Area Covered:
All-weather Sports Stadium

Structure:
Curved COLA

Size:
38m x 36m

Steel Finish:
Prime-coated and powder-coated

Roof Material:
COLORBOND® CustomOrb
‘Windspray’ with Wonderglas
‘Opal’ skylights

Brief

With a focus on delivering the best outcomes for its students, Westall Secondary College was looking to transform its double basketball courts to use them for more than sports. The school needed a space fit for outdoor learning, performing arts and community use, as well as general cover from rain and sun. Beyond its practical applications, the new structure also needed to be visually impactful and well-built for durability.

Our Approach

Westall Secondary College partnered with Greenline to create a COLA custom for its needs. The large, steel structure has a curved pitch for softer visual impact and is fully equipped with lighting and each bay has a double run of sky lights to keep the area well lit – allowing students and staff to use it morning to night.

The COLA has in-ground plumbing to divert rainwater and prevent water pooling, keeping the surface dry, while speakers are fully wired and connected to the main PA system. This means Westall Secondary College can use the COLA for assemblies and other events. The structure has been designed to be 100% birdproof, eliminating issues with maintenance, hygiene and dirt build-up commonly caused by birds.

A standout feature of the structure is the adjacent covered grandstand area. This keeps up to 100 spectators dry and out of the sun while watching sports, as well as allowing students to sit there during recess and lunch or during outdoor PE lessons.

The Outcome

The school can now utilise the space all year round so students can enjoy learning outside in the fresh air. But it’s had an impact even beyond the school; Westall Secondary College has received many compliments on the COLA from the local community as they drive by, noticing its striking design. The school is even planning to hire the space out for community use, bringing its benefits to those outside the school.

The COLA is perfectly suited to the school’s needs. Its height and acoustics mean staff can easily project their voice even with many students in the space. With the basketball courts covered, the school has a versatile space to continue supporting students and staff to grow, learn and play outdoors.