Case study: How a Steel Building Can Serve the Equine Community
A steel building serves as an open-air riding facility at Pegasus Vineyards, located in Naramata, BC.
In 2012, Metal Structure Concepts (MSC) was hired to erect a steel building at Bea and Ralph Suremann’s property on the Naramata Bench. The area located on the east side of Okanagan Lake just north of Penticton is known for its rolling landscape of orchards, vineyards and wineries. The owners of Pegasus Vineyards wanted an enclosed storage structure. Satisfied with the results, the Suremanns contacted MSC again this past spring to design and install a new pre-engineered steel building to be used as a riding facility.
Rider out of the rain
Instead of building another enclosed structure, MSC came up with a more affordable way to build an open-air yet covered pre-engineered steel building, which Bea Suremann could use to exercise her horses in inclement weather.
After the design was completed and the foundation installed, MSC ordered the steel components. Structural steel columns were installed to support the roof system, steel roof beams and roof sheeting. No doors were required as the sides of the building were wide open.
“People who have horses have a vision of riding them all year round, but want to be sheltered when the weather turns. However, when they find out the price of a horse riding arena, it can be way over their budget. This is a small version of a basic riding area with a roof system. It’s more affordable, but still has all of the components that the client asked for,” said MSC owner Steve Ivanitz.
On a steel horse they ride
There were a number of advantages of building the Suremanns’ new riding arena with pre-engineered steel over wood.
They included:
- The speed of installation (the project was completed after only eight days of installation from start to finish).
- One-stop shop with less crew (sub-contractors such roofers and framers were not needed).
- Fewer maintenance costs over time as steel does not burn, rot, twist or rust, and is not susceptible to insect infestations, which can be prevalent on farms
- Costs less to insure
Back in the saddle again
Pegasus Vineyards owners Bea & Ralph Suremann had this to say about the work completed by MSC:
“The communication during all stages, from quote to completion, was always great. They were able to work with our time frame and we appreciated their input and recommendations during the design phase. The building was finished ahead of the original schedule. The crew was friendly and helpful. We can highly recommend MSC for your steel building needs.”
For more information on how steel will work for your farm building, read our blog: How A Steel Building Can Make Farming Easier.
No project is too big or small for Metal Structure Concepts. We have the staff, resources and know-how to design, supply and erect structural steel and pre-engineered steel buildings for all types of projects from commercial, industrial, storage, retail, farm, and community/multi-purpose buildings. Contact us today to get a quick quote.