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
| Apr 24, 2014
Unbuilt and Famous: LEGO releases box set of Bjarke Ingels' LEGO museum
LEGO Architecture has created a box set that customers can use to build replicas of the LEGO Museum, which is not yet built in real life. The museum, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, will commemorate the history of LEGO.
| Apr 23, 2014
Ahead of the crowd: How architects can utilize crowdsourcing for project planning
Advanced methods of data collection, applied both prior to design and after opening, are bringing a new focus to the entire planning process.
| Apr 23, 2014
Developers change gears at Atlantic Yards after high-rise modular proves difficult
At 32 stories, the B2 residential tower at Atlantic Yards has been widely lauded as a bellwether for modular construction. But only five floors have been completed in 18 months.
| Apr 23, 2014
Experimental bot transfers CAD plans onto construction sites
The Archibot is intended to take technical data and translate it into full-scale physical markings on construction sites.
| Apr 23, 2014
Mean and Green: Top 10 green building projects for 2014 [slideshow]
The American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment has selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and ecological design projects that protect and enhance the environment. Projects range from a project for Portland's homeless to public parks to a LEED Platinum campus center.
| Apr 23, 2014
Architecture Billings Index dips in March
The March ABI score was 48.8, down sharply from a mark of 50.7 in February. This score reflects a decrease in design services.
Sponsored | | Apr 23, 2014
Ridgewood High satisfies privacy, daylight and code requirements with fire rated glass
For a recent renovation of a stairwell and exit corridors at Ridgewood High School in Norridge, Ill., the design team specified SuperLite II-XL 60 in GPX Framing for its optical clarity, storefront-like appearance, and high STC ratings.
| Apr 22, 2014
Transit-friendly apartment building now under construction
The new $44 million community is situated on eight acres, directly adjacent to the local Park-n-Ride, and a quick walk from a nearby light rail station.
| Apr 22, 2014
Bright and bustling: Grimshaw reveals plans for the Istanbul Grand Airport [slideshow]
In partnership with the Nordic Office of Architecture and Haptic Architects, Grimshaw Architects has revealed its plans for the terminal of what will be one of the world's busiest airports. The terminal is expected to serve 150 million passengers per year.
| Apr 21, 2014
10 design-build best practices
Design-build requires more than a good contract and appropriate risk allocation, says the DBIA. Everyone from the owner to the subcontractors must understand the process, the expectations, and fully engage in the collaboration.
