Quick answer
A covered outdoor learning area (COLA) is a roofed, open-sided steel structure that gives a school shaded, weather-protected outdoor space for lessons, assemblies, sport and lunch breaks. In Western Australia, a COLA must be engineered to the wind region of its exact site (including cyclonic regions C and D in the north), certified by a structural engineer and approved through the local government. Public schools must also meet Department of Education WA requirements. Highline Sheds designs, supplies and installs steel COLAs for schools across Perth and regional WA.
Key facts: COLAs in WA
- What it is: a permanent, open-sided steel shelter sized for a class, a court or a whole-school assembly
- Common uses: outdoor classrooms, assembly areas, sports court covers, lunch and recess shelter
- Main types: freestanding, attached to an existing building, sports court cover, assembly area
- Wind design: engineered to AS/NZS 1170.2 for the site’s wind region (region A in Perth; cyclonic regions C and D in the Pilbara and Kimberley)
- Approvals: structural certification, a local government building permit, and Department of Education WA requirements for public schools
- Typical roofing: COLORBOND® steel, which blocks UV completely
What is a COLA and how do schools use it?
A COLA (covered outdoor learning area) is a large, roofed, open-sided steel structure that protects students and staff from sun, rain and wind while keeping them outdoors. It works as a permanent, engineered shelter sized for a single class, a sporting activity or an entire school gathering.
Schools across Western Australia use COLAs for:
- Outdoor classrooms for hands-on science, art and practical lessons
- Undercover assembly areas for whole-school events and presentations
- Sport and PE over basketball, netball and multi-use courts
- Lunch and recess shelter so students 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 summers are hot, a COLA is often one of the most-used structures on a campus. It adds usable outdoor space without the complexity of a fully enclosed building. Early learning centres, churches and community groups use the same structures for the same reasons.
What types of COLA can a school build?
Most school COLAs are built from steel because it is strong, low-maintenance and suits large, open spans. The right type depends on the site, how the space will be used and whether it connects to existing buildings.
| COLA type | Best for | Key design consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding | Play areas, gardens, open courtyards | Stands on its own columns, so it can go almost anywhere on the grounds |
| Attached (building-connected) | Breakout areas and sheltered walkways on tighter sites | Ties into an existing classroom block or hall, so the connection must be engineered |
| Sports court cover | Basketball, netball and multi-use courts | Needs generous clearance height and a wide, clear span with no posts in the playing area |
| Assembly area | Whole-school gatherings of hundreds of students | Large span and height that still meet the wind loads for the location |
Highline’s covered outdoor learning spaces and clear span structures cover each of these configurations.
How is a COLA designed for WA sun, rain and wind?
A COLA exists to protect people, so its roof and structure have to suit WA’s climate.
Sun and UV protection
Solid steel roofing such as COLORBOND® steel blocks UV completely. Roof colour, insulation and anti-condensation lining affect how comfortable it is underneath. Roof pitch and orientation determine how much shade the structure gives across the day.
Rain and stormwater
Gutters, downpipes and roof fall direct stormwater away from play surfaces and buildings. In high-rainfall and tropical areas, oversized drainage stops overflow during heavy downpours.
Wind and cyclone ratings
Wind design is the most important engineering decision for a WA COLA. Under the Australian wind loading standard AS/NZS 1170.2, wind requirements change dramatically across the state:
| Area of WA | Wind region | What it means for a COLA |
|---|---|---|
| Perth, the South West and most inland areas | Region A (non-cyclonic) | Standard engineering for the site’s terrain and exposure |
| Cyclone-prone northern coast, including the Pilbara and Kimberley | Regions C and D (cyclonic) | Much higher design wind loads, heavier connections and footings, and cyclone-rated certification |
A COLA in Port Hedland or Broome must be engineered to far higher wind loads than one in metro Perth. A design that suits Perth will not automatically meet cyclonic requirements in the north, so every structure should be certified for its exact location.
What approvals does a school COLA need in WA?
A school COLA is a permanent structure used by children, so it must be properly engineered and approved. The typical pathway is:
- Site assessment: measure the area and check ground conditions, services, drainage and the intended use.
- Design and engineering: produce structural plans and footing designs certified for the wind region and soil class.
- Building approval: lodge a building permit application with the local government, supported by the engineering documentation.
- Department of Education requirements: public schools must meet Department of Education WA standards and asset processes, coordinated between school leadership and the builder.
- Construction and certification: on completion, certification confirms the structure was built to the approved plans.
An experienced steel builder manages much of this paperwork, including structural certification and support with the building permit.
Who is involved in a school COLA project?
- School leadership sets the vision, priorities and preferred location.
- The P&C often leads fundraising and champions the project in the community.
- The Department of Education oversees compliance, asset management and approvals for public schools.
- The builder turns the brief into a compliant, buildable design.
Agree on the main use first (outdoor classroom, sports cover or assembly space), then confirm the size and location before detailed design starts. Clear communication between the school, P&C and builder avoids rework.
How do you choose a COLA builder in WA?
Choose a specialist who designs, supplies and installs steel structures as one end-to-end service, so you aren’t coordinating several contractors. When comparing WA builders, check that they:
- Have real 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 such as COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® steel
- Offer a clear warranty and ongoing support
About Highline Sheds
Highline Sheds is a Western Australian steel building company with more than 45 years in the industry and over 100,000 buildings supplied. Highline designs, engineers, supplies and installs COLAs, commercial sheds, industrial buildings and light structures for schools, businesses and farms across Perth and regional WA. For larger commercial projects, see our commercial and industrial steel sheds guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does COLA stand for?
COLA stands for Covered Outdoor Learning Area. It is a roofed, open-sided steel structure that gives schools shaded, weather-protected outdoor space for lessons, assemblies, sport and recreation.
Who builds COLAs for schools in WA?
Highline Sheds designs, engineers, supplies and installs steel COLAs for schools in Perth and regional WA, including cyclone-rated structures for the north of the state. Highline also helps with structural certification and building approvals.
Do school COLAs in regional WA need to be cyclone rated?
It depends on the 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 under AS/NZS 1170.2. Structures in Perth and most of the south sit in region A. Every COLA should be certified for the wind region of its exact site.
Who approves a COLA at a public school?
A building permit is lodged with the local government, supported by engineering documentation. Public schools must also meet Department of Education WA standards and asset processes. An experienced builder helps coordinate the paperwork.
How long does a COLA project take?
Timeframes depend on the size of the structure, approvals and how remote the site is. The main stages are site assessment, design and engineering, building approval, and installation. Planning early and keeping the school, P&C and builder aligned keeps the project moving.
Can a COLA be built over an existing sports court?
Yes. Sports court covers are one of the most common types of COLA. They need generous clearance height and a wide, clear span so play isn’t obstructed, which requires structural engineering matched to the court size and local wind loads.
What is the difference between a COLA and a shade sail?
A shade sail is a tensioned fabric cover that filters sunlight but lets rain through and usually needs replacing over time. A COLA has a solid steel roof on an engineered steel frame, so it blocks UV completely, keeps rain off and is built to last for decades.
Can childcare centres, churches or community groups build a COLA?
Yes. The same engineered steel structures suit early learning centres, churches, sporting clubs and community groups that need covered outdoor space. The design, wind rating and approval steps are the same as for a school.
Planning a COLA for your school?
Talk to Highline Sheds about a covered outdoor learning area engineered for your site and wind region, anywhere in WA.
Contact Highline Sheds TodayLast reviewed: October 2026