School COLA Shade Structure, Western Sydney NSW
Creating a more functional outdoor learning and gathering space.
Outdoor school environments need to do more than provide shelter. They need to support student movement, assemblies, recreation and everyday school activities while remaining safe, durable and easy to maintain.
TechSpan was engaged to design, engineer and manufacture a large-scale Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) over an existing school quadrangle, creating a protected all-weather space without compromising accessibility or visibility throughout the area.
The Brief
The project required a substantial roof structure to cover an existing school quadrangle and sports court area while maintaining clear circulation paths and uninterrupted use of the space below.
Key project requirements included:
- A large clear-span structure with no internal support columns
- Improved weather protection for students and staff
- Natural light penetration throughout the covered area
- Integrated stormwater management
- Durable materials suitable for a high-use education environment
- A clean architectural finish that concealed structural elements
The completed structure also needed to integrate seamlessly with surrounding school buildings while supporting future use for assemblies, events, recreation and everyday learning activities.
Our Solution
Working through our Concept, Configure and Construct process, our team delivered a purpose-built structural steel COLA spanning approximately 49 metres wide by 26 metres long.
The clear-span design eliminated the need for internal columns, preserving open sightlines and maintaining unrestricted movement beneath the structure.
To improve user comfort and maximise natural light, the roof system incorporated translucent roof panels positioned throughout the structure. These panels allow daylight to enter the covered area while still providing protection from the elements.
The roof system also incorporated insulation and a concealed structural finish, creating a clean appearance from below while improving thermal performance and reducing visual clutter.
Integrated drainage, lighting and structural detailing were carefully coordinated to support the long-term functionality of the space while delivering a durable, low-maintenance outcome suited to the demands of a busy school environment.
The Result
The completed COLA has transformed the school’s central outdoor area into a versatile, weather-protected space that can be used throughout the year.
The combination of large clear spans, natural daylight and extensive weather protection has created an environment that feels open and welcoming while significantly improving functionality.
By removing the limitations of an exposed outdoor space, the project provides greater flexibility for school activities, student recreation, assemblies and community use.
Designed for purpose.
Engineered to perform.
Structured to Work.
