Office refurbishment might involve extending or expanding the office space. This can be achieved by adding a steel-frame building to the existing building. The other option if there is space is to add a separate steel-frame building for use as office space. Although brick-built buildings are still common, steel-frame buildings are fast becoming a popular option for office refurbishment.
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If you have been wondering about the potential for steel-frame buildings for your office refurbishment, then read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of steel-frame construction. We have created this article to help you make an informed decision about steel-frame buildings for your office refurbishment. Please reach out for specific advice, a free initial site visit, and an estimate for your office refurbishment project.
Steel-framed buildings use a skeleton of steel columns and beams to support the building&#;s weight rather than load-bearing walls composed of wood, concrete or masonry. The steel frame serves as the building&#;s core structure, offering exceptional strength, stability and support. Typically, these frames are clad with single-skin panels to enclose and protect the building while maintaining structural integrity.
Because steel can span long distances without the need for intermediate support columns, steel-frame construction is often used to create open-plan office spaces. Additionally, steel frames are generally prefabricated in factories and supplied to the job site for speedy assembly, making them an excellent alternative for quick office refurbishment with minimal disturbance.
: Vertical columns carry the weight of the structure from the roof and upper floors down to the foundation.
: Horizontal beams support the floors and roofs by transferring loads to the columns.
These are the joints or welds that connect the columns and beams, giving stability and ensuring the structure functions as one unit.
These components are usually bolted or welded together to make a sturdy structure that can support a variety of roofs, walls and floors.
Steel frames are generally square or rectangular, but steel is ideal for creating large open span or complicated shapes and structures, enabling design to feature heavily in distinctive and striking buildings. There are various types of steel framing depending on the design and purpose of the building.
Traditional I-beams, columns and other steel members are used to create the steel frame, a structure common in skyscrapers, large industrial buildings and commercial structures.
This steel frame is composed of thinner steel members shaped like wooden studs but made of steel &#; a popular option for smaller commercial projects.
Often used for warehouses, factories and office buildings, this steel frame uses rigid steel columns and beams, creating a clear, open interior space.
Related reading: The Benefits of Prefabricated Steel Buildings
Turnkey steel building solutions and steel-frame building kits are the two potential options you typically come across when considering steel buildings for a project. Both have the advantages of steel but are very different in terms of method, ease of use and the labour required.
Steel-frame building kits are pre-engineered products with all the materials required to construct a steel building. These kits frequently include the steel framework, roofing panels, cladding, insulation, windows and doors &#; based on the specifications provided.
The main disadvantage is the buyer has to manage the construction, which includes permits and inspections. If you lack construction experience, it may result in mistakes and delays that can be very costly.
Turnkey steel-building solutions offer a comprehensive, all-inclusive service that oversees every stage of the construction process from beginning to end. The term &#;turnkey&#; refers to a building that is completely ready for immediate usage after the project is completed; merely &#;turn the key&#; and step inside.
Everything is handled by experienced companies with skilled professionals who ensure that the construction meets all standards and complies with applicable local regulations. The cost of turnkey steel-frame buildings is generally higher than steel-frame building kits.
However, the total cost of opting for a steel-frame kit can be unpredictable when hiring contractors to construct it, especially if you do not have a construction and project management background. When you use Carnegie Steel Buildings, we provide the expertise to ensure speed and efficiency, reducing delays and the stress and pressure of managing the building process.
You should always check if you require planning permission for your steel-building office refurbishment, regardless of whether you plan to use a steel-frame building kit or a turnkey solution. Your local planning authority can give you advice and guidance as to whether or not you will require planning permission on your steel building. At Carnegie Steel Buildings, when we supply a steel frame building kit, or you use our bespoke turnkey steel-building services, we can assist you with obtaining the necessary planning and permissions.
>> Speak to the team about obtaining a free estimate for your custom steel building
Steel-frame buildings have many advantages over traditional construction methods and materials. Here are the key reasons for choosing steel-frame construction for office refurbishment or office buildings.
: Steel is robust and requires minimal maintenance, unlike traditional buildings that might need renovations or repairs after several decades of use.
: With steel frames, buildings can be designed with large open spaces without needing internal load-bearing walls. This flexibility is ideal for office refurbishment projects that require open-plan space.
: Many steel components are prefabricated off-site and then quickly assembled on-site. This streamlines the construction process, reducing overall build times.
