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The Definitive Guide to Metal Building Construction: Types and Classifications

Caroline Stenze · September 28, 2023 ·

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?

dscott@ecosteel.com · September 25, 2023 ·

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.

Steel Buildings VS Concrete Tilt Up

dscott@ecosteel.com · September 6, 2023 ·

As it’s 100% recyclable, steel is a much more eco-friendly material than concrete. Lots of recyclable metal is sourced from demolishing old steel structures. This reduces the burden on the raw material mining industry and results in a manufacturing process that has a smaller environmental footprint. In the US, the long-span metal beams used in new steel buildings are made from around 95% recycled material. Thanks to the recyclability of steel, contractors can also benefit from LEED points. The owners of a metal building also get the opportunity to obtain a LEED certification. They can do this by utilizing energy-saving strategies that impact the complete cycle of a project, starting from eco-friendly construction practices right until the end of the project’s useful life. Effective strategies include opting for “greener” construction methods, materials, and an array of other criteria, including considerations like efficient drain cleaning systems. All of these will earn the project owner points towards their LEED certification.

Time and Cost Savings

Pre-fabricated steel building kits are procured in an almost-complete form and can be assembled as soon as they arrive on the construction site. Furthermore, a metal structure can be erected regardless of whether the temperature is hot or cold. Concrete, on the other hand, requires warmer temperatures as it needs to be hoarded and heated. Tilt-up concrete also involves precise and accurate mixing of a wide variety of materials. This is a process which can consume a significant amount of time.

On average, the assembly and erection of a steel structure take about 33% less time compared to other construction methods. The installation costs of steel wall panel systems are generally on par with EIFs and synthetic stuccos, and considerably less than the ones in tilt-up concrete. This is because steel wall panel systems can be installed much faster than other systems, thereby resulting in significant time and labor-cost savings.

Furthermore, builders who opt for tilt-up concrete construction run the risk of facing delays caused by the shortage or lack of availability of key concrete-making materials such as cement. A variety of factors such as import policies and shipping rates can affect the availability and prices of cement.

On Site Work

Steel arrives on site ready to be used whereas concrete has to be prepared on-site, a process which can face potential delays because of adverse weather conditions.

Defining Tilt-Up Construction

Tilt-up construction involves the walls of a structure being horizontally cast on the ground before they are lifted and fixed to a pre-constructed foundation slab or edge beam. To ensure that the structure is stable and weather-proof, the adjacent units are connected together. In case there are issues with the foundation, it’s crucial to have them inspected and repaired by a foundation repair company to maintain the structural integrity of the building.

Elevating Building Efficiency and Comfort in an Ever-Warming World

dscott@ecosteel.com · August 2, 2023 ·

At EcoSteel, our mission is to create sustainable and energy-efficient spaces while complying with stringent building codes and regulations. With temperatures consistently on the rise, and the need for energy-efficient solutions becoming more apparent, the demand for innovative insulation products has never been greater. In this blog post, we will explore how insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer an unmatched solution for continuous insulation, minimal thermal bridging, and surpassing current code regulations, making them a preferred choice for architects striving to design eco-friendly buildings.

Recent years have witnessed increasing temperatures worldwide, with this year being particularly warm. Such extreme weather events have put considerable strain on our infrastructure, underlining the urgency to adopt resilient building practices. As a response to these challenges, building codes are becoming more stringent to address the impact of these rising temperatures. As architects, we must proactively seek innovative building materials like insulated metal panels to meet these evolving demands.

Continuous Insulation: The Key to Energy Efficiency

Continuous insulation is a crucial element in minimizing energy loss and ensuring stable indoor temperatures. Conventional building methods often employ multiple layers of insulation materials, leading to potential thermal bridging and energy inefficiency. IMPs, on the other hand, feature a continuous insulating core that creates an uninterrupted barrier, dramatically reducing thermal transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.

