Flexibility

The demands placed on buildings can change for a host of reasons, perhaps because of new technology or just growing business needs for space. Whatever the reason, if a building can’t be easily adapted then owners face the costs of demolition and redevelopment. Steel offers a more sustainable solution and steel-framed buildings are among the most adaptable and flexible assets in which a business can invest.

A building with a structural steel frame can be easily and economically adapted to changing requirements, which is a major sustainability advantage. Instead of demolition, a steel framed building can be extended vertically or horizontally with minimum disruption to existing building users and neighbours. Perforations are commonly provided in supporting steelwork to carry services,and extra ducting can be provided in beam webs to allow for future changes to services.

Repositioning of internal walls can be easily achieved in a steel-framed building, as neither the internal nor external walls are load bearing. Steel framing and flooring systems give easy access to electrical wiring and computer networking cables without disrupting building users.

Developers value the large column free spans made possible with steel – clear spans of over 30 metres are common in single storey buildings and much longer spans can be provided if trusses or lattice construction is used. Financial sector dealing rooms such as those in the City and at Canary Wharf have for long benefited from the column free spaces made possible by the long spans that steel provides.

These spans can be achieved with graceful designs making minimal use of structurally efficient steel. Steel buildings can be kept modern looking throughout their lifetimes by updating with new façades and other architectural features.

Column free spaces in factories and warehouses provide more flexibility in locating fixed equipment, and moveable plant can operate more safely when there are fewer obstructions.