Steel Market Report

Metal buildings have become increasingly popular in the construction industry due to their durability, cost efficiency, and versatility. Understanding the various types and classifications of metal building construction is crucial for architects, builders, and anyone interested in this innovative approach to construction. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the classification of most metal buildings, delve into the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 construction, discuss the three main types of metal construction, and provide a real world example of Type 3 construction. 

Classifications of Metal Buildings 

Question 1: What classification do most metal buildings fall under? 

Most metal buildings fall under the classification of non-combustible construction. This means that the primary structural elements, such as columns and beams, are made of non-combustible materials, typically steel. Non combustible construction is known for its fire-resistant properties, making it a safe and reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

Type 1 and Type 2 Construction 

Question 2: What is Type 1 and Type 2 construction? 

Type 1 and Type 2 constructions are classifications used to describe the level of fire resistance in a building’s structural elements. 

Type 1 Construction: This classification is known as “fire-resistive” construction. It involves materials that can withstand extreme heat and fire for an extended period. Type 1 construction is often used in high-rise buildings and other structures where fire safety is paramount. The primary structural components are typically made of concrete or steel, providing exceptional fire resistance. 

EcoSteel Construction: CUSTOM STEEL BUILDING: FIRE REBUILD- Santa Rosa, CA

Type 2 Construction: Type 2 construction is categorized as “non-combustible.” While it offers a high level of fire resistance, it does not reach the same level as Type 1. In Type 2 construction, the structural elements are typically made of non-combustible materials like concrete or steel, but they may not provide the same extended fire resistance as Type 1 construction. This classification is commonly found in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and some commercial buildings. 

Types of Metal Construction Question 3: What are the 3 types of metal construction? 

Metal construction can be categorized into three main types, each offering unique advantages and suitable for different applications: 

1. Light-Gauge Steel Framing: 

Light-gauge steel framing involves the use of thin steel sheets that are cold-formed into C or U-shaped sections. These sections are lightweight but incredibly strong. Light-gauge steel is often used in residential and commercial buildings, as well as in interior partitions and non-load-bearing walls.

2. Structural Steel Framing: 

Structural steel framing is a robust and versatile option commonly used in larger commercial and industrial buildings. It consists of hot-rolled steel sections like beams and columns, offering exceptional strength and durability. Structural steel allows for wide-span construction, making it ideal for large warehouses, arenas, and skyscrapers. 

3. Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs): 

Pre-engineered metal buildings are a cost-effective and efficient choice for various applications, including warehouses, storage facilities, and agricultural structures. These buildings are pre-designed and fabricated off site and then assembled on the construction site. PEMBs are known for their quick construction times and customizable designs.

Question 4: What is an example of a Type 3 construction? One real-world example of Type 3 construction with metal elements is the link. 

This article highlights how metal building construction is playing a vital role in combating wildfires. By utilizing non-combustible materials such as steel, metal buildings provide a safe haven in wildfire-prone areas. The resilience of metal structures is crucial in protecting lives and property when facing the destructive force of wildfires. 

Frequently Asked Questions:  

1. What is a metal building? 

A metal building is a structure primarily constructed using steel or other metal materials for its main support and framework. These buildings are known for their durability, cost-efficiency, and versatility. 

2. What types of projects are suitable for metal building construction? 

Metal buildings are suitable for a wide range of projects, including warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings, retail spaces, offices, schools, airplane hangars, and more. 

3. What are the benefits of using metal in construction? 

Metal offers benefits such as high strength-to-weight ratio, fire resistance, termite resistance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. It’s also cost-effective and allows for faster construction. 

4. What is the classification of most metal buildings? 

Most metal buildings fall under the classification of non-combustible construction. This means the primary structural elements are made of non-combustible materials like steel, providing fire resistance. 

5. What are Type 1 and Type 2 construction in metal building terms? 

Type 1 construction is fire-resistive, typically using concrete or steel for the primary structural elements. Type 2 construction is non-combustible and uses materials like concrete or steel but may not offer the same extended fire resistance.