The outstanding insulating properties of IMPs maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This results in reduced energy consumption, benefiting both the environment and the occupants’ pocketbooks. As we strive for energy-efficient buildings, insulated metal panels are an ideal choice to achieve continuous insulation while adhering to increasingly strict code regulations.

Minimal Thermal Bridging for Enhanced Comfort

Thermal bridging occurs when materials with low insulation values create pathways for heat to escape or enter a building, leading to uncomfortable temperature variations for occupants. IMPs are engineered to minimize thermal bridging, thanks to their continuous insulation core and interlocking joints, creating a virtually airtight building envelope.

By effectively retaining heat during colder months and repelling it during warmer periods, insulated metal panels enhance indoor comfort and reduce the dependency on HVAC systems. The result is a more pleasant environment for occupants and a substantial reduction in energy consumption, promoting sustainable building practices.

Exceeding Current Code Regulations

As architects, we must design buildings that not only comply with existing code regulations but also anticipate future changes in the industry. Insulated metal panels go beyond meeting code requirements; they exceed current standards for energy efficiency, thermal performance, and sustainability.

The impressive R-value of IMPs (a measure of thermal resistance) far surpasses conventional insulation materials, making them a preferred choice for architects aiming to achieve heightened energy performance and meet or exceed the most stringent building codes. Using IMPs allows architects to contribute to a greener, more sustainable built environment while enhancing the overall performance of the structure.

In addition to their exceptional insulating properties, insulated metal panels offer architects an array of design possibilities. Available in various colors, textures, and profiles, IMPs provide aesthetic flexibility without compromising energy efficiency. This versatility allows architects to achieve their desired design while ensuring the building’s performance remains at the forefront.

We are responsible for embracing solutions that address the demands of an ever-warming world. Insulated metal panels emerge as a superior insulation product, offering continuous insulation, minimal thermal bridging, and the capacity to exceed current code regulations. With temperatures rising, and building codes becoming stricter, IMPs present a sustainable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing option for architects seeking to create buildings that can withstand the challenges of an ever-warming world.

By adopting insulated metal panels, architects can take a significant step toward designing resilient and energy-efficient structures that will endure the changing climate while providing occupants with optimal comfort and reduced energy costs. Let us seize this opportunity to lead the way in sustainable architecture and pave the path to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

3rd Time Is Charmed

News Source · January 27, 2023 ·

In its third iteration, a small manufacturing building lets the light in.

In the late-1940s and early-1950s, a light suburban industrial area near Chicago’s O’Hare airport was developed and was dominated by masonry buildings. They tended to have low ceiling heights and had become old and obsolete. When the ceiling failed in one of those buildings, the previous owner constructed a metal building system over it like a tent, leavingthe lower walls in place. By 2019, though, that renovated building had fallen into disrepair.

Enter EJ Basler Co., a manufacturer of precision machined parts for the medical, automotive, plumbing, defense and other industries, which owned the facility next door. Instead of tearing down the old building, it called on Amstadter Architects. “The steel building had rigid bends with bar joists and splayed beams to create the trusses, covered with light-gauge metal siding,” says Marc Amstadter, principal at the Chicago-based firm. “The old roof had been torn off and you looked up through the old building into this building. If you can imagine someone plopping a steel building on top of and enveloping an old masonry building, that’s what it was.”

A RENOVATED RENOVATION

Since the steel structure was in good shape, Amstadter’s solution was to redo the metal building system, adding new cladding with insulated metal panels (IMPs). Both the metal building system and the IMPs were supplied by Ecosteel, Laguna Niguel, Calif., but the IMPs were manufactured by All Weather Insulated Panels, Vacaville, Calif.

That renovation caught the eyes of the Metal Architecture Design Award judges, and they honored the project with the award in the Renovation and Retrofit category. To determine the equipment used in the renovation, you can check that out here. Throughout the review, whenever a metal building system was discussed, the judges expressed the most enthusiasm for those projects that showed the metal building system as its own style, rather than a disguise of that style. The renovation of the EJ Basler facility definitely leaned into the idea of a metal building system. Award judge Mark Roddy, FAIA, says, “Looking at it from a systems perspective, the metal building system remained. It has new roofing, new skin. But the integrity of that system maintains.”

