Communal shade structures

The raised timber 'stage' under shade fabric 'sails' forms seating for students to use while eating their lunch. 'Diffuse' UV is successfully controlled by the shielding of adjacent buildings and planting. During the lunch hour, this shade was observed to be a popular scene for junior play. At its centre the structure achieved 95% UVR protection. This is achieved by a high performing shade cloth and the large area of centralized shade.

The shade cloth 'pavilions' at a Dunedin school shelter group activities and students eating lunch. The picnic tables beneath are a popular meeting place for parents waiting to collect their children or supervising their play on the adjacent adventure play-ground. The pavilions gave good UVR protection (over 90%). The canopies are easily demountable for removal over the winter months. This strategy will prolong the life of the shade fabric.

At a new school, classrooms open onto 9m x 9m PVC membrane shade 'pods'. For further weather control, the side facing the playground is fitted with large glazed sliding doors. This design offers very high UVR protection (97%). Situated in sub-tropical Auckland, this weather-controlled dry space can be used all year.

A pergola planted with deciduous vines creates cool summer shade at a school in the hot Hawkes Bay region. The combination of trellis and planting gives good protection from direct sun. Trellis alone is not good as the protection is proportionate to the percentage of solid material.

A large mature tree provides natural shade for students eating lunch and playing. At its centre, it also gave good UVR protection. The old tree requires regular maintenance and monitoring.

A refurbished 70 year old traditional play shed with brightly painted murals and a stage successfully invited junior children to use it for their imaginative play. The 3-sided shed in solid materials provided deep shade (98% protection).

Communal shade is a space where 35 students could gather comfortably in a group. The communal shades surveyed were constructed using a wide variety of structures and materials and provided space for a variety of activities - lunch eating, free play and outdoor learning.

If positioned in the 'centre' of school, the structure can become the 'communal heart' of the school and will be well used. Outdoor furniture encourages use. E.g. Bench tables and seats or simply platforms and steps. Sun angles should be checked to ensure the position of seating is shaded from direct sun over a summer lunch hour. As these spaces are likely to be occupied (with-out personal protection) for up to an hour, use quality >94% shading materials and take care to shield the exposure to the open sky (keep the sides low and/or use nearby walls, screens and trees).

In hot, dry climates shade cloth will give cool summer shade. Programmed removal for terms 2 + 3 will allow warm winter sun into the area.

In temperate, coastal and wet climates, clear carbonate roofing will allow the warmth of the sun (while blocking ultraviolet rays) throughout the year. The waterproof cover will create a dry play-space in wet weather. In summer, coastal breezes are likely to be present for cooling.