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
| Jan 6, 2012
Gensler unveils restoration and expansion of Houston's Julia Ideson building
The "new" building will serve as a repository of Houston memorabilia and rare archival material as well as the city's official reception space and a venue for exhibits, meetings and other special events.
| Jan 6, 2012
New Walgreen's represents an architectural departure
The structure's exterior is a major departure from the corporate image of a traditional Walgreens design.
| Jan 6, 2012
Summit Design+Build completes Park Place in Illinois
Summit was responsible for the complete gut and renovation of the former auto repair shop which required the partial demolition of the existing building, while maintaining the integrity of the original 100 year-old structure, and significant re-grading and landscaping of the site.
| Jan 4, 2012
Siemens acquires Pace Global Energy Services
Acquisition will enhance portfolio with new energy consulting and management services.
| Jan 4, 2012
Shawmut Design & Construction awarded dorm renovations at Brown University
Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2012, and will be completed by December 2012.
| Jan 4, 2012
Skanska acquires Industrial Contractors
Industrial Contractors Inc. is a contractor in the commercial, industrial and power markets of the Midwest. The company employs 2,400 people and in 2011 the revenues are estimated to be approximately $500 million.
| Jan 4, 2012
HDR to design North America’s first fully digital hospital
Humber River is the first hospital in North America to fully integrate and automate all of its processes; everything is done digitally.
| Jan 4, 2012
New LEED Silver complex provides space for education and research
The academic-style facility supports education/training and research functions, and contains classrooms, auditoriums, laboratories, administrative offices and library facilities, as well as spaces for operating highly sophisticated training equipment.
| Jan 3, 2012
Gilbane awarded $88M Contract for Ohio elementary school construction
The new award, which comprises the construction of five new elementary schools and demolition of 11 older facilities, is the latest K-12 building program managed by Gilbane for the Ohio School Facilities Commission since 1998.
| Jan 3, 2012
AIA's ABI November Index reaches 52.0
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reached its first positive mark since August.