“Very frequently this is a project that architects have to deal with,” says Lee Calisti. “This is going to show up on my desk more than others might, and this project gives hope to the other ones out there that get skipped over or ignored. They took what was there and transformed the material.”

MORE THAN A RESKIN

The project did more than just reinforce and reskin an existing metal building. While the frame was in good condition, workers needed to replace girts and purlins. “All the cold-formed stuff needed replacing,” says Amstadter. “And it had to be reinforced against the wind. We couldn’t get enough diaphragm action out of the sandwich panels, so we had to add to the structure.”

The team poured a new slab over the existing slab of the 32,000-square-foot building and built an addition to the back to connect the building to EJ Basler’s existing production facility next door. It is also a metal building but on a different height, so the addition needed to be ramped to make theconnection.

A VIBRANT, EFFICIENT INTERIOR

The large clear spans (120 feet across) allowed for considerable flexibility in designing the shop floor and presented a freer movement of materials. Clerestory windows on the east and west walls provide plenty of natural light and the entire interior is painted white, giving it a fresh, clean, vibrant look. Amstadter points out that the lighting is set to 80% down. Pardörr pris på pardörrar, köp din pardörr av Naturfönster

The large curtain wall lets in the north-facing light, but EJ Basler also wanted it for marketing purposes. The company wanted its modern equipment to be visible from the street, showcasing its capabilities.

EJ Basler is part of the re-shoring of American manufacturing and has seen considerable growth over the last few years. Currently, it runs two to three shifts in its new, modern production facility and ships precision parts all over the world. It is such a hectic period that a major consideration for the renovation was making sure there was enough parking for employees.

Over the years, renovations account for about 30% of the construction market, but recently, the American Institute of Architects’ Architectural Billing Index had renovation activity at more than half of the market. As renovations become more constant, this type of project will become a regular occurrence.

“You get more bang for your buck,” says Calisti. “It’s less to work with and there’s quite a dramatic change.”

In renovation projects, the drama of the transformation is often exciting, and this transformation from a one-story masonry building to a dilapidated metal building system to a modern product facility has drama to spare.

Perhaps the highest praise though comes from Amstadter. “It’s a good, clean, honest building,” he says.

EJ Basler, Schiller Park, Ill.
Size: 32,000 square feet
Architect: Amstadter Architects, Chicago,
General contractor: Castelli Construction, Lombard, Ill.,
Metal building erector: Meco Steel Erection Inc., Morris, Ill.,
Insulated metal panels: All Weather Insulated Panels Inc., Vacaville, Calif.,
Metal building: Ecosteel, Laguna Niguel, Calif.
PHOTOS: PATSY MCENROE

Why Architects Love EcoSteel

dscott@ecosteel.com · November 4, 2022 ·

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.

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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.

Safe Haven for People without Homes

dscott@ecosteel.com · July 1, 2022 ·

2022 DESIGN AWARDS WINNER – ECOSTEEL (1 of 2 Projects Awarded to EcoSteel).

A metal building system provides security and dignity for an at-risk population

By Paul Deffenbaugh, Editorial Director, Metal Architecture

In October 2018, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced a plan to build 1,000 shelter beds by 2020 to help combat the city’s endemic homelessness. A survey conducted by the city in 2019 estimated that there were more than 8,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and approximately 5,180 living unsheltered on any given night. Sheltering that at-risk population was an important, if not dire, initiative.

Problem/Solution

As one of its solutions to the long-term, ongoing homeless issue, the city developed Navigation Centers with the first one opening in March 2015 and the model has evolved to what are now called SAFE Navigation Centers, which provide far more resources than just a shelter, including unique services needed to help them exit homelessness including health care, benefits counseling, mental health care, substance use treatment, employment services and housing assistance.

