Tips For Better Shade and Shelter At Your School

Covered Outdoor Learning Areas and other shelters are fast becoming a must have for school environments. They provide a permanent solution improving student flow, enhancing health and wellbeing, and increase the usability of spaces.

These permanent structures are a significant investment, so it’s important to select an experienced, certified company who offers a comprehensive design process and uses high quality materials. This is essential to ensure the finished structure meets the school’s needs, withstands New Zealand’s weather conditions, and provides proven UV protection for the children.

Shelter structure frames are usually either steel or aluminium. If you are looking for a wide span between posts, creating less obstacles, and a durable and sustainable material, then steel is ideal. Steel, used by Archgola, is both durable and sustainable, with an estimated 80% recycled content made of reclaimed scrap and industrial scrap.

Roofing materials need to be durable, significantly reduce UV rays and meet Ministry of Education trafficable requirements. Webglas GC roofing, used by Archgola, can be either 100% opaque, or translucent to transmit natural light. What really sets Webglas GC apart is its combination of strength, high resistance to a wide range of chemicals and very low surface erosion. The top (weather side) is gel coated with a specially formulated highly UV resistant resin and provides virtually undiminished performance for 20 years.

The right design ensures you get great use out of the space, so some things to consider are the location (is it warm, sheltered, low light or windy), and opportunities for indoor/outdoor flow. Adding outdoor blinds will protect you from wind and rain, but may not suit windy locations, so side walls might be a better option.

Archgola™ is a popular option because the company is experienced working with schools, delivers quality, and takes care of everything including council consents, certified engineered designs, and the full installation of a long-lasting, high quality, cost-effective shade and shelter solution.

Examples of school installations include:

• Indoor outdoor learning areas
• Covering verandas
• Outdoor play areas (sandpits, playgrounds, lunch areas)
• School entranceway
• Bike stand cover
• Extended car park and bus shelters

To get started, talk with other schools and sports clubs about the shelter options they have chosen. Then arrange for a consultation to discuss your ideas and options. Often schools prefer to have canopies installed in the school holidays – make sure you allow plenty of time to complete planning and approval process to achieve this.