6. What are the three main types of metal construction? 

The three main types of metal construction are light-gauge steel framing, structural steel framing, and pre engineered metal buildings (PEMBs). Each type has unique applications and advantages. 

7. What are the advantages of light-gauge steel framing? 

Light-gauge steel framing is lightweight, strong, and often used in residential and commercial buildings. It’s suitable for interior partitions and non-load-bearing walls. 

8. What are the advantages of structural steel framing? 

Structural steel framing provides exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for large commercial and industrial buildings. It allows for wide-span construction and flexibility in design. 

9. What are pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs)? 

PEMBs are buildings pre-designed and fabricated off-site, then assembled on-site. They are known for their cost-effectiveness, quick construction, and customizable designs.

10. How does metal building construction help combat wildfires? 

– Metal buildings with non-combustible materials like steel offer a safe haven in wildfire-prone areas. They are resilient and can protect lives and property from wildfires. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, understanding the types and classifications of metal building construction is essential for making informed decisions in construction projects. Whether you’re designing a high-rise building, a warehouse, or an agricultural facility, the choice of construction type can significantly impact safety, durability, and cost effectiveness. With metal construction, you have a wide range of options to choose from, each tailored to specific needs and applications. As the construction industry continues to evolve, metal building construction remains at the forefront, offering innovative solutions that meet the demands of modern architecture and engineering. 

What is a High–Performance Building? 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable construction, the term “high-performance building” has gained substantial recognition. These buildings are not just bricks and mortar; they represent a paradigm shift in the way we approach construction, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. In this article, we will explore what high-performance buildings are, what sets them apart, and why they matter in today’s world. 

Defining High–Performance Buildings 

A high-performance building is more than just a structure; it is an embodiment of innovation and sustainability. These buildings are meticulously designed, constructed, and operated to maximize energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance occupant well-being. 

What Makes a Building High Performance? 

Several key factors contribute to the high-performance designation of a building: 

Energy Efficiency: High-performance buildings are exceptionally energy-efficient. They employ advanced insulation, lighting, and HVAC systems to minimize energy consumption, ultimately reducing operational costs. 

Sustainable Materials: 

In the realm of sustainable architecture, the conscientious sourcing of materials and the adoption of eco friendly construction practices form the cornerstone of responsible building design. These sustainable structures place a paramount emphasis on the utilization of environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques. This commitment to sustainability not only helps conserve valuable natural resources but also contributes to the overall well-being of our planet by reducing the carbon footprint associated with the construction industry. 

Indoor Air Quality: High-performance buildings focus on occupant health and comfort. They incorporate advanced ventilation systems and use materials that minimize indoor air pollutants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. 

Advanced Technologies: Smart building technologies play a crucial role. These systems allow buildings to adapt to changing conditions, optimizing energy use and occupant comfort. 

Real–World Examples 

To better understand the concept of high-performance buildings, let’s explore a notable example: The Edge, Amsterdam.

One of the most iconic high-performance buildings is “The Edge” located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This office building is renowned for its sustainable design and energy-efficient features. Here are some highlights: 

Solar Power: The Edge generates a significant portion of its electricity from rooftop solar panels, reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources. 

Smart Lighting: The building uses a sophisticated lighting system that adjusts to natural light conditions and occupancy, optimizing energy use. 

Green Building Certification: The Edge achieved the highest BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating ever recorded, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.

The Importance of High–Performance Buildings 

High-performance buildings are not just a trend; they are a necessity. Here’s why they matter: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability 

In an era of climate change and rising energy costs, energy efficiency is paramount. High-performance buildings significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to reduced carbon emissions and long-term cost savings. 

Enhanced Comfort and Productivity 

Occupants of high-performance buildings experience a level of comfort and productivity that is unparalleled. From temperature control to natural light optimization, these buildings are designed with the occupant’s needs in mind, ultimately fostering a more productive work environment. 