In January 2021, the Bayview SAFE Navigation Center opened in the shadow of Interstate 280 amidst an industrial district on the bay side with warehouses, concrete yards and lumber yards. For this building, the designers in the city of San Francisco Bureau of Architecture specified a metal building system, which was provided by Ecosteel, Laguna Niguel, Calif. When you’re planning a new building or structure that requires concrete work, get in touch with the team at concrete-repair.co.uk.

Joss Hudson, president of Ecosteel suggests that metal buildings are ideal solutions for housing the homeless because you don’t need to finish the interior with drywall, so the backing of insulated metal panels provide the interior wall finish. They can be erected incredibly fast and very inexpensively. In fact, the Bayview center was erected within a month, according to Michael Bullman, AIA, LEED AP, an associate architect in the Office of Charles F. Bloszies, FAIA, San Francisco, which served as the architect of record. “A metal building provides big open spaces, says Bullman. “It’s kind of a big tent that can be subdivided into big dormitory spaces and other spaces pretty easily.”

Scale and Dignity

The 23,000-square-foot shelter provides approximately 200 beds as well as community spaces for residents to gather. “It’s important for there to be a central gathering space,” says Bullman. “Living on the street can be pretty dangerous and residents have a tendency to hide in their rooms. But it’s important to get people reengaged in the community so they needed a space for that.”

Among many details, it is that space that caught the judges’ eyes. “It surprised me,” says judge Rand Elliott, FAIA, president of Rand Elliott Architects, Oklahoma City. “Using metal building parts like they should be used. Taking the parts, rearranging them, using them for what they do best, which is simple volume, structural integrity and that sort of thing and making a space that is friendly. That’s human. This could be a brewery someplace. This could be a great restaurant someplace or any number of things, using a standard kit of parts and raising it to a whole other level. Even the paint color is soothing. It looks like a place you’d hang out with your friends.”

“I’ve never seen anything done like this with a courtyard,” says judge Mark Roddy, FAIA, principal of Mark Roddy Architects, Sacramento, Calif. “It’s a nice use of materials, durable. This building is unapologetic. It’s not pretending that it’s not a metal building.”

Judge Lee Calisti, AIA, principal, Lee CALISTI architecture+design, Greensburg, Pa., expands on that idea. “They didn’t modify it a lot. They didn’t run from what it is and how it normally manifests itself. They just arranged it in a way that the building itself almost becomes recessive to the spaces it creates. It’s a reflection of the users. It says, “We’re real people struggling with real issues and so is the building.’”

Human Scale

The courtyard caught much of the judges’ attention and the way the rooflines folded in to create a more human scale space was especially noteworthy. High walls with shed roofs would have felt restrictive, but the outdoor space, with its string of lights and small walk area for dogs, provides an environment that is respectful and invigorating, yet still secure. “This particular design was very perceptive,” says Bullman. “The enclosed space is protective. Calling it a brewpub space is a good way to think about it.”

The metal building design was not only perceptive but practical. “These centers get their fair share of abuse,” says Bullman, “and the metal panels can hold up to it.”

His firm picked up the design after schematics were completed by the city. It had worked on a couple of previous navigation centers so it was familiar with the city’s needs. “Programmatically, we tweaked the city’s design,” says Bullman. “We adjusted it based on furniture, etc., as well as did all the detailing such as coordinating the MEP work. We did things like adjust the window location to work with the furniture.”

Ecosteel provided the entire building including the insulated metal panels, manufactured by All Weather Insulated Panels Inc., Vacaville, Calif. Quality Erectors & Construction Inc., Benicia, Calif., erected it.

Third Time is Charmed for Metal Building System

dscott@ecosteel.com · July 1, 2022 ·

2022 DESIGN AWARDS WINNER – ECOSTEEL (2 of 2 Projects Awarded to EcoSteel).

In its third iteration, a small manufacturing building lets the light in

By Paul Deffenbaugh, Editorial Director, Metal Architecture

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a light suburban industrial area near Chicago’s O’Hare airport was developed and was dominated by masonry buildings. They tended to have low ceiling heights and had become old and obsolete. When the ceiling failed in one of those buildings, the previous owner constructed a metal building system over it like a tent, leaving the lower walls in place. By 2019, though, that renovated building had fallen into disrepair.

