SHELTER FROM THE STORM

How Zappshelter transformed our Highland yard into a more productive, weather-proof space

Zappshelter has made yard life so much easier, especially for jobs I hate doing in the rain - it's become an integral part of our business...

Two months ago, one of my long-term dreams became a reality -I finally got the space to develop a yard for our business, Underwood Plant, to store our kit and machines. The best part of the yard? The shelter.

Our business is based two hours north of Glasgow. It’s wet, it’s cold, and we’re used to it. But the chance to work under cover, do my daily checks, and store our truck out of the rain was something I never thought would happen. We didn’t have the time or patience to go through the planning paperwork headaches for a traditional building. That all changed during a conversation with a friend who introduced me to Zappshelter.

The concept of Zappshelter is simple yet brilliant. As you can see in the photos, it’s a fabric cover stretched over curved steel arches mounted on walls, either concrete interlocking blocks or, in my case, containers. The shelter is engineered to withstand the tough Scottish weather, and it’s virtually maintenance-free. Even better, Zappshelters are made in the UK - an important detail when dealing with cheap imports that can’t handle our rough conditions. The 5-year warranty is also a big plus - if something goes wrong, it’s Zappshelter that will fix it, not me!

It took a few days to install due to bad weather, though the team says they’ve done setups in just one day, depending on the size. Mine measures 10 x 12 meters—perfect for getting three vehicles side by side, with storage space at the back. The height is fantastic too; I can get the truck in with the digger on the back, which has been a game-changer. We bought the containers it's mounted on for storage, and I’m even converting one into an office - check out the progress on my YouTube channel! I’ve also featured the Zappshelter in one of my recent videos - scan the QR code to watch.

Zappshelter has made yard life so much easier, especially for jobs I hate doing in the rain - servicing the machines, loading my merch trailer, and even storing firewood. While that might seem like small stuff, these shelters are used for much bigger jobs in quarries and power stations where keeping materials dry is crucial. I’ve seen a video from a Tarmac quarry where they’re saving a fortune using Zappshelter to reduce drying costs. Impressive!

Since meeting the Zappshelter team, I’ve learned their shelters are used across a range of industries - from quarries and farms to NHS facilities and even by the army. Their website offers the best info: www.zappshelter.com.

One big advantage of Zappshelter is its mobility. If we want to rearrange the yard, we can. And because it’s considered temporary, planning permission might not even be required - but make sure to check with your local office first!

You can customise these shelters to fit your specific needs: adjust the size, colour, doors, and height, using either interlocking blocks or containers as the base. It’s like a giant Lego set, and the Zappshelter team, or Sheltologists®️, are always ready to help.

I honestly wouldn’t do without one now. If you’re looking to improve your yard and need some cover for the winter (or shade in the summer), I highly recommend giving Zappshelter a try - you won’t regret it!