Environmental Responsibility 

High-performance buildings are part of a broader commitment to environmental responsibility. They contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

The Future of High–Performance Buildings 

As technology advances and sustainability becomes increasingly important, the future of high-performance buildings looks promising. Here’s what we can expect: 

Technological Advancements 

Continued advancements in technology will drive the development of even more efficient and sustainable high-performance buildings. These innovations will include smarter building systems, improved energy storage solutions, and enhanced automation. 

Evolving Sustainability Standards 

As sustainability continues to be a global priority, we can anticipate evolving standards and regulations that will further promote high-performance building practices. Governments and organizations worldwide are likely to incentivize and require higher levels of sustainability in construction. 

In conclusion, high-performance buildings are not just a construction trend; they represent a fundamental shift towards sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible structures. With innovations in technology and a growing commitment to sustainability, the future of high-performance buildings is poised to make a significant impact on our world. 

For further insights into sustainable construction and energy-efficient systems, you can explore articles on NetZero Buildings.

EcoSteel’s philosophy is to deliver a project that is more than just a steel structure, but an innovative concept for the future. We don’t believe in providing something off the shelf and expecting that it meets your needs. We work with you to engineer unique custom solutions tailored to fit goals, budgets, and timelines.

It’s nearly inevitable that a project requiring a metal building system will end up on the desk of an architect at some point in their life. Often, they are intimidated by the project because of their unfamiliarity.  Architects do not have curriculum related to metal buildings in their degree programs. Methods and materials are the closest subject, to learn more about the best materials to use just click here.  EcoSteel building systems provide unique solutions for architects and they come with extensive advantages. 

Having sturdy industrial shelving is one of the best ways to keep up with the everyday demands of your warehouse operations.

Leverage EcoSteel

Flexibility and customization; long-span, column-free spaces; speed of erection; and efficiency of the structure. Those advantages seem to be a common misunderstanding of metal building systems: that they are off-the-shelf solutions. In other words, the architect needs to design a one-story brew pub and puts in an order to a manufacturer who digs into its inventory and delivers the brew pub—with options of course. Pre-engineered buildings are not a product that is just sitting on a shelf.  EcoSteel buildings are completely custom and made for each project. Our buildings are custom solutions, and are ideal for anything from the simplest of structures to the most complex of designs. Metal buildings aren’t relegated to simple boxes anymore—they are versatile systems capable of the additions of stone, glass and architectural elements that make them suitable for high-end retail and office spaces. They are completely customizable to meet the requirements of any market. 

Because of these reasons, in recent years, architects have embraced metal buildings and they are more widely accepted. There is no ideal situation for a metal building because they are so versatile, but they serve extremely well for buildings with large open space requirements. 

Evolution

We understand that Architects need support every step of the way of their design project, from idea to implementation. We can help you with all stages of the process, from your initial conversation through to detailing & construction documents. Our teams, which may have come from the top christian engineering colleges, have strong expertise in engineering and design, so we can solve those problems along the way sharing our 3D Revit and AutoCad models.

Our understanding of the versatility of metal building systems has evolved over the last 10 years as metal building systems have become more customized solutions. As the construction industry has grown more sophisticated, so have pre-engineered metal buildings. EcoSteel has evolved to meet industry demands by adopting advanced tools, practices and products. Because of their capability to supply building solutions for all markets, from retail to warehouse, to distribution and manufacturing, the market for metal buildings has never been better. 

Overall size of metal buildings has increased because of advancements in engineering. The ability to have large clear spans has allowed metal buildings to expand into markets such as recreation and aviation, where structures must not be inhibited by interior columns. Engineering tools, aesthetic enhancements, products and design advancements have all contributed to a more complex and modern metal building industry.

Design Sense

It is that design sense that has also evolved with metal buildings. More often than not, metal buildings that win awards are chosen because they express themselves as metal buildings. They don’t hide what they are. 

As EcoSteel buildings have become more sophisticated in their design, they have ironically become more like metal buildings. Our architect partners try to express its lightness and to be honest and authentic with it. There are many ways to customize it without creating too much complexity. EcoSteel has refined metal building systems to a point where they’re economical, efficient and often truly beautiful. They really just capture all the different aspects of what a building should be.