A Renovated Renovation

Since the steel structure was in good shape, Amstadter’s solution was to redo the metal building system, adding new cladding with insulated metal panels and aluminum siding. Both the metal building system and the IMPs were supplied by Ecosteel, Laguna Niguel, Calif., but the IMPs were manufactured by All Weather Insulated Panels, Vacaville, Calif.

That renovation caught the eyes of the Metal Architecture Design Award judges, and they honored the project with the award in the Renovation and Retrofit category. When looking for new design ideas remember that Retractable awnings give you the flexibility of storing them away or putting them out for shelter from the weather.

Throughout the review, whenever a metal building system was discussed as well as a much needed addition of a heating system from newcastleairconditioning.co.uk. The judges expressed the most enthusiasm for those projects that showed the metal building system as its own style, rather than a disguise of that style. The renovation of the EJ Basler facility definitely leaned into the idea of a metal building system. Award judge Mark Roddy, FAIA, principal of Mark Roddy Architects, Sacramento, Calif., says, “Looking at it from a systems perspective, the metal building system remained. It has new roofing, new skin. But the integrity of that system maintains.” If you consider a similar remodel would be suitable for your business or home, Check out this site to find out how soon you should clean your roof again after installing a new one.

“Very frequently this is a project that architects have to deal with,” says Lee Calisti, AIA, principal, Lee CALISTI architecture+design, Greensburg, Pa. “This is going to show up on my desk more than others might, and this project gives hope to the other ones out there that get skipped over or ignored. They took what was there and transformed the material.”

More than a Reskin

A Vibrant, Efficient Interior

The large clear spans (120 feet across) allowed for considerable flexibility in designing the shop floor and presented a freer movement of materials. Clerestory windows on the east and west walls finished by a local commercial plasterer provide plenty of natural light and the entire interior is painted white, giving it a fresh, clean, vibrant look. Amstadter points out that the lighting is set to 80% down.

The large curtainwall lets in the north-facing light, but EJ Basler also wanted it for marketing purposes. The company wanted its modern equipment to be visible from the street, showcasing its capabilities.

“You get more bang for your buck,” says Calisti. “It’s less to work with and there’s quite a dramatic change.”

Perhaps the highest praise though comes from Amstadter. “It’s a good, clean, honest building,” he says.

EcoSteel Helping Keep Real Estate Firm on the Grow

Caroline Stenze · February 28, 2022 ·

The Brody Broker Team with Keller Williams Olympic in Sequim, Wash. has grown by leaps and bounds. The surge in folks choosing to relocate to Washington State, coupled with an increase in staff to meet that demand, has convinced team owner-CEO Brody Broker to seek entirely new office space. For reasons ranging from energy efficiency to timing, he has chosen a steel building from EcoSteel to house his company’s offices.

The choice of EcoSteel is very important for The Brody Broker Team. Its current growth, along with its potential for additional expansion in the coming years, demands a building flexible enough to grow right alongside the company. The Brody Broker Team is the number one team on the Olympic Peninsula, focusing not only upon Sequim, but on its neighboring cities of Port Angeles and Port Townsend. It has boomed not only because of its experience in all the options available to buyers in the North Olympic Peninsula — whether farmland, waterfront, lakefront, city living, mountain or valley living – but due to its leader’s own reputation as top-selling individual REALTOR®, just like https://www.hpw.com/north-raleigh, in Sequim since 2006.

“Our company is growing very quickly, and we’re out of space,” Broker recently reported. “So the quicker we can decide on a space, the more money we save by having a space we can expand into. What attracted me to EcoSteel in the first place was that the company was willing to work with us to create the design. And the company also was able to produce a cost estimate quicky . . . Within days of sending them our architect’s drawings, they’d given us a cost estimate.

