Our Guide to Pre-Engineered Metal Building: Design Ideas and Considerations
Extremely flexible to use and highly cost effective, pre-engineered metal buildings have become a staple among professional construction companies.
This article will provide insight into the appeal of pre-engineered metal buildings for construction projects and how specific designs can help create an efficient layout for your facility.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings vs. Traditional Steel Buildings
First, it’s essential to understand the difference between pre-engineered metal buildings and traditional steel buildings.
Traditional steel buildings use a wide range of materials—including wood, concrete, masonry, and more—in conjunction with steel structures to create buildings onsite. Excavations, foundations, and frames must be made, and when designs are particularly complex, completion on a construction site can take months.
On the other hand, a pre-engineered metal building is much more streamlined. Structural designs are created to fit your project’s specific needs. Every component and piece of framing is created offsite using extremely accurate measures. The pieces are cut, extracted, and made before onsite construction begins, then sent to the site where they’re assembled quickly and efficiently by experienced professionals. This means onsite engineers and architects aren’t even necessary.
The Appeal of Pre-Engineered Metal Building Designs
Pre-engineered steel buildings are popular, and it’s no surprise why. There are many key benefits of using pre-engineered metal building designs, some of which include:
- Customizable Design: The options for pre-engineered metal building design ideas are endless. Because every component is created before construction, architects and engineers can design the walls, roof, and framing in nearly any way you want. There is also flexibility regarding textures, shapes, colors, finishes, or any other stylistic preference you may have.
- Quick Construction: No time is spent fabricating the components for your building onsite. Construction crews can therefore build structures quickly without cutting or welding materials.
- Cost Effectiveness: Material and labor costs are generally much more affordable with pre-engineered metal buildings than with traditional construction. Because all of the components are manufactured offsite and shipped to the desired location, there is less wait time, room for human error, and wasted material costs.
- Longevity: Some might think pre-engineered metal structures aren’t as solid or durable because of their convenience. However, the steel these buildings use is meant to last for decades and applied with coatings that make it highly resistant to dirt and corrosion.
- Expandability: It is common for businesses to expand their available space over time. Luckily, the simple assembly process allows you to easily extend or remodel your pre-engineered metal building. This means whichever route you decide to take for your metal building architecture, nothing is ever set in stone.
There are many factors to consider when deciding between traditional metal building construction and pre-engineered construction. Read on to learn more about what sets them apart and the benefits of each.
Pre-Engineered Metal Building Design Ideas to Consider for Your Facility
Metal structures can be used for a variety of commercial projects as well as residential construction. Here are some pre-engineered metal building design ideas commonly used across industries.
Agriculture Building Designs
Pre-engineered metal buildings are perfect for agriculture buildings. Metal barns and sheds can be quickly erected for equipment storage, vehicles, crop storage, and livestock. They provide excellent protection to keep your property in good condition. If you purchase additional equipment or your number of livestock grows, expanding steel barns can be done with minimal effort.
Aviation Building Designs
Aircraft hangers must be massive to provide ample space for all aviation equipment. A pre-engineered metal building is a reliable option when constructing these heavy-duty facilities.
Commercial Office Buildings
As your business grows, you may need to upgrade your office space. Eventually, you might require additional space for cubicles, conference rooms, or offices. The ability to quickly design and construct these add-ons is a significant perk of pre-engineered metal buildings.
Educational Buildings
Building schools with a metal kit is often a wise and cost-effective investment. Using pre-fabricated materials can prove extremely beneficial with plenty of classrooms, windows, and open areas such as gyms or cafeterias.
Manufacturing and Industrial Buildings
Metal buildings can withstand harsh weather, which is why they are great options for industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse design ideas.
Churches
Churches have huge spaces and high ceilings that can quickly be created with pre-engineered metal and a solid team of experts. This approach adds a unique style that can be well executed with the right metal building design ideas.
Car Wash Buildings
Building a metal commercial building for something like a car wash takes up a lot of space. Pre-engineered metal is ideal for constructing the final product as fast and efficiently as possible.
Recreational Buildings
Pre-engineered metal building design ideas for large recreational spaces are some of the most frequent requests. Using cost-effective, low-maintenance metal buildings is a terrific option for indoor basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, casinos, swimming facilities, and more.
Winery Buildings
Large winery spaces can be quickly constructed with pre-engineered metal building architecture. This also allows product storage areas to be added with ease.
Retail Buildings
Many retail buildings use pre-engineered metal building design ideas because of their flexibility and cost efficiency. Concepts for malls, clothing stores, boutiques, and more are all viable options.
Partner With Calahan Construction to Bring Your Metal Building Design Ideas to Life
If you have pre-engineered metal building design ideas that you want to make a reality, look no further than Calahan Construction. With over eight decades of experience and four generations of the Calahan family, we’ve tackled countless commercial projects of all sizes throughout the Colorado Front Range. With quality work, integrity, and expertise, we’re prepared to assist with all of your project needs.