San Francisco, like a number of major urban areas across the country, faces a serious and growing homeless crisis. Precisely 8,035 homeless people were counted during a 2019 “point-in-time” street and shelter count. This represented an increase of more than 14 percent from a similar count of the city’s homeless in 2017.

This situation calls for more shelters for unhoused San Franciscans. Those shelters must be constructed affordably and quickly, and must feature quality construction. For all those reasons, the natural choice for the city’s newest shelter was EcoSteel.

The Bayview Safe Navigation Center, located at 1925 Evans Ave. in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, is owned by the city and county of San Francisco. A navigation center differs from a homeless shelter in that it is a short-term stay center, says Baris Lostuvalli, the Pankow Builders project executive. The name refers to helping people try to navigate life. Those entering the center can bring in their three Ps: Pets, partner and possessions. And they can stay up to three months, Lostuvalli says.

This center is operated and managed by the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH). The department works through San Francisco Public Works to design and construct capital projects, reports Rachel Alonso, owner’s representative and project manager for the San Francisco Department of Public Works.

Officially unveiled in February, the one-story Bayview Safe Navigation Center measures almost 25,000 square feet in size. It is designed to accommodate 203 unhoused individuals at any one time. But due to current COVID-19 social distancing protocols, the shelter will initially limit occupancy to 115 people. The building of the center is one component of a larger initiative announced in 2019 by San Francisco Mayor London Breed. That plan called for the creation of 1,000 new shelter beds by end of 2020.

Prior to the shelter’s construction, the site on which it was built served as a surface parking lot within a highly industrial city neighborhood. The owner, the California Department of Transportation, also known as CalTrans, had leased it to a private company, which used the land parcel to provide prearranged private parking

Challenges aplenty

The building of the navigation center required the construction team to overcome several challenges. Not the least of those hurdles was meeting the expedited schedule and tight budget parameters imposed on such projects by the city, Alonso says.

“Site conditions were also very challenging,” she adds. “The poor quality of the soil forced us to be creative with the foundation of the site. Failing to be creative would accelerate sinking of the structure. There was also minimal electrical infrastructure in place, which meant we had to trench all the way a block up Evans Ave., and half a block down Toland St. to connect our building to a power pole.”

From the perspective of EcoSteel founder Joss Hudson, the biggest hurdle presented by the project was creating an attractive-looking building that at its core had to ultimately be utilitarian in nature. “We had a very low budget, a high demand and it had to be completed quickly,” he remembers. “The challenge was creating a low-cost, attractive building that could provide decades of use and be delivered quickly.”

“The challenge was creating a low-cost, attractive building that could provide decades of use and be delivered quickly.”

Two other obstacles appeared somewhat at odds with one another. Because it would be part of an industrial zone, it had to fit that aesthetic. However, that location placed the building within a couple hundred feet of a major highway overpass, which happened to be an overpass under which homeless people lived. That necessitated sound deadening building materials. The panelized construction, featuring insulated roof and wall panels, allowed the building to mitigate overhead traffic sounds, Hudson explains.

Benefits of steel

Especially when compared to new construction, steel construction from EcoSteel “was definitely at the right price point,” Alonso says. “And we were able to erect the building quickly. The panels and frame could be fabricated while the site work was going on and we were building the foundation, which allowed the schedule to be expedited.”

“was definitely at the right price point,” Alonso says. “And we were able to erect the building quickly.

Alonso adds the EcoSteel structure is very durable and provides a level of quality, she says, that “you don’t always see in earlier shelter construction. It doesn’t seem like it will fall apart or deteriorate. The building will take a lot of wear and tear, so it was important we built a shelter that would withstand that kind of wear and tear.”

Lostuvalli was also highly impressed with the benefits. “EcoSteel provided something really interesting, which was the pre-engineered system,” he says. “We didn’t have to reinvent the wheel; it was ready to go. Having a partner like EcoSteel allowed us to go fast. Because EcoSteel provided both the structural steel and the exterior cladding system, we were able to finalize a very big percentage of the building with one vendor. Most steel systems provide just the structure. EcoSteel provides both, a big plus.”

