Sectional concrete buildings can provide practical workshop, vehicle and storage space for many businesses. Their modular construction allows the size, doors and layout to be planned around a particular use, while reinforced concrete panels create a robust, low-maintenance structure.
However, a commercial building must be specified for the activities taking place inside it. Access, floor loading, ventilation, utilities, fire safety and workplace facilities should all be considered before the design is agreed.
Common Commercial Uses for Concrete Buildings
Workshops and Trade Premises
A concrete workshop can provide a dedicated area for tools, workbenches and day-to-day trade activities. Before installation, the business should identify the equipment that will be used, the number of people occupying the building and whether processes will produce fumes, dust, heat or noise.
Heavy machinery should not be installed without checking the required floor loading and foundation specification. Fixing shelves or equipment directly to sectional wall panels should also be discussed with the manufacturer first.
Vehicle and Equipment Storage
Concrete garages can be designed to accommodate commercial vehicles, groundskeeping machinery and other equipment. Useful measurements include the height and width of the largest vehicle, the clearance needed around it and the space required to open doors or load materials safely.
An extra-height garage may be suitable where a standard domestic garage would not provide enough clearance.
Stock and Tool Storage
A lockable sectional building can keep tools, materials and stock together on a business site. The specification should reflect the value and type of goods being stored, particularly where there are requirements for ventilation, temperature control or the separation of hazardous substances.
Doors, windows and the surrounding site should form part of the security assessment. No building should be treated as theft-proof, and businesses may need separate alarms, lighting or access controls.
Planning the Right Commercial Specification
Dencroft’s commercial and industrial concrete buildings can be customised to meet different operational requirements. Options may include larger doors, thicker walls, insulation and different building dimensions.
Points to discuss during the design stage include:
- the building’s intended use and expected occupancy
- overall width, length and internal height
- vehicle access and space for deliveries
- garage doors, personnel doors and emergency exits
- foundation and floor loading requirements
- ventilation, insulation and condensation control
- electricity, water, drainage and lighting
- storage of fuels, chemicals or flammable materials
- future maintenance and access for repairs
Dencroft can also help businesses source contractors for services such as electricity, water supplies, flooring, lighting and plastering. These works should be designed and completed by suitably qualified contractors.
Doors and Access
The correct door arrangement will depend on how people, vehicles and goods move through the building. A large vehicle door may need to be combined with a separate personnel door so employees do not have to use the main garage entrance each time they enter.
Dencroft supplies a choice of garage door styles, including up-and-over, sectional and roller doors. Door dimensions, opening mechanisms and security features should be agreed as part of the wider building design.
Planning Permission and Workplace Requirements
A commercial garage, workshop or storage building may require planning permission. The decision can be affected by its location, dimensions, appearance, use, operating hours, traffic and effect on neighbouring properties. Businesses should consult the relevant local planning authority before work begins.
Building Regulations may also apply. Where the structure will be used as a workplace, the employer or person in control of the premises must consider matters such as:
- fire risk assessment and emergency arrangements
- safe access and escape routes
- ventilation and suitable lighting
- reasonable working temperatures
- space for employees to work safely
- toilets, washing facilities and drinking water where required
- accessibility for employees and visitors
The exact requirements depend on the use of the building and where it is located in the UK. Specialist planning, building control, fire safety or health and safety advice may therefore be needed.
Commercial Concrete Buildings From Dencroft
Dencroft has manufactured concrete garages, sheds and workshops since 1947. Buildings are manufactured in-house and can be designed around the required dimensions, access and specification.
To discuss a workshop, secure store or other commercial sectional building, contact Dencroft Garages to arrange a site survey and quotation.