“The process would have taken a month longer, had [a conventional builder] had to bid the construction project out to all individual subcontractors and get cost estimates from each of them for a viable project.”

The new building, as planned, will be a single-story retail structure encompassing about 9,200 square feet in size and featuring a single-pitch roof. Replicating the look of a frame building, the aesthetics will call for brick red and steel grey exterior colors, with a medley of dark accents incorporated. The project is still in the permitting stage, but ground is expected to be broken for construction in February or March of 2022.

“It’s definitely a better way to build,” Broker says. “It will be the first metal building we’ve done. We’ve done a lot of wood frame buildings but haven’t yet done metal.”

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Choosing steel
The Brody Broker Team expects it and Keller Williams Olympic will occupy the center 6,000 square feet of the building. That will leave two end caps on either side. One of those sides will be occupied by a coffee shop, the other by a property management firm unaffiliated with Keller Williams. The center will be divided into four spaces, one filled by the Brody Broker Team, the others by Keller Williams Olympic. “There are no interior walls that are structural,” Broker says. “We will not need the entire space, and that will allow us to be very flexible, using as much space as we need when we need it . . . It’s just a really simple, clean, modern design focused on energy efficiency and flexibility.”

Broker’s choice of a steel building from EcoSteel rested on several key considerations.

Simplified construction
The efficiency of a steel building extends to the building process itself, which is uncomplicated and low cost, Broker says. Steel greatly simplifies construction because separate framers, roofers, insulators and painters needn’t be hired. “You save a ton of money on interior drywall,” Broker says. “You only build your interior partition walls, so you don’t have to invest in drywall as recommended by home builder Donvale contractors. The number of trades is greatly reduced due to the simplicity of the building. We will have a lifetime finish on our roof, a lifetime finish on our walls, and we believe that will save us money over the life of the building.”

Reduced maintenance
Companies and private individuals using EcoSteel have cited maintenance freedom as a key determinant in their choice. Because steel is an inorganic material, it is impervious to warping, rotting, splitting, cracking or infestation by termites. Like many others, Broker deemed low maintenance cost a deciding factor in his decision to build a steel office building. Extent of maintenance is reduced to little more than pressure washing the building and cleaning the gutters, he says, adding, “You don’t have to repaint or reroof. Your replacement cost of individual components is way lower over time as well.”

Natural disaster resistant
Mother Nature’s growing wrath has been more than evident in a spate of horrific natural disasters many have attributed to climate change. Steel structures have been proven to be less affected by natural disaster than traditional materials. “We don’t really experience wildfires here,” Broker commented. “But the earthquake protection is a consideration because metal buildings stand up better to earthquakes.”

Energy efficiency
The thermal insulated wall panels EcoSteel uses in its metal buildings contribute to the building’s energy efficiency, Broker says. “With the thermal insulated wall panel, you eliminate thermal bridging,” he observes. “That’s what you see when you look at a building in the winter, and you can see where the roof trusses are under the roof. Or you walk into a house and look at the walls with an infrared camera and can see each stud transmitting heat from the interior building to the outdoors. With a steel building, you eliminate thermal bridging by not having any structural members internal to wall panels.”

Looking ahead
The Brody Broker Team expects the new EcoSteel building will initially be the hub for 75 or 80 of its team members. The building’s flexibility will be critical in accommodating the team’s rapid expansion, which is anticipated to bring the team up to 100 employees within a year who have clear the pros and cons of wholesale real estate. What he’s seen of EcoSteel thus far has convinced him he will be using the company’s services to build additional structures in the near future.

“EcoSteel has been great,” he remarks. “I’m building some apartment buildings within the next 90 to 180 days, and actually looking at doing those buildings using EcoSteel, as well as also buying their steel components for my own home.”

