Metal structures for commercial buildings
Stores, wholesale clubs and service centers with a free layout floor and a schedule with a date to open the doors.
When it makes sense
A commercial project has an opening date
On a commercial project, every week of delay is a week the store stays closed. Metal structure helps because the pieces are fabricated while the foundation is being built and arrive at the site ready to erect.
And the sales floor stays free: large column-free spans down the middle of the circulation area, with room for the layout to change when the store changes.
Where the structure makes a difference
What matters on a commercial project
Column-free sales floor
Large spans for circulation, gondolas and checkout lanes.
Opening date
A schedule with a date for each stage, set in the preliminary study.
Architectural design
The structure is coordinated with the architecture and building systems, with no improvising on site.
Facade and roof
Facade, roof and equipment loads go into the calculation from the start.
Expansion
The store can grow later, with the structure prepared for it.
Project types
Commercial projects we design
Stores and wholesale clubs
Sales floors with large spans and storage area.
Service centers
Buildings for customer service, workshops and services.
Commercial expansions
New modules connected to a store that's already running.
How it works
How your project moves forward
One person follows every stage. You know what's happening and when.
- 01
Briefing
We learn the operation, the site and the schedule.
- 02
Preliminary study
Feasibility, structural system and investment range.
- 03
Engineering
Structural design, detailing and coordination.
- 04
Fabrication
Cutting, welding and painting at our plant, with inspection.
- 05
Logistics
Numbered pieces leave in the order they'll be erected.
- 06
Erection
Our own crew, with a lifting plan and safety procedures.
- 07
Handover
Project reviewed with you and full documentation.
Steel or concrete
Steel or precast concrete? It depends on the project.
There's no material that's right for everything. There's the right one for your span, your soil and your schedule.
Up to about 25 meters of span, precast concrete tends to compete. On large spans, weak soil, or when the building will grow, steel tends to win. If your case is the other way, we'll tell you. See the full comparison.
| Criteria | Metal structure | Precast concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Large spans | Excellent | Depends |
| Industrialization | High | Medium |
| Self-weight | Lower | Higher |
| Erection speed | High | Depends |
| Future expansion | Simple | More difficult |
| Maintenance | Needs corrosion protection | Lower |
Before you sign
Before comparing price, compare what's included
Price per square meter is misleading. Check whether the proposal includes:
- Structural design and ART
- Fabrication and painting or galvanizing
- Transport to the site
- Erection with equipment
- Who does the foundation
- Gutters, flashing and wall panels
- Schedule with dates
Our proposal lists each item separately. That makes it easy to compare. How to compare proposals, item by item
FAQ
Questions about commercial projects
Does the metal structure follow the architect's design?
Yes. We receive the architectural design and build the structure to match it, together with the building systems.
How long until the store is ready?
The schedule comes out of the preliminary study, with a date for each stage. Fabricating while the foundation is being built shortens the path considerably.
How much does a store's structure cost?
It depends on the span, the height, the roof and the site. Price per square meter without a design is a guess. Send us what you have and we'll come back with an investment range and scope. See what changes the cost.
Do you do the foundation?
Yes, or we coordinate with your builder. That's written into the proposal.
See also
Other pages that help you decide
Next step
Got a commercial project with an opening date? Our engineering team will assess it.
Send us the project details and the drawings. You'll get feasibility, scope and what's needed to move forward.