Unlike wood, which is highly susceptible to water damage, mould growth, warping and cracking over time, steel is inherently resistant to moisture. Steel does not absorb water, so it won&#;t swell, rot or degrade when exposed to humid environments or precipitation. This resilience makes it well-suited for fluctuating weather conditions, ensuring structural integrity in both hot and cold climates.
Steel frame buildings provide a long-lasting, pest-free environment, and you won&#;t encounter the issue of tunnelling pests &#; as is the case with wooden structures.
Steel offers significant fire resistance. Unlike wood, which is highly combustible, steel does not ignite. It also maintains its structural integrity at much higher temperatures, reducing the risk of collapse during a fire.
Steel is an eco-friendly building material, offering several environmental benefits over traditional construction materials. Unlike wood or other building materials, steel is 100% recyclable and can be reused without losing strength or quality. Steel&#;s durability and long lifespan also reduce construction waste over time.
Steel-frame buildings can be designed for energy efficiency, reducing the overall costs of heating or cooling the internal space. When used for office buildings or commercial uses such as factories that are occupied by people who require a comfortable working environment, this is a significant advantage.
All construction methods have their drawbacks, and steel frames are no different. Below we outline the main disadvantages of using steel-frame construction.
In general, steel-frame buildings are more expensive initially than wood-frame buildings. This is due to the nature of the material itself and the requirement for specialist labour in the fabrication and assembly of steel components.
Steel&#;s vulnerability to corrosion if inadequately maintained is one of its main drawbacks. To stop steel from rusting, especially in severe or humid settings, coatings like paint or galvanisation are required. For the structure to last a long time and maintain its structural integrity, this protective layer requires routine maintenance.
Steel&#;s thermal conductivity allows it to rapidly transmit heat, making it less energy efficient when not properly insulated. To address this, steel frame structures must have high-quality insulation to avoid heat loss or excessive heat absorption, which can increase overall building costs.
Steel-frame construction is precise, with many components manufactured off-site to exact specifications. While this enables quick assembly once the materials arrive on-site, it is less adaptable to changes during construction than a wood frame. Any alterations, such as trimming or welding, necessitate specialised labour and equipment, making adjustments time-consuming and expensive.
Although steel is far superior to timber in its fire resistant qualities, it may still require a topical intumescent paint finish in some instances to give increased protection against fire.
Using a steel frame for an office refurbishment project can yield a substantial return on investment. Not only does steel offer exceptional strength and durability, but it is also a sustainable, eco-friendly option that aligns with modern business values. Incorporating steel-frame construction into your project can be a powerful marketing asset, showcasing your commitment to sustainability and innovative, green business practices.
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Steel structures are ideal for creating modern, open-plan office spaces, offering endless design possibilities. For refurbishments or extensions, steel frames enable faster construction times compared to traditional building methods, helping you minimise disruptions to your operations. They also provide flexible, spacious work environments that enhance productivity and reinforce a strong, forward-thinking brand image. In the long run, steel-frame buildings offer significant savings on energy costs and repairs, making them a smart investment for your next office refurbishment project.
>> Contact us for a free estimate for an office refurbishment steel building
Steel Frame Office Extension FAQ
Prices for steel frame buildings vary, but in many cases they offer cost savings against traditional brick structures.
Steel-frame extensions generally offer cost savings against traditional build costs. They also have various advantages over standard brick additions, allowing for faster construction and open-floor plans with fewer support columns, enabling greater flexibility with internal layout. These structural advantages often make steel frames a better option than traditional brick extensions.
The construction of steel-frame extensions varies depending on the size of the project, complexity, weather and the site conditions. Compared to conventional brick additions, steel frame extensions can offer considerable time savings in construction, reducing project duration and overheads.Yes, steel-frame expansions can be tailored to match the architectural style of your current structure. There are a variety of architectural features, cladding materials and finishes that can be used to create a unity that complements the look of the existing structure.
Planning restrictions can limit the size of a steel-frame extension just as they would for more traditional extensions. However, steel frame extensions can be used for major construction projects facilitating buildings with large open span requirements, tall eave heights and complex shapes. This makes steel frame extensions ideal for maximising the available space to its full potential, no matter the shape of your plot.
Indeed. Numerous materials and techniques can be used to insulate steel-frame extensions and maintain consistent interior temperatures to comply with current building regulations and standards.
