Bolt-down buildings that deliver when in use, time and time again...

Photography of a Semi-Permanent Building.

These sturdy, demountable, relocatable buildings can comfortably remain in place for many decades. But without foundations they are technically 'semi permanent'.

These structures offer a far more permanent and clearly different design that meets very long term needs, or when facility performance must be higher. They make excellent warehouses, chilled storage, workshops, logistics buildings, factory extensions and assembly/production areas etc. Outstanding in service they will more than pay for themselves in a fraction of their lifespan. In comparison to 'temporary' our 'semi permanent' buildings:

  • Offer far more security from the weather, pilferage, damage and fire - offering better performance, compliance and peace of mind.
  • Are often more suitable and desirable from a performance, longevity and aesthetic perspective (if a landlord, council or CEO prohibits a PVC roof this could be the answer).
  • Have considerably better insulation and sealing.
  • Enjoy the efficiencies of having your operations all together in one place, rather than renting offsite with the associated administration, transport and inconvenience costs.
  • Construction time and investment are lower than traditional new build. Up front costs are also lower, saving the need to raise as much finance.
Photography of a Semi-Permanent Building.

These buildings come with a high specification...

Black Metal Cladded Semi-Permanent Building.

These all-steel buildings are considerably more robust and whilst they have a higher initial investment level, they can often achieve the high specifications of a conventional building at a lower overall cost.

Whereas aluminium frame temporary buildings are more standard, 'off the shelf' quick turnaround products, semi permanent steel frame buildings are specifically designed. They meet regulatory requirements and structural engineering calculations are issued for each building. These buildings are custom made so entirely bespoke sizes and even odd shapes are no problem.

  • Whilst available with just a cladded steel exterior, a full sandwich panel exterior performs much better and allows proper sealing, insulation and options for fire resilience and acoustic muffling etc.
  • Steel roofs don't need replacing like the PVC versions used in temporary buildings, offering a considerably longer life expectancy, lower maintenance and guaranteeing that contents stay completely dry.
  • Environmentally sympathetic panels can be specified, for example mineral wool filled, which are both recycled and recyclable and offer superior fire resistance.
  • A sandwich panel exterior, including the roof, is a good choice for a fully insulated building. This helps to reduce running costs and allowing economical chilled storage and temperature regulated high care environments.
  • These are still bolt-down structures so no excavation is required, although they are usually concreted in they may still be relocated. These buildings are often retro-fitted to an existing concrete surface.

Installation is much easier than the conventional construction alternative...

A photography of an all steel semi-permanent building from BigBox Buildings.

These are heavier weight buildings and will take longer to construct than temporary but nowhere near as long as a conventional build.

These buildings require more work on site than their temporary cousins, but the end result is a much more robust and accommodating structure.

  • Surfaces need to be sufficiently robust and strong, ideally flat and level - for example a location that’s previously supported a building.
  • Proper drainage and water management is advisable, especially to achieve performance akin to a traditional building.
  • These buildings are available in plain cladded steel, however sandwich panels perform much better and provide proper sealing, insulation and fire resilience.
  • Our quote covers all installation costs including plant hire. The cost to link up to services can also be added to the price.
  • Extras such as internal fittings, skylights, solar panels, fire sprinklers etc can all be quoted and are fitted by our installation teams.
A photography of an all steel semi-permanent building from BigBox Buildings.

Tips & Notes for those considering a Semi-Permanent Building...

TIP

Steel sandwich panel exterior buildings can come with a “no leak guarantee” unlike their temporary building counterparts, which are weatherproof but due to having PVC roofs and the fact they just sit on an existing hard surface, can’t be guaranteed waterproof.

NOTE

Wall panel thickness, type and composition can be varied to suit the application, customer, landlord, compliance and insurance needs, e.g. LPCB standards requiring highly fire resilient cladding.

NOTE

These buildings can be supplied with roofs with high levels of insulation unlike the PVC roof alternative, which is not as thermally efficient. This saves on running costs and meets any temperature care standards which need to be adhered to.

TIP

These buildings are well suited to sites where harsh weather conditions prevail, such as windy, coastal, off shore or higher altitude locations. As a comparison aluminium frames are usually only recommended to 100m above sea level.

NOTE

The general rule of thumb is the less ‘temporary’, the more ‘proper building’ options you can have e.g. skylights, solar panels, fire sprinklers, HVAC, fume extraction, air purification etc.

TIP

Already achieving far higher Wind Return Periods (WRP) than aluminium frame buildings, these buildings can be designed to support weighty internal and/or external fixtures & fittings.