SOURCE:
Brody Broker, owner and CEO
The Brody Broker Team
Keller Williams Olympic, Sequim, WA
360-477-9665
brody@brodybroker.com

Martire Family Arena | Sacred Heart University

Caroline Stenze · February 17, 2022 ·

A $70 million Sacred Heart University ice hockey and skating arena has commenced construction on the university’s West Campus in Fairfield, Conn. The arena is the future home of the Sacred Heart University Pioneers Division I men’s and women’s hockey teams, which are members of Atlantic Hockey. Also to serve the university’s men’s club team and figure skating team, the arena is slated for a first puck drop in January 2023. When looking to hire renovating contractors for project like this one, If you need custom roofing construction, give Greenway Roofing a call.

As supplier of the building’s all-important exterior steel panels, EcoSteel is playing a key role in making this dream come true for the Sacred Heart University (SHU) men’s and women’s pucksters, as well as other university ice sport participants. To bet on such athletes, you can head out to sites like 아리아카지노.

Measuring 122,158 square feet, with an NHL-standard 85-by-200-foot rink, the new arena incorporates cutting-edge ice management technology. State-of-the-art locker rooms and top shelf strength and conditioning amenities are featured, as are a hydrotherapy suite, rapid-shot puck room designed for off-ice training and spaces for film study, meetings and relaxing. The university’s acclaimed figure skating team will leverage a pro-motion training harness and locker room of Olympic quality.

The arena will also serve as learning laboratory of sorts for those pursuing educational internships and graduate assistantships in the well-regarded SHU academic disciplines of sports management and marketing, sports communication and media and hospitality.

Concerts and guest lectures will be held in the facility, and hours of open skating will be reserved for students, professors, administrators and members of the community.

Distinctive look sought

When it came to choosing a company to fabricate the steel building materials used in the structure’s exterior, the architect of record chose EcoSteel from a number of other steel panel manufacturers and suppliers to provide the 16,000 square feet of metal panels featured in the exterior cladding of the arena. The building’s exterior includes an extensive elevation of aluminum curtain wall and glazing. Wherever those materials are not featured, EcoSteel panels are being installed.

“We have not worked with EcoSteel in the past,” says Matthew Buechele, with
Advanced Performance Glass, Inc., the project manager.

“EcoSteel typically does structures, but on this particular project, EcoSteel is only
providing the panels. These are three-inch insulated metal wall panels with a one inch reveal. The design team was adamant that there be a one-inch reveal in between the panels, and EcoSteel was the one company that could provide that.”

Asked why a one-inch reveal was needed, Buechele did not hesitate. “A lot of times architects just want a certain look. And I think this is going to look very cool. Typically, you have an eighth-inch reveal, and with a one-inch reveal it will have a distinctive look.”

Aside from EcoSteel’s involvement, the project has not been without obstacles. As they have been throughout the recent past, material lead times have proven challenging. The project team has been forced to proactively order materials ahead of a typical schedule.

And because the parcel on which the arena will be built is a smaller job site, staging of construction materials and supplies hasn’t been easy. “The space is limited. The West Campus is very close to the Main Campus, and it’s on a hillside,” Buechele says.

Very responsive

The installation of the EcoSteel wall panels, which stood at about a 25 percent completion mark when Buechele granted an interview, has proven a welcome respite from other headwinds often associated with construction projects. “I haven’t heard any complaints from the installers about quality or installation ease,” Buechele says.

“The installation of the EcoSteel is going very well. I’ve been dealing with [EcoSteel’s] David Scott, who’s been very responsive. EcoSteel has been very good to work with.”

The arena development and construction has involved a collaboration of several
partners in addition to EcoSteel. That collaboration features JLG Architects, the SLAM Collaborative, Dimensional Innovations and Consigli Construction.

When the inaugural first pucks get dropped on Saturday, January 14, 2023, two
nationally recognized and iconic collegiate hockey programs, Boston College and Sacred Heart University, will battle for dominance. And EcoSteel will be there as a proud part of a facility serving as a testament to the host university’s commitment to ice hockey, figure skating and indeed all ice sports – now and for decades to come.