Stratco Outback® is a range of outdoor structures available in different roof and design configurations. Rather than being one single type of patio, the Outback range gives homeowners options for creating covered outdoor living areas, patios, verandahs, carports and other outdoor spaces.

The right configuration depends on how you plan to use the space, the available area, the existing home and roofline, and the requirements that apply to your property.

Key Takeaway

The Stratco Outback® range includes different outdoor structure configurations, including Flat, Gable, Curved, Cooldek, Sunroof and Pergola designs. The right option depends on how you intend to use the space, the site, the desired roof style and the building and planning requirements that apply to your property.

Understanding the Stratco Outback Range

The Outback range includes several configurations, each designed with a different roof form or purpose.

Outback configuration Roof or design style Potential applications
Outback Flat Flat or low-profile roof design Patios, verandahs and other covered outdoor areas
Outback Gable Gabled roof design Outdoor living areas, carports and freestanding structures
Outback Curved Curved roof design Contemporary outdoor areas and distinctive architectural designs
Outback Cooldek Insulated roofing panel system Outdoor living areas where roof insulation is a consideration
Outback Sunroof Adjustable louvre roof Areas where adjustable light and airflow are important
Outback Pergola Open or permeable roof design Outdoor areas where filtered light and an open feel are preferred

 

Stratco also has a separate Pavilion range. Pavilion is not part of the Outback range and should be considered separately when comparing Stratco outdoor structures.

Patio, Verandah or Carport: What Is the Difference?

The terms patio, verandah and carport generally describe the purpose or application of an outdoor structure rather than a particular Outback roof configuration.

For example, an Outback structure can be used to create:

  • A covered outdoor living area beside the home
  • A verandah or patio area connected to the house
  • A carport over a driveway or parking area
  • A freestanding outdoor entertaining space

The roof configuration can then be selected based on the appearance, use and requirements of the project.

That means the first question is not simply whether you want a patio or verandah. It is also important to consider how the space will be used and which roof design is appropriate for the site.

Outback Flat

The Outback Flat provides a relatively simple, low-profile roof design.

It can suit homeowners looking for a clean appearance or a covered outdoor area where a lower roof profile is preferred.

It may be worth considering when:

  • You want a straightforward covered outdoor area
  • You prefer a low-profile appearance
  • The structure needs to work with the existing home
  • You are creating a patio, verandah or similar outdoor space

The roof fall, drainage, structural requirements and connection to the existing building all need to be considered as part of the design.

Outback Gable

The Outback Gable uses a pitched roof with a central ridge.

A gabled structure can create additional visual height and a more traditional roof form, making it an option for homeowners who want the outdoor structure to have a stronger architectural presence.

It may suit:

  • Larger outdoor entertaining areas
  • Freestanding structures
  • Carports
  • Projects where additional roof height is desirable

If the structure is intended to accommodate a caravan, boat or other tall vehicle, the required clearance should be established from the actual dimensions of the vehicle and the proposed structure. Roof-mounted equipment should also be considered when determining the required clearance.

Outback Curved

The Outback Curved features a curved roof profile.

This provides an alternative to traditional flat and gabled roof designs and can be considered where a more contemporary appearance is preferred.

When assessing a curved structure, the available space, required clearances, overall proportions and relationship with the existing home should all be considered.

Outback Cooldek

Outback Cooldek uses an insulated roofing panel system designed for outdoor applications.

For homeowners planning to spend significant time underneath the structure, the roof construction is an important consideration. An insulated roof system can provide a different level of thermal performance and acoustic comfort compared with conventional single-skin metal roofing.

The appropriate roofing option will depend on the location, orientation, intended use and overall design of the outdoor area.

It is worth discussing the available roofing systems and their specifications with the supplier before making a decision.

Outback Sunroof

The Outback Sunroof uses adjustable louvres, allowing the roof opening to be changed according to the conditions and the way the space is being used.

This can be useful for homeowners who want greater control over sunlight and airflow than a fixed roof provides.

When considering an adjustable louvre roof, it is important to look at:

  • How the space will be used
  • The orientation of the outdoor area
  • The desired level of shade and openness
  • Drainage requirements
  • Electrical requirements where applicable
  • The overall project budget

The specific capabilities and operating options should be confirmed for the product configuration being quoted.

