With outdoor spaces in schools increasingly being used for learning and physical activities, it has become necessary for school managements to consider the best solutions for their covered outdoor areas. The answer could lie in a tensile membrane/ fabric school COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area). Not only does a fabric school COLA enhance the overall learning experience for students, they can also offer a range of benefits for the school itself.

A fabric school COLA is designed to withstand the test of time. Made with high-quality modern architectural materials, tensile membrane canopies are adept at surviving our harsh Australian climate, ensuring that they last for many years to come. Fabric school COLAs are a cost-effective solution for schools looking to enhance their outdoor learning spaces without having to worry about the longevity of their shade structures. This type of structure is an investment that your school won’t regret making.

Here are three reasons why your school needs a fabric school COLA.

Safe and secure outdoor learning environment

A fabric school COLA provides a safe and secure outdoor learning environment for students. Made from architectural-grade PVC membrane, a fabric school COLA canopy can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide shelter from the sun and rain. This means that students can enjoy sun-safe outdoor learning and activities without having to worry about the elements.

Fabric will not rust or corrode like a steel roof, and a fully-engineered shade structure makes use of advanced aluminium fixing systems, as opposed to single-point connections found on shade sails, which are a point of failure in high-winds or can weaken over time.

Stylish and eye-catching design

Adaptable to the size and space needing to be covered, installing a fabric school COLA can create a unique and attractive area that complements the rest of the school’s facilities.

Fabric school COLAs are not only practical, but they also add a stylish and eye-catching element to your school’s outdoor spaces. Bright-white PVC fabric can be ‘styled-up’ by a range of colours on the steel-support structure. From a gentle curve on a barrel-vault style structure, to a conical peaked bespoke shade canopy, these structures go way beyond mere shade sails in terms of style and architectural form. The range of options is as limitless as the imagination of your students.

Sustainable and eco-friendly

In addition to being safe and stylish, fabric school COLAs are also sustainable and eco-friendly. The lightweight nature of membrane canopies requires less supporting steel and smaller foundations than their steel-roofed counterparts. Fabric school COLAs also allow natural daylight to filter through the tensile membrane, mitigating the need to use day-time lighting to see the game.

Made from materials that are recyclable, they provide an environmentally responsible solution to your school’s shade needs. By choosing a fabric school COLA, schools can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and help protect the environment for future generations.

The MakMax TensoCOLA school canopy

MakMax TensoCOLA is a versatile solution that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used as a covered outdoor learning area, a place for outdoor lunches and gatherings, or even as a place for outdoor physical education classes. The versatility of this type of fabric school COLA makes it a must-have for any school looking to maximise its outdoor learning spaces.

MakMax TensoCOLA is quick to install and easy to maintain. The use of our proprietary TensoShade fixing system means fast installation, allowing your school to start using the covered outdoor learning area as soon as possible. Additionally, the architectural PVC fabric is easy to clean and maintain, making it a hassle-free solution for schools looking to maximise the use of their outdoor learning spaces.

In conclusion, a fabric school COLA offers a safe, stylish, and sustainable solution for schools looking to enhance their outdoor learning spaces. Whether you’re looking for a covered outdoor learning area or a PVC shade structure for the playground, a fabric school COLA provides the perfect combination of practicality and style. Invest in your school’s future today and provide your students with a safe and enjoyable outdoor learning experience.

Contact MakMax Australia to discuss your school’s shading and weather protection needs.