Office refurbishment might involve extending or expanding the office space. This can be achieved by adding a steel-frame building to the existing building. The other option if there is space is to add a separate steel-frame building for use as office space. Although brick-built buildings are still common, steel-frame buildings are fast becoming a popular option for office refurbishment.
If you have been wondering about the potential for steel-frame buildings for your office refurbishment, then read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of steel-frame construction. We have created this article to help you make an informed decision about steel-frame buildings for your office refurbishment. Please reach out for specific advice, a free initial site visit, and an estimate for your office refurbishment project.
Steel Frame Buildings UK: The Basics
Steel-framed buildings use a skeleton of steel columns and beams to support the building’s weight rather than load-bearing walls composed of wood, concrete or masonry. The steel frame serves as the building’s core structure, offering exceptional strength, stability and support. Typically, these frames are clad with single-skin panels to enclose and protect the building while maintaining structural integrity.
Because steel can span long distances without the need for intermediate support columns, steel-frame construction is often used to create open-plan office spaces. Additionally, steel frames are generally prefabricated in factories and supplied to the job site for speedy assembly, making them an excellent alternative for quick office refurbishment with minimal disturbance.
Key Components of Steel Framed Buildings
- Steel columns: Vertical columns carry the weight of the structure from the roof and upper floors down to the foundation.
- Steel beams: Horizontal beams support the floors and roofs by transferring loads to the columns.
- Connections: These are the joints or welds that connect the columns and beams, giving stability and ensuring the structure functions as one unit. These components are usually bolted or welded together to make a sturdy structure that can support a variety of roofs, walls and floors.
Types of Steel Frame Structures
Steel frames are generally square or rectangular, but steel is ideal for creating large open span or complicated shapes and structures, enabling design to feature heavily in distinctive and striking buildings. There are various types of steel framing depending on the design and purpose of the building.
- Conventional steel frame: Traditional I-beams, columns and other steel members are used to create the steel frame, a structure common in skyscrapers, large industrial buildings and commercial structures.
- Light gauge steel framing: This steel frame is composed of thinner steel members shaped like wooden studs but made of steel – a popular option for smaller commercial projects.
- Portal frame construction: Often used for warehouses, factories and office buildings, this steel frame uses rigid steel columns and beams, creating a clear, open interior space.
Related reading: The Benefits of Prefabricated Steel Buildings
Steel Frame Building Kits vs. Turnkey Steel Building Solutions
Turnkey steel building solutions and steel-frame building kits are the two potential options you typically come across when considering steel buildings for a project. Both have the advantages of steel but are very different in terms of method, ease of use and the labour required.
Understanding Steel Frame Building Kits and Self Assembly
Steel-frame building kits are pre-engineered products with all the materials required to construct a steel building. These kits frequently include the steel framework, roofing panels, cladding, insulation, windows and doors – based on the specifications provided.
The main disadvantage is the buyer has to manage the construction, which includes permits and inspections. If you lack construction experience, it may result in mistakes and delays that can be very costly.
Turnkey Steel Building Solutions Explained
Turnkey steel-building solutions offer a comprehensive, all-inclusive service that oversees every stage of the construction process from beginning to end. The term “turnkey” refers to a building that is completely ready for immediate usage after the project is completed; merely “turn the key” and step inside.
Everything is handled by experienced companies with skilled professionals who ensure that the construction meets all standards and complies with applicable local regulations. The cost of turnkey steel-frame buildings is generally higher than steel-frame building kits.
However, the total cost of opting for a steel-frame kit can be unpredictable when hiring contractors to construct it, especially if you do not have a construction and project management background. When you use Carnegie Steel Buildings, we provide the expertise to ensure speed and efficiency, reducing delays and the stress and pressure of managing the building process.
Steel Building Planning Permission Guidelines
You should always check if you require planning permission for your steel-building office refurbishment, regardless of whether you plan to use a steel-frame building kit or a turnkey solution. Your local planning authority can give you advice and guidance as to whether or not you will require planning permission on your steel building. At Carnegie Steel Buildings, when we supply a steel frame building kit, or you use our bespoke turnkey steel-building services, we can assist you with obtaining the necessary planning and permissions.
>> Speak to the team about obtaining a free estimate for your custom steel building
Steel Frame Construction Advantages and Disadvantages
Steel-frame buildings have many advantages over traditional construction methods and materials. Here are the key reasons for choosing steel-frame construction for office refurbishment or office buildings.
Advantages
- Strength and durability: Steel is robust and requires minimal maintenance, unlike traditional buildings that might need renovations or repairs after several decades of use.
- Design flexibility: With steel frames, buildings can be designed with large open spaces without needing internal load-bearing walls. This flexibility is ideal for office refurbishment projects that require open-plan space.
- Speed of construction: Many steel components are prefabricated off-site and then quickly assembled on-site. This streamlines the construction process, reducing overall build times.