Another key participant, architect Mike Bullman, also liked that aspect of the work. “It was a benefit to have EcoSteel handle the structure and envelope,” says Bullman, AIA, an associate in the firm of Charles F. Bloszies in San Francisco. “It’s about making something simple and nice looking, but also conserving cost and time . . . EcoSteel handled all the details, which benefitted the schedule.”

EcoSteel handled all the details, which benefitted the schedule.”

Matching solution

Lostuvalli reports he “would absolutely recommend EcoSteel,” and is actually doing so as he begins work on a future project. “EcoSteel is a completely integrated steel-and- skin solution,” he adds. “You don’t have to get steel from one side and skin from another side, and then find they don’t match. These do match because you get them from one vendor. All those coordination problems you have in other buildings? We didn’t have that here. That’s a big gain. And the EcoSteel solution is very price competitive. 

“Let me put it this way. For us, it was an optimal solution, one that optimized the cost-effectiveness, schedule and performance. That was EcoSteel.”

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

EcoSteel saves effort, time and money, and delivers a more sustainable solution

Architects who have worked with many different kinds of building materials have learned steel buildings offer unique benefits. Because the structural elements and panels are pre-formed in factories, steel buildings go together quickly. That saves on construction waste, as well as wasted time and money. Steel is impervious to termites and rot and withstands hurricanes and wind storms much better than other materials. Steel carries a significantly smaller carbon footprint than wood or concrete. And it’s adaptable to almost any design.

A case in point was Tattuplex, a custom home designed by Tom Marble of Los Angeles-based firm Tom Marble Architecture. The home is in the Silver Lake neighborhood of L.A., in a ring of hills encircling a lake that once served as a reservoir, overlooking the backdrop of the legendary Griffith Observatory and iconic Hollywood sign. Most of Silver Lake is zoned R2, permitting the building of two units. That allowed the homeowner to specify an 1,100-square foot dwelling for himself, with a 600-square-foot apartment upstairs.

We started the design process in 2009,” Marble recalled. “Soon after, we attended Dwell on Design, a convention for the magazine Dwell, showing all the latest on materials, methods and manufacturers. The client was immediately drawn to EcoSteel. 

“One thing that bothered him about conventional construction was scrap wood waste. But with EcoSteel, the final design files were used to cut the steel members, which were then shipped to the site and assembled, almost like an erector set, thereby eliminating construction waste.

The client didn’t want a simple box. He came to me with a circle, and little semi-circles off it. Over time, I proposed a design that was based on hexagons and equilateral triangles. EcoSteel was involved from design development all the way through construction. When we presented our equilateral design to EcoSteel, they attempted to build a model of the structure using a conventional two-axis orthogonal grid, which didn’t really work. The window walls on each floor were slightly offset. “We realized that with our equilateral triangle design, we actually needed a 3-axis 60-degree grid.

EcoSteel was able to accommodate this, which resolved all the alignment issues, simplified the volumes and made future assembly proceed much more smoothly.”

Exploring a new methodology is always exciting, Marble said. “EcoSteel is a can-do company,” he added. “Joss Hudson, its founder and CEO, was not daunted by the challenge of the Tattuplex. He never said, ‘This is crazy, we can’t do this.’ He embraced it.”

When the building materials arrived on site, the assembly was essentially self-explanatory for the contractor. When he had questions, EcoSteel was always available for guidance. Because this was a one-off project with no right angles, a learning curve was required for both the contractor and EcoSteel. “Eventually, everything got figured out, and the result was far beyond what even the client expected,” Marble said. “It was a good collaboration – a successful ‘architectural fermentation’ between the client, Tim Tattu, me as the architect, EcoSteel as the fabricator and Ken Stack as the contractor.”

