How to Maximise Space in a Steel Framed Building
Steel-framed buildings give you plenty of flexibility when it comes to making the most of the space inside. Before the building is made, some choices must be made about how to use an open floor plan for storage, machinery, vehicles, offices, and more. Here are a few ways to maximise the space in a steel-framed building, including planning for features such as mezzanine floors, internal partitions and door positions.
What Makes a Steel Portal Frame So Space-Efficient?
A steel portal frame supports the roof and walls without the need for internal columns. This creates a large, open floor space that can be used more freely, giving you more flexibility when planning how the building will be used.
- Racking, machinery and vehicles can sit anywhere across the floor, not just between columns
- The layout can change later without structural work, since nothing internal carries load
- Wide bays give forklifts and vehicles room to turn without tight corners
We design and manufacture industrial buildings around this open floor plan, which is practical for logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, workshops, vehicle storage and agricultural use.
Eaves Height Can Increase Storage Space
Eaves height sets how much vertical space you have above the floor. Increasing the height of a building can create more storage capacity without increasing its footprint.
- An extra metre of eaves height can add a full level of pallet racking.
- Taller doors and clear eaves give forklifts with extended masts room to lift safely.
- Height left in reserve now makes it easier to add a mezzanine floor later.
Storage buildings and warehouse buildings benefit most from this addition, helping businesses make better use of the space available.
A Mezzanine Floor Can Create More Usable Space
A mezzanine floor gives you another level within the existing building, making use of the height already available. It can be used for offices, storage or staff areas, helping keep the main floor free for day-to-day operations.
- Offices or a trade counter above the main working area.
- Additional storage without taking up valuable floor space.
- Working areas away from the main workspace.
Mezzanine floors are a popular addition to our steel commercial buildings, particularly where businesses need to combine workspace, offices and storage within the same building.
Internal Partitions Divide the Building into Separate Working Areas
Internal partitions help turn one large open space into separate working areas. You could create an office or reception area away from the main workspace, add a secure storage area or divide the building for different parts of the business. We can supply an internal partition to create that split.
- Separate an office or reception area from the main workspace.
- Create a secure storage area
- Divide the building between different activities.
Sliding Doors Can Free Up More Space
Sliding doors open along the side of the building rather than swinging in or out. This leaves the area around the entrance clear, which can be useful where space is limited.
- No door swing taking up space around the opening.
- Wide access for vehicles without needing extra clearance for hinged doors.
- Personnel doors can be positioned separately from loading areas.
We manufacture sliding doors for our steel-framed buildings, with the door size and position planned around how you need to access and use the space.
Make the Most of Your Steel-Framed Building
Getting the most out of a steel-framed building starts with the planning. Eaves height, access, internal layouts and future requirements can all affect how much usable space you have once the building is complete.
At Kit Buildings Direct, our steelwork is manufactured in the UK, and we work with customers across the UK on industrial, agricultural, commercial and other steel building projects. We can also discuss your requirements before the building is manufactured, helping you plan a structure around how the space will be used.
Get in touch for a free quote and talk through what you need the space to do, and we’ll help you plan a layout that fits.