- Moisture and weather resistant: Unlike wood, which is highly susceptible to water damage, mould growth, warping and cracking over time, steel is inherently resistant to moisture. Steel does not absorb water, so it won’t swell, rot or degrade when exposed to humid environments or precipitation. This resilience makes it well-suited for fluctuating weather conditions, ensuring structural integrity in both hot and cold climates.
- Pest-free environment: Steel frame buildings provide a long-lasting, pest-free environment, and you won’t encounter the issue of tunnelling pests – as is the case with wooden structures.
- Fire resistant: Steel offers significant fire resistance. Unlike wood, which is highly combustible, steel does not ignite. It also maintains its structural integrity at much higher temperatures, reducing the risk of collapse during a fire.
- Eco-friendly: Steel is an eco-friendly building material, offering several environmental benefits over traditional construction materials. Unlike wood or other building materials, steel is 100% recyclable and can be reused without losing strength or quality. Steel’s durability and long lifespan also reduce construction waste over time.
- Energy efficient: Steel-frame buildings can be designed for energy efficiency, reducing the overall costs of heating or cooling the internal space. When used for office buildings or commercial uses such as factories that are occupied by people who require a comfortable working environment, this is a significant advantage.
Disadvantages
All construction methods have their drawbacks, and steel frames are no different. Below we outline the main disadvantages of using steel-frame construction.
- Cost considerations: In general, steel-frame buildings are more expensive initially than wood-frame buildings. This is due to the nature of the material itself and the requirement for specialist labour in the fabrication and assembly of steel components.
- Corrosion risk: Steel’s vulnerability to corrosion if inadequately maintained is one of its main drawbacks. To stop steel from rusting, especially in severe or humid settings, coatings like paint or galvanisation are required. For the structure to last a long time and maintain its structural integrity, this protective layer requires routine maintenance.
- Insulation requirements: Steel’s thermal conductivity allows it to rapidly transmit heat, making it less energy efficient when not properly insulated. To address this, steel frame structures must have high-quality insulation to avoid heat loss or excessive heat absorption, which can increase overall building costs.
- Reduced on-site flexibility: Steel-frame construction is precise, with many components manufactured off-site to exact specifications. While this enables quick assembly once the materials arrive on-site, it is less adaptable to changes during construction than a wood frame. Any alterations, such as trimming or welding, necessitate specialised labour and equipment, making adjustments time-consuming and expensive.
- Fireproofing measures: Although steel is far superior to timber in its fire resistant qualities, it may still require a topical intumescent paint finish in some instances to give increased protection against fire.
Related reading: What Are Sustainable Construction Practices and How Can You Implement Them into Your Project?
Steel Frame Office Refurbishment: Final Thoughts
Using a steel frame for an office refurbishment project can yield a substantial return on investment. Not only does steel offer exceptional strength and durability, but it is also a sustainable, eco-friendly option that aligns with modern business values. Incorporating steel-frame construction into your project can be a powerful marketing asset, showcasing your commitment to sustainability and innovative, green business practices.
Steel structures are ideal for creating modern, open-plan office spaces, offering endless design possibilities. For refurbishments or extensions, steel frames enable faster construction times compared to traditional building methods, helping you minimise disruptions to your operations. They also provide flexible, spacious work environments that enhance productivity and reinforce a strong, forward-thinking brand image. In the long run, steel-frame buildings offer significant savings on energy costs and repairs, making them a smart investment for your next office refurbishment project.
>> Contact us for a free estimate for an office refurbishment steel building
Steel Frame Office Extension FAQ
Prices for steel frame buildings vary, but in many cases they offer cost savings against traditional brick structures.
Steel-frame extensions generally offer cost savings against traditional build costs. They also have various advantages over standard brick additions, allowing for faster construction and open-floor plans with fewer support columns, enabling greater flexibility with internal layout. These structural advantages often make steel frames a better option than traditional brick extensions.
Yes, steel-frame expansions can be tailored to match the architectural style of your current structure. There are a variety of architectural features, cladding materials and finishes that can be used to create a unity that complements the look of the existing structure.
Planning restrictions can limit the size of a steel-frame extension just as they would for more traditional extensions. However, steel frame extensions can be used for major construction projects facilitating buildings with large open span requirements, tall eave heights and complex shapes. This makes steel frame extensions ideal for maximising the available space to its full potential, no matter the shape of your plot.
Indeed. Numerous materials and techniques can be used to insulate steel-frame extensions and maintain consistent interior temperatures to comply with current building regulations and standards.
If not adequately protected, steel-frame extensions may be susceptible to rust and corrosion. To counteract this, contemporary steel coatings and treatments greatly reduce the chance of corrosion, increasing the longevity and robustness of the structure.
Pitched, flat and green roofs are all compatible with steel-frame expansions. The ideal roof configuration will be decided upon during the extension’s design, taking the weather, cost and aesthetics into account.
When designing steel-frame extensions, stability, load-bearing capacity, thermal efficiency, acoustics, natural lighting and aesthetics must all be carefully taken into account. Optimising your extension for both design and function can be achieved by working with our skilled architects and engineers.
>> Request a free estimate for a bespoke turnkey steel building