Case Study S. 29
Fairhills Primary School
Design, supply, and installation of a curved Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) for Fairhills Primary School in Ferntree Gully, VIC.
| Client: | Fairhills Primary School |
| Location: | Ferntree Gully, VIC |
| Value: | $290,000 to $330,000 |
| Size: | 650m² |
| Completed: | January 2024 |
The Client
<p class="rteBlock">Fairhills Primary School is a government primary school in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The school is committed to continually improving its facilities in support of student wellbeing, outdoor learning and active play, and wanted a structure that reflected that commitment on a daily basis. This was the school's first project of this scale, so the brief called for a partner able to manage the full scope from design through to a finished structure.</p>
The Brief
<p class="rteBlock">Fairhills needed a durable outdoor facility that could be used safely throughout the year. The school wanted a structure that balanced functionality, safety and visual appeal, one that would sit comfortably alongside the existing campus rather than compete with it. Safety and a premium finish were central to the brief from the outset, in a space that would see constant use by students and staff alike.</p>
The Scope
<p class="rteBlock">Steelcorp delivered the complete design, supply and installation of a curved single court COLA, working closely with the school to develop a solution that combined architectural appeal, structural efficiency and student safety.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">The curved roof profile required careful design and detailing to achieve the desired architectural outcome without compromising structural performance. Circular Hollow Section (CHS) columns were selected in place of standard sections, eliminating sharp corners in a high traffic student environment and delivering a cleaner, more refined finish across the completed structure.</p>
The Result
<p class="rteBlock">Students and staff now have a safe, weather protected space that can be used year round for sport, assemblies, physical education and everyday school activities. The facility lifts day to day school operations and adds a premium architectural presence to the campus.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">The new COLA significantly expands the school's usable outdoor space, so activities can continue regardless of what the weather is doing. It's a long term asset built to support student growth and greater flexibility across the school for years to come.</p>
