Think Outside the Metal Box: Creative Uses for Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings
The wide open spaces, affordability, and versatility of pre-engineered metal buildings make them the perfect canvas for any creative application you can imagine.
Metal buildings have been on the scene for a long time, and even though their functions have evolved over the years, pre-engineered steel buildings still tend to be associated with garages, industrial storage, or agricultural uses like steel barns. While these are exceptional time-tested uses for a reason, they don’t exactly spark creativity. Even though they are not commonly thought of for some more creative applications, steel buildings are an excellent choice for a wide—and unexpected—range of uses, thanks to their versatility, adaptability, and affordability. As a structural steel company, these buildings are what we know best, and we’ve put together this guide on creative uses for metal buildings to spark some inspiration for your next project.
Why metal buildings are a great choice for creative designs
Metal buildings are more than just an option for creative projects—they’re an excellent choice and should be at the top of your list when planning your building, thanks to their flexibility and affordability. Here are some of the benefits of going with a steel building for your next project:
Customizable layouts
A pre-engineered steel building is more than a metal box. Not everyone realises that floor plans in steel buildings are highly (and easily) customizable. You’ll be able to create with your specific use (or multiple uses) in mind during the planning phase. This versatility makes it easy to maximize space and delineate your building as needed for any number of building types, making the most of your building and its footprint.
Easily expanded
Creative dreams could mean dreaming big. Just because you don’t have the resources for a large building at the moment, metal buildings are easily expanded, so future you is not limited by the means that you have today. You can even start thinking about expansion while in the design phase of your current project so that accommodating future growth will be even easier. This approach allows you to keep your present and future budget in mind.
The sky’s the limit
A pre-engineered steel building has incredible structural integrity. That means that these buildings can accommodate spans up to 150 feet without using interior support columns. That’s a neat magic trick! The lack of columns in the design has loads of benefits, including unobstructed views, open spaces, and configurable floor plans.
Budget-friendly
Pre-engineered metal buildings are cost-effective in more ways than one. A reputable metal building company like MSC is experienced with working with their clients on a wide range of budgets, so staying within your means while achieving your vision is doable without the stress of the unexpected. On top of that, initial building costs are low, and metal buildings are erected quickly. These buildings are also very low maintenance, reducing costs in the long run.
Dress up or dress down
We’re talking about thinking outside the metal box, meaning your steel building doesn’t have to look like one! These days, pre-engineered steel buildings come in a rainbow of custom colours and can be outfitted with stunning architectural features that break away from the everyday.
Quick to erect
Steel buildings can go from an idea on the page to your new art studio in a flash. The speed with which you can erect these buildings not only means that you can get people working or recreating in them faster, but it’s a great benefit for the person who gets an idea in their head and decides they need to make it happen now.
Get inspired: creative uses for metal buildings
Not sure where to begin? Explore some of the less conventional uses for metal buildings that we can think of (or have already built). Light the creative spark for your next project or community building.
Workspaces
The future of work is ever-changing. Thankfully, metal buildings have the versatility to keep up with the needs of an array of workforces and industries.
Open concept workspaces
Prioritize productivity by customizing your workspace. Open spaces without pillars or columns in the way are the perfect home for an open-concept workspace. That could mean office space, but because metal buildings have a ton of overhead clearance, that also means places that need to accommodate heavy machinery like forklifts or loaders.
Office space
Including commercial office space in a pre-fabricated metal building design is one way to keep your workforce together under one roof while meeting the different needs of your business.
Sports facilities
Multi-use indoor sports facilities like hockey arenas and soccer stadiums are pretty common uses for metal buildings, but definitely not the only ones!
Climbing gyms
Rock climbing has been gaining popularity as a sport over the years (it was included in the Olympics for the first time in the 2020 Summer Games), and with that comes an increase in climbing gyms. These hubs of fitness and fun are perfect for a metal building as the bare minimum requirement is an open space and sturdy walls.
Batting cages
A lovely addition to any community, batting cages are easily housed in metal buildings, allowing young and old alike to practice their swing even when it’s raining out.
Breweries and distilleries
The open space, quick building times, versatility of design, and endless decor options make metal buildings a wonderful choice for both breweries and distilleries. Go from tasting room to storage room in a heartbeat while supporting your creations with climate-controlled rooms.
Okanagan Spirits Distillery in Vernon, BC, is one of the oldest distilleries in Western Canada and makes its award-winning spirits from Okanagan-grown fruit. MSC had the pleasure of helping them expand and upgrade their facility back in 2018. Learn more about the project.
In the community
Communities are made stronger by having spaces where they can come together, whether for recreation or worship. The cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and ease of construction of metal buildings make them a wonderful resource for municipalities and community organizers.
Daycares
A little over half of children up to five years old were in childcare in Canada last year. Having childcare resources available for your community is essential, and providing the space is part of the battle. Either standalone or attached to a larger entity like a recreational facility, metal buildings are a quick and affordable way to create a dedicated childcare space that’s well-ventilated, insulated, and has the open space to house all the toys and supplies you need.
Houses of worship
Affordable and easy to erect, a prefabricated metal building is an excellent option for a congregation on a budget.
Auditoriums and theatres
You may not think it, but metal buildings have all of the pieces to create excellent acoustics. The interior of a prefabricated metal building can be outfitted with modern construction methods—including options for sound-dampening technology—creating an ideal space for musical or theatrical performances. The flexibility of the interior also allows all the space you need for a stage and audiences in the configuration you desire.
Art galleries
The perfect canvas to house art shows, metal buildings have endless options for decor (or lack thereof), allowing the art to speak for itself. Insulated, open spaces can accommodate a variety of mediums, from painting to sculpture, and are also pest-resistant and can be climate-controlled, ensuring the integrity of the art.
Think outside the metal box
Don’t let your imagination be squashed by building materials, budgets, and other resource limitations. Pre-engineered steel buildings have the versatility at the right price point to bring your vision to life.
Metal Structure Concepts has been designing and constructing steel buildings across Canada for over 20 years. From retail spaces to warehouses to wineries and more, we are the experts for your next project. Contact us today for a free quote.