Outback Pergola

The Outback Pergola provides a more open outdoor structure than a fully roofed patio or verandah.

A pergola can be appropriate when the goal is to define an outdoor area while retaining a more open feel and allowing light to pass through.

It is important to distinguish a pergola from a fully roofed patio. The type of roof covering can affect both how the space performs and what approvals may be required.

How to Choose the Right Outback Configuration

Rather than choosing a roof profile based only on appearance, consider the following questions.

1. How Will You Use the Space?

Start with the purpose.

A structure intended primarily for outdoor dining may have different requirements from one intended to cover vehicles, a caravan or an outdoor entertaining area.

2. How Much Clearance Do You Need?

If the structure will accommodate a vehicle, measure the actual height of the vehicle and any roof-mounted equipment.

Do not rely on an approximate measurement. The required structural dimensions and clearances should be confirmed during the design process.

3. Where Is the Structure Going?

Consider whether the structure will be attached to the home or positioned elsewhere on the property.

The available space, setbacks, access, existing buildings, drainage and site conditions can all affect the design.

4. How Does It Work With the Existing Home?

The roof profile should be considered alongside the existing architecture.

A structure that works with the home’s rooflines, materials and proportions can create a more cohesive result than one selected independently of the existing building.

5. What Level of Roof Coverage Do You Want?

Think about whether you need:

  • Full fixed roof coverage
  • An insulated roof system
  • An adjustable louvre roof
  • A more open or permeable structure

The answer will help narrow down the appropriate Outback configuration.

6. What Approvals Apply?

Do not assume that an outdoor structure is exempt from approval simply because it is relatively small.

Building and planning requirements can depend on the structure, dimensions, location, site conditions, planning controls and other property-specific factors.

For Victorian properties, the applicable requirements should be checked before construction begins.

Do You Need a Permit?

Approval requirements for patios, verandahs, carports and pergolas in Victoria depend on the specific structure and the circumstances of the property.

Some outdoor structures may require a building permit, while certain pergolas may qualify for an exemption if they satisfy the relevant requirements.

A planning permit is a separate consideration and may also be required depending on the property’s planning controls, overlays, location and proposed structure.

Because these requirements can vary between properties and regulations can change, the appropriate approvals should be confirmed for the specific project before work begins.

Why Site-Specific Design Matters

Choosing an outdoor structure is not just a matter of selecting a roof profile from a catalogue.

The design also needs to account for factors such as:

  • The location of the structure
  • Existing buildings
  • Site access
  • Ground and soil conditions
  • Drainage
  • Required clearances
  • Structural requirements
  • Applicable building and planning requirements
  • The intended use of the space

This is why an on-site assessment is useful before committing to a particular configuration.

Stratco Outback Structures in Melbourne’s South East

Yates Constructions is an authorised Stratco dealer and works with homeowners across the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne’s south east and surrounding areas.

If you are considering a Stratco Outback structure, the first step is to assess the site, understand how you want to use the space and determine which configuration is appropriate for the project.

For product specifications, available configurations and warranty information, refer to the applicable Stratco documentation and terms.

Ready to discuss your outdoor project? Contact Yates Constructions to arrange an on-site measure and quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Stratco Outback range?

The Stratco Outback range includes different outdoor structure configurations, including Flat, Gable, Curved, Cooldek, Sunroof and Pergola designs. Availability can depend on the current product range and the dealer’s offering.

Is the Stratco Pavilion part of the Outback range?

No. Stratco Pavilion is a separate range from the Outback range. Pavilion products should therefore be considered separately when comparing Stratco outdoor structures.

Which Stratco Outback design is suitable for a caravan?

A gabled structure may be considered where additional roof height is required, but the correct design depends on the dimensions of the caravan, the site and the proposed structure. Measure the loaded vehicle height, including roof-mounted equipment, before determining the required clearance.

Is an Outback structure a patio or a verandah?

The terms patio and verandah generally describe the application of the structure. An Outback structure can be used for different outdoor applications depending on its configuration and where it is installed.

Do I need a building permit for a Stratco Outback structure in Victoria?

It depends on the specific structure and property. Building permit requirements can vary according to the type, size, location and circumstances of the proposed structure. Planning requirements may also apply.