If not adequately protected, steel-frame extensions may be susceptible to rust and corrosion. To counteract this, contemporary steel coatings and treatments greatly reduce the chance of corrosion, increasing the longevity and robustness of the structure.
Pitched, flat and green roofs are all compatible with steel-frame expansions. The ideal roof configuration will be decided upon during the extension&#;s design, taking the weather, cost and aesthetics into account.
When designing steel-frame extensions, stability, load-bearing capacity, thermal efficiency, acoustics, natural lighting and aesthetics must all be carefully taken into account. Optimising your extension for both design and function can be achieved by working with our skilled architects and engineers.
>> Request a free estimate for a bespoke turnkey steel building
The construction industry is ever evolving, as people search for the best and most cost effective ways of constructing buildings. Steel has always been favoured in construction projects because of its versatility, strength and extreme durability. You can find steel being used in all areas of construction, but it comes into its own when used to create the structural components of buildings.
Today we are looking at one example: the steel frame office building. We hope to provide an insight into steel frame structures and whether they make a good foundation for an office building.
Steel framing is actually a term, and describes a technique employed by those in the construction industry. Steel framing involves combining steel columns and beams to create a skeleton frame that supports floors, walls, internal fixtures and furnishings as well as occupants. We usually associate the use of steel with the creation of large simple buildings such as warehouses, garages and agricultural buildings. More and more however, steel is being used in other types of development. These include schools, public buildings and, as this article suggests, offices.
As we outlined in the introduction, steel has a number of benefits which makes it an attractive material to construction developers. It is sustainable and very durable, so developers from all sectors are now looking to exploit it.
Not only is steel extremely strong, but it is more dense than timber or concrete alternatives. The superior strength of steel makes it durable, and able to withstand a number of conditions. For example, a pest infestation is unlikely to affect a steel structure like it would a timber structure. It is also highly resistant to fire. All of this combined makes steel a safe construction material that can be relied on.
One of the benefits of constructing a steel frame structure building is that parts of the building can be exposed, which in turn provides aesthetic value. Exposed steel has become increasingly popular in modern building designs. When coupled with an intumescent paint, exposed steel becomes a tough and striking visual feature within a building.
Steel is an attractive material to construction developers because of its sustainability. As a society, we are all moving in a direction in which we will be required to make sustainable choices. This will influence anything from construction material choices, to how we deal with and dispose of our waste. Steel follows this shift as it is one hundred percent recyclable, and, interestingly, does not see a dip in strength performance when it is recycled. It can be melted down and repurposed: retaining its quality.
As we have discussed, steel is durable and strong. As such, choosing to use steel to create the structure of your building will mean, in the long run, you will need to spend less on repairs and maintenance. Not only this, but insurance companies may lower their premiums for buildings constructed using steel. This is because of its ability to withstand a variety of conditions. By creating a steel frame structure building, you are likely to make savings in a number of ways.
Steel has a lot of longevity, so is a great material to use when constructing buildings. It is not susceptible to mould, it does not wrap or rot, it is not porous and it is resistant to damage from insects or pests. The same cannot be said for timber, for example. Although some sealing is needed to offer maximum protection against water and fire, it is a material that can be heavily relied on.
At the start of this article, we set out to determine whether a steel frame office building is a good idea. By this, we mean whether constructing an office building with a steel frame would offer a return on investment. We believe that steel is a great construction material, and provides a solid and reliable structure for buildings. Let us look at why, specifically, steel would be useful in the construction of an office building.
A lot of modern companies are aiming to be more sustainable, and are opting to make choices that are eco-friendly. As we know, steel is one hundred percent recyclable and retains its quality from project to project. A steel frame office building, therefore, may be in keeping with a modern company&#;s values.
Furthermore, some occupants of offices rely heavily on their brand image. This will, of course, differ from company to company: with some industries relying less on corporate image. Offices with areas of exposed steel may help boost the brand image of the occupant, and will be attractive to customers and prospective clients.
Aside from the specifics, steel is a material that is durable, able to withstand heavy loads (compared to other alternatives), is vulnerable to very little and has great longevity. Although a suitable choice of material for the construction of office buildings, it can be used in many areas of development with pleasing results.
The Kit Buildings family have years of collective experience in constructing steel buildings, which have been used for countless purposes. If you have a project that requires steel, or are interested in any of our industrial buildings, request a quote by clicking here!
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Managing Director