a popular choice for locations with multiple entry points or limited space. It also features a galvanised steel frame, optional powder coating, and PETG back glazing for strength and clarity. This model typically includes a three-stand Sheffield toast rack, providing six secure parking points while maintaining a compact footprint.
Best suited for: Offices, colleges, public or residential buildings that need several smaller shelters placed near different entrances.
Why it works in winter: Its curved roof and enclosed back panel shield bikes from driving rain, while its modular design allows easy expansion if demand grows.
3. Atria 20 Bike/Scooter Shelter – Large Capacity, Built for Busy Sites
For sites that experience higher levels of cycle traffic, the Atria 20 Bike Shelter delivers a robust, weather-resilient structure with generous coverage. Constructed in galvanised steel and available with a powder-coated finish, it offers excellent long-term protection and a professional appearance suitable for schools, distribution centres, offices, and leisure centres.
Best suited for: larger facilities, secondary schools, and shared business parks.
Why it works in winter: Its durable frame and high-capacity design keep bikes protected from rain and frost, preventing corrosion and keeping areas organised even during heavy use.
Smoking Shelters: Comfort and Compliance in Cold Weather
Winter is when smoking shelters truly prove their value, keeping entrances clear, reducing litter, and offering a comfortable, compliant area for smokers without exposing them to the elements.
UK smoke-free legislation requires that smoking shelters are not “substantially enclosed”, meaning at least half of the structure must remain open to allow airflow. Tamstar’s designs follow these rules while still providing practical rain protection and structural stability.
Features to look for in a winter-ready smoking shelter:
- Open-sided design that meets legal ventilation requirements while shielding users from rain.
- Galvanised steel framework to resist corrosion in damp or salty environments.
- Clear PETG or Polycarbonate panels strategically placed to block prevailing wind.
- Integrated seating and optional low-glare lighting to improve comfort on dark afternoons.
- Thoughtful placement, away from doors and air intakes, to minimise smoke drift.
Our team can help you specify the right size, layout, and finish to meet both comfort and compliance needs for your premises.
Materials and Finishes That Withstand Winter
Every Tamstar product is designed with the UK climate in mind.
- Galvanised steel (to EN ISO 1461) forms a zinc-bonded barrier against rust, essential for long-term outdoor use.
- PETG or polycarbonate glazing offers high impact resistance and clarity, while resisting discolouration from UV exposure.
- Professional installation ensures each shelter is correctly anchored, aligned, and drained to perform safely in wet and windy conditions.
By combining these materials and installation standards, our shelters offer exceptional longevity and low maintenance, even in exposed environments.
Planning Your Winter Upgrades
Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to ensure your outdoor facilities are ready for the season ahead.
- Assess exposure points: Identify areas where users need weather protection: entrances, staff car parks, cycle storage zones, or designated smoking areas.
- Right-size capacity:
- Up to 10 bikes? Choose the Astro 10.
- Small clusters around buildings? The Spectrum 6 Bike is ideal.
- Central hub or large staff area? Go for the Atria 20.
- Coordinate finishes: Select a consistent powder-coat colour for a cohesive look across your site.
- Engineer for longevity: Consider ground conditions, drainage, and exposure levels, and rely on Tamstar’s professional installation for best results.
- Upgrade smoking areas: Ensure compliance and comfort with open-sided, weather-resistant shelters placed in practical locations.
Why Choose Tamstar for Winter-Ready Outdoor Facilities?
- Built for British weather: Every Tamstar shelter is UK-engineered and manufactured using galvanised steel, impact-resistant glazing, and heavy-duty fittings proven to perform through rain, frost, and wind.
- Modular and scalable: Our systems can grow with your site. Start small with the Astro or Spectrum and expand to the Atria or larger compounds as needs evolve.
- End-to-end service: From specification and layout advice to full installation, we simplify every step to assist busy facilities and estates teams.
- Compliance and safety first: Our smoking-shelter designs follow UK smoke-free regulations and site-safety standards to ensure long-term peace of mind.
Ready to Winter-Proof Your Site?
Whether you need a compact 10-bike shelter, a 6-bike module for multiple entrances, a 20-bike storage hub, or a smoking shelter that meets UK regulations, Tamstar provides outdoor solutions built to last through winter and beyond.
Contact our experienced team to discuss your site’s requirements, explore custom colour options, or arrange professional installation.
Keep your facilities durable, compliant, and ready with Tamstar.