The Best Uses of Steel-Framed Buildings
Steel framed buildings have been a cornerstone of construction across the UK for decades.. They are strong, cost effective, quick to erect and incredibly versatile. They are used daily in agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors.
At Kit Buildings Direct, we have been manufacturing and supplying steel framed structures since 1974. In that time, we have seen these buildings used in just about every setting imaginable. Here is a look at some of the most popular and practical uses we come across.
Agricultural Storage and Farm Buildings
One of the most common uses for steel framed buildings in the UK is agricultural storage. Farmers need reliable, weatherproof structures to protect hay, grain, machinery and equipment from the elements, and steel frames deliver exactly that.
A steel framed hay barn, for example, gives you a wide clear span interior with no internal posts to get in the way. You can stack bales high and move machinery in and out without obstruction. Grain sheds benefit from the same open plan design, making loading and unloading far more straightforward.
For livestock housing, steel framed cattle buildings and livestock sheds provide a safe and comfortable environment for animals.
Key agricultural uses of steel framed buildings include:
- Hay barns and fodder storage
- Grain sheds and drying facilities
- Cattle housing and livestock sheds
- Horticultural structures
- Workshop and machinery storage buildings
- Poultry housing
Industrial and Commercial Buildings
Steel framed structures are the backbone of the industrial and commercial construction sector. When you need the ability to span wide distances without internal supports, nothing beats a steel portal frame.
Warehouses are perhaps the most obvious example. A modern steel framed warehouse can be designed to almost any footprint and fitted with roller shutter doors for vehicle access. From small local storage units to large distribution centres, the same structural principles apply.
Manufacturing facilities benefit from the rigidity and strength of a steel frame, which can support overhead gantries, mezzanine floors and heavy plant equipment. If your business grows and you need to extend, steel framed buildings are far easier to modify or add to than traditional brick and block construction.
Commercial uses also extend to retail units, trade counters, garages and workshops. A well designed steel commercial building can be clad and finished to a very high standard, making it a presentable space for customers as well as staff.
Common industrial and commercial applications of steel-framed buildings include:
- Warehouse and distribution storage
- Manufacturing and production facilities
- Vehicle storage buildings
- Heavy duty industrial buildings
- Retail and trade counter premises
Equestrian Buildings
The equestrian world has taken to steel framed buildings as horse owners need buildings that are durable, spacious and safe. Steel ticks all of those boxes without demanding constant upkeep.
American barns are hugely popular in the UK equestrian sector. These buildings typically have a central walkway with stables running off either side, an internal tack room and hay storage built into the same structure. Because the whole thing sits under one roof with a steel frame, you get a secure and well organised facility that horses and riders alike can make good use of throughout the year.
Horse arenas are another area where steel frame buildings are popular. A covered riding arena needs to span a very wide distance without obstruction, and portal steel frames are designed precisely for that kind of clear span requirement. Riders can train in any weather, and the investment pays off quickly when you consider how much time is lost to wet and muddy conditions in a typical British winter.
Aircraft Hangars
Aircraft storage is a specialist requirement, but steel framed hangars are the best fit. The key requirement for any hangar is a very wide clear span opening with a high eave height, and modern steel fabrication makes this straightforward to achieve.
A steel hangar gives you full protection from the elements, the space to carry out routine maintenance and the security that comes with a properly enclosed and lockable structure.
Steel-Framed Buildings at Kit Buildings Direct
At Kit Buildings Direct, we have been supplying and installing steel framed buildings across the UK since 1974. As a family run business based in Derbyshire, we pride ourselves on giving every customer personal attention and honest advice.
Whether you need a hay barn, a warehouse, a riding arena or an aircraft hangar, we can design and fabricate a building that fits your requirements and your budget.
We supply to customers throughout the whole of the UK. Our buildings are available either in kit form for self assembly or fully erected by our experienced installation team.
To find out more or to request a free no obligation quote, get in touch with the team today.