The house was profiled in the Los Angeles Times, The Architects newspaper, HGTV.com, CNN.com and Dwell.com. In 2016 the Tattuplex captured an AIA Los Angeles Residential Architecture Award for Excellence in Architectural Design – Multifamily Residential.’

Miami showplace

On the opposite side of the country, another steel home showcased the sustainable nature of steel, as well as its outstanding design potential. When preparing to design and build his own Miami home, David Rifkind, a Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab faculty fellow, and associate professor of architecture at Florida International University in Miami, sought to construct the most ecologically responsible dwelling possible. 

There are two ways to mitigate a structure’s carbon footprint, one during construction and another during operations of the completed building, he explained. 

“The operational part is relatively easy, because if the building is well insulated you can mitigate the heat gain, and if it’s well oriented, without big glass openings toward the sun, you greatly reduce the carbon footprint,” he said. “The harder thing is to mitigate the carbon footprint of the construction phase of the project. Embodied energy is the energy involved in producing the building, everything from the energy used in producing the materials to having them shipped to the site to having them put in place. The benefit of steel is the majority of steel used in construction is recycled, so it has a much smaller carbon footprint than concrete. In South Florida, wood is problematic. We didn’t even look at dimensional lumber seriously because of its susceptibility to termite damage, its tendency to rot and the fact wood is the least effective material in a hurricane zone.”

Steel provided great design freedom, permitting Rifkind’s home to be organized in two primary open spaces. EcoSteel made the process of designing the home relatively easy. The shell was designed for optimal livability, with EcoSteel translating the design into a steel structure enclosed with steel panels. 

“What I really liked about EcoSteel was how eager they were to explore particular construction details with us,” Rifkind said. “We were doing something unusual. We were going to leave the steel panels exposed inside the home. They were very willing to develop the best possible details for making that home buildable.”

Because the interior is finished with drywall and wood trim, the way windows are typically inserted into a steel frame is with shim wood pieces. Rifkind did not want that approach. “EcoSteel was willing to work with us to get a precise fit of the windows, in a way that shows off the precision of the steel frame,” he remembered. “You feel like you’re in a steel building, but you begin to realize how warm and homey a steel building can be.”

Rifkind believes enlisting EcoSteel in a project is “a fantastic way” for architects unfamiliar with steel construction to begin working with steel. “They are very good at translating any kind of design into a steel building complete with roof and wood panels,” he said of EcoSteel. “They’re very good at that. One reason people would hesitate to deal with steel is [concern] the structure would be beyond their understanding. It’s after all a whole new type of construction and that can be daunting. EcoSteel encourages you to design as freely as you want. And they are able to translate that into a steel structure.”

Rifkind also liked EcoSteel’s accessibility throughout the process for consultations.

“What I would tell other architects is as you move more and more toward sustainable design practices, consider the way steel construction can reduce the embodied energy in a project and can speed the process of construction. Prefabrication like the kind EcoSteel uses reduces the amount of waste on site enormously. 

“We didn’t even need a dumpster until late.”

Structure and envelope

San Francisco’s well-chronicled homeless problem presented an opportunity for EcoSteel to display its innovative design capabilities in the creation of a 200-bed shelter serving homeless people. The Bayview Safe Navigation Center, in the city’s Bayview enclave, is a one-story, 25,000-square-foot structure with five dormitories, dining, bathrooms, showers, support space, offices and a central courtyard for outside relaxation. 

Mike Bullman, AIA, associate with Charles F. Bloszies, FAIA, reported his firm’s role was to design the building interior and coordinate the foundation with the actual structure. “It was a benefit to have EcoSteel handle the structure and envelope,” Bullman said.

“It was all about making it simple and nice-looking, but conserve cost and time . . . EcoSteel handled the envelope as well as the structure. They handled all the details, which benefitted the schedule.

They’re all very friendly, good communicators and good people to work with. I handled some of the coordination with them, as far as getting the foundation in place and getting the doors set exactly where they had to go. It was nice to have the envelope and structure details all taken care of by EcoSteel.” The center is slated to open and be operational in February, after which folks needing shelter will discover just how comfortable and inviting steel buildings can be.