If you’re working in the education sector, you’ve likely come across the term COLA. But what does COLA stand for in schools? Simply put, COLA means a Covered Outdoor Learning Area – a weather-protected space designed to bring the classroom outdoors.
In Australia, the sun can be intense and the weather unpredictable, so COLAs have become essential in school playgrounds and outside areas. They provide shade and shelter, allowing students to spend time outside regardless of the weather.
The Benefits: What Does a COLA Mean for Schools?
More than just adding a bit of shade, installing a COLA means schools can transform how students and staff interact with the outside space around them. It first and foremost acts as a reliable roof cover for the school, offering protection from intense heat or unpredictable rain. This weatherproof coverage means students can stay active and engaged outdoors all year round.
By extending the usable space, a school COLA opens up new opportunities for outdoor learning and activities. Teachers can take classes outside, encouraging more dynamic, interactive lessons. But it’s also far more versatile than that. COLAs are versatile, multifunctional spaces that can also be used for school assemblies, music performances, and weekend community events.
Common uses include:
→ Sports and physical education
→ Outdoor classrooms
→ Lunch and break areas
→ Assembly meetings and performance spaces
→ Sheltered school walkway cover
What to Consider Before Setting Up a COLA
Now you know what a COLA stands for in school, you might be wondering about how to plan for and install a COLA. This involves several key considerations:
Design and Layout
First, it’s important to determine the primary purpose of the COLA for your school. This will inform the size and layout. Whether it’s for sports, assemblies, or multipurpose, the design should cater to any and all of these activities.
Roof and Lighting Options
Incorporating skylights can improve natural lighting, while LED or motion sensor lights are great for evening events or after-school sports. Choose a roof style that complements the school’s architecture and meets your functional needs. Roof options include:
→ Gable: A traditional pitched roof with two sloping sides that meet in the middle.
→ Skillion: A modern, single-sloped roof that looks minimalistic (can also be curved).
Materials
Choose durable materials like galvanised structural steel for the framework and COLORBOND or ZINCALUME steel for roofing. These materials offer the best longevity and don’t need much maintenance.
Compliance
When building a COLA for your school, it’s important to ensure the structure meets local building codes and safety regulations. Most projects will require a building permit, and in some cases, a planning permit, especially if it’s large or near property boundaries. These permits ensure your COLA complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) and local council regulations.
Safety
Safety features should include non-slip surfaces, proper draining, and strong roofing that’s engineered to handle strong wind, rain, and weather conditions. If electrical lighting is needed, it must be installed by a licensed electrician and meet all relevant safety codes.
How Much Does a COLA Cost
The cost of constructing a COLA can vary significantly depending on the design, size, materials, and site conditions. To ensure you get a solution that best fits your needs and budget, we recommend getting in touch with our team to discuss your options and create a tailored design.
Interested in Installing a COLA For Your School?
If you’d like to see what a COLA can mean for your school, working with a registered builder ensures every detail is covered.
At Trusteel Fabrications, we specialise in designing and constructing high-quality COLAs tailored to your school’s needs. Our team manages the entire process – from initial design and obtaining necessary permits to final construction – ensuring your COLA is safe, compliant, and built to last.
Don’t let the weather dictate your students’ activities. Contact Trusteel today to discuss how we can help create a functional and durable Covered Outdoor Learning Area for your school.