The history of metal buildings dates back to the late 1700s with the construction of fireproof mill structures for the agricultural and textile industries in Britain. During the next 100 years, hundreds of portable iron houses were sold to gold rush pioneers, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers were built.
In the early 20th century, the oil industry recognized the benefits of metal structures for use as oil derrick covers and tool sheds (commonly called “doghouses”). Before long, metal framing caught on as a popular choice in the construction of warehouses and factories.
During World War II, the Quonset hut provided inexpensive, mobile housing for soldiers in battle. Shipped as a kit that could be assembled quickly and easily, the building provided excellent shelter from the elements and was lightweight and easy to transport.
The advent of computer-aided design (CAD) in the 1960s paved the way for steel buildings to begin offering more customized designs, features, shapes and sizes.
As materials, products and design capabilities have continued to improve, metal buildings have progressively become larger and more sophisticated.
Today, metal building systems are being designed for nearly every imaginable building application – from shopping centers and churches to government facilities and commercial office buildings.
The affordability, design flexibility and energy efficiency of metal building systems also make them an increasingly appealing solution for a broad range of educational, training and school buildings.
This white paper outlines the benefits of metal buildings for public and private school building projects. It includes the perspectives of builders who have constructed numerous school facilities as well as owners involved in the construction process.
DOWNLOAD THIS FREE STAR BUILDING SYSTEMS WHITE PAPER
Related Stories
Mixed-Use | Aug 16, 2016
Goettsch Partners completes mixed-use tower in R&F Yingkai Square
The 66-story building is now the 7th tallest completed building in Guangzhou.
| Aug 15, 2016
SPORTS FACILITY GIANTS: New and renovated college sports venues - designed to serve students and the community
Schools are renovating existing structures or building new sports facilities that can serve the student body and surrounding community.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 50 Sports Facility Architecture Firms
Populous, HKS, and HOK top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest sports facility sector architecture and A/E firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 15, 2016
MILITARY GIANTS: Cross-laminated timber construction gets a salute from the Army
By privatizing the construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and ownership of its hotels the Army expects to cut a 20-year timetable for repairs and replacement of its lodging down to eight years.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 30 Military Architecture Firms
HDR, Clark Nexsen, and Guernsey top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest military sector architecture and A/E firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 12, 2016
SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY GIANTS: Incubator model is reimagining research and lab design
Interdisciplinary interaction is a common theme among many new science and technology offices.
| Aug 12, 2016
Top 40 Science + Technology Architecture Firms
Perkins+Will, HDR, and HOK top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest science + technology sector architecture and A/E firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 12, 2016
OFFICE GIANTS: Technology is giving office workers the chance to play musical chairs
Technology is redefining how offices function and is particularly salient in the growing trend of "hoteling" and "hot seating" or "free addressing."
| Aug 12, 2016
Top 100 Office Architecture Firms
Gensler, HOK, and Perkins+Will top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest office sector architecture and A/E firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 11, 2016
RETAIL GIANTS: Retailers and developers mix it up to stay relevant with shoppers
Retail is becoming closely aligned with entertainment, and malls that can be repositioned as lifestyle centers will have enhanced value.