What is a COLA and how do schools use it?

A covered outdoor learning area (COLA) is a large, roofed, open-sided steel structure designed to protect students and staff from the sun, rain and wind while keeping them outdoors. Think of it as a permanent, engineered shade shelter sized for a whole class, a sporting activity or an entire school gathering.

Schools across Western Australia use COLAs for a surprising range of activities, including:

• Outdoor classrooms for hands-on, science and art lessons
• Undercover assembly areas for whole-school events and presentations
• Sports and PE over basketball, netball and multi-use courts
• Lunch and recess shelter so kids can eat and play out of the sun
• Community and P&C events such as fairs, markets and performances

In regional WA, where UV levels are high and summer heat is intense, a COLA is often one of the most-used structures on the entire campus. It extends usable outdoor space without the cost and complexity of a fully enclosed building.

Steel structure options for schools

Most school COLAs are built from steel because it is strong, low-maintenance and well suited to large, open spans. The right configuration depends on your site, how you want to use the space, and how it connects to existing buildings.

Freestanding COLAs

A freestanding COLA stands on its own columns and doesn’t rely on any other building for support. This is the most flexible option because it can be positioned almost anywhere on the grounds, including over play areas, gardens or open courtyards.

Attached (building-connected) COLAs

An attached COLA ties into an existing building, such as a classroom block or hall. This creates a seamless, sheltered walkway or breakout area and can be an efficient use of space on tighter sites.

Sports court covers

Covering a basketball, netball or multi-use court needs generous clearance height and a clean, wide span free of obstructing posts. A dedicated sports COLA keeps play going through summer heat and winter rain.

Assembly and gathering areas

Large assembly COLAs are designed to shelter hundreds of students at once. These require careful engineering to achieve the span and height while meeting wind loads for your location.

Sun, weather and wind protection for regional WA

The whole point of a COLA is protection, so the roof and structure need to suit WA’s demanding climate.

Sun and UV protection

Roof sheeting choice matters. Solid steel roofing (such as COLORBOND® steel) blocks UV completely and manages heat well, while the colour and any insulation or anti-condensation lining affect comfort underneath. Good design also considers roof pitch and orientation to maximise shade across the day.

Rain and water management

Proper guttering, downpipes and fall ensure stormwater is directed away from play surfaces and buildings. In high-rainfall regional areas, oversized drainage prevents overflow during heavy downpours.

Wind and cyclone ratings

This is critical in WA. Wind region requirements vary dramatically across the state:

• Region A covers much of the southern and inland areas, including Perth
• Regions C and D apply to cyclone-prone coastal areas in the state’s north

A COLA in the Pilbara or Kimberley must be engineered to far higher wind loads than one in the metro area. Your structure should be designed and certified to the correct wind region for its exact location, using the relevant Australian Standards. Never assume a design suitable for Perth will meet cyclonic requirements up north.

Engineering, approvals and compliance

A school COLA is a permanent structure used by children, so it must be properly engineered and approved. Here’s the typical pathway:

1. Site assessment — measure the area, check ground conditions, services and drainage, and confirm the intended use.
2. Design and engineering — produce structural plans and footing designs certified for your wind region and soil class.
3. Building approval — lodge a building permit application with the relevant local government, supported by engineering documentation.
4. Department of Education requirements — public schools must meet Department of Education WA standards and asset processes, which your builder and school leadership coordinate.
5. Construction certification — on completion, certification confirms the structure was built to the approved plans.

A key benefit of working with an experienced steel builder is that they manage much of this documentation for you, including structural certification and support with the permit process.

Working with the school, P&C and Department of Education

COLA projects usually involve several stakeholders, and getting everyone aligned early saves time later.

• School leadership sets the vision, priorities and preferred location.
• The P&C often drives fundraising and champions the project within the community.
• The Department of Education oversees compliance, asset management and approvals for public schools.
• Your builder translates the brief into a compliant, buildable design.

A practical approach is to agree on the primary use first (outdoor classroom, sports cover or assembly space), then confirm the size, location and budget framework before moving to detailed design. Clear communication between the P&C, school and builder keeps the project on track and avoids rework.

Choosing a WA builder for your COLA

Choosing the right builder is the single biggest factor in getting a COLA that lasts. Look for a specialist who designs, supplies and installs steel structures as a complete, end-to-end service, rather than juggling multiple contractors.

When comparing WA builders, check that they:

• Have genuine experience with school and community structures
• Engineer every structure to the correct wind region, including cyclonic areas
• Provide structural certification and help with building approvals
• Service both Perth and regional WA, with the logistics to reach remote sites
• Use quality Australian steel and roofing materials
• Offer a clear warranty and ongoing support

A builder with regional reach understands the realities of working across WA’s vast distances, variable soil conditions and wind regions. That local knowledge means fewer surprises and a structure built to perform for decades.

Frequently asked questions

What does COLA stand for?

COLA stands for Covered Outdoor Learning Area. It’s a roofed, open-sided steel structure that gives schools shaded, weather-protected outdoor space for lessons, assemblies, sport and recreation.

Do school COLAs in regional WA need to be cyclone rated?

It depends on location. COLAs in cyclone-prone northern WA (wind regions C and D, such as the Pilbara and Kimberley) must be engineered to cyclonic wind loads, while structures in Perth and much of the south sit in region A. Every COLA should be certified to the correct wind region for its exact site.

Who approves a COLA at a public school?

A building permit is lodged with the relevant local government, supported by engineering documentation. Public schools must also meet Department of Education WA standards and asset processes. An experienced builder helps coordinate this paperwork.

How long does a COLA project take?

Timeframes vary with size, approvals and site location, especially for remote regional sites. The main stages are site assessment, design and engineering, building approval, and installation. Planning early and keeping stakeholders aligned helps keep things moving.

Can a COLA be built over an existing sports court?

Yes. Sports court covers are a common COLA type. They need generous clearance height and a clean, wide span so play isn’t obstructed, which requires careful structural engineering suited to the court size and local wind loads.