TAKING LEARNING OUTDOORS

A substantial shade structure installed in a Queensland school has created an outdoor learning area designed to enhance the educational experience.

Installed by infrastructure experts Steel Post and Rail (SPR), this soaring shade structure sits over tiered seating on the grounds of a prominent all-girls school in Brisbane. In a growing movement that is occurring in educational facilities across the world, the school wanted to create a safe area for students to be able to conduct classes outside where appropriate. In addition, it wanted to reduce the effect of the afternoon sun on adjacent classrooms and provide usable space for recess and lunch activities that included all-weather protection.

To meet the client’s brief for its specific site requirements, SPR custom designed the structure to cover over 100 square metres of ground in a style that matches the newly created classroom and administration building. After fabrication at its inhouse facility, SPR installed the insulated shade structure onsite during a mid-term break in order to minimise disruption to teachers and students during class time.

The modern and innovative design of the structure helps set the tone for the area. Insulated roof panels aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature for learning outdoors, while recessed lighting ensures adequate brightness no matter the weather. Six metre cantilevered posts of hot-dipped galvanised steel were painted in a two-part epoxy for strength and durability, as well as ensuring a good colour match to the existing architecture.

During initial consultation, SPR understood that a prefabricated off-the-shelf structure would not get the job done. Working in collaboration with the client, SPR was able to come up with a design and construct package that delivered the aesthetic solution the client desired while coming in on time and on budget. Moving from consultation through design and into fabrication and installation, Steel Post and Rail maintained its high-performance service from start to finish to deliver a shade structure worthy of a Classroom Award for Great Ideas!

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Location Brisbane, Queensland
Electrical MC Electrical
Design & Fabrication Steel Post and Rail
Installation Steel Post and Rail

COMPANY
Steel Post and Rail