Why does steel beat masonry?
In traditional construction, any alteration to the building's form is a complicated and costly operation, often affecting the structural stability of the whole. With steel buildings, the situation is completely different. The prefabricated industrial buildings designed by MatBud are based on modular systems. This means the building is not a monolith but a logical set of interconnected frames made of hot-rolled IPE I-beams.
This design allows almost unlimited flexibility. If you are wondering how to enlarge a building, the simplest way is to add more structural frames. This allows the building to be extended by any number of modules. All connections are planned at the design stage, so the new part integrates seamlessly with the existing one, creating a uniform and safe space.
Extending a warehouse building – planning and technology
The extension process requires thorough technical preparation. As general contractor, MatBud supports investors from the stage of analysing load-bearing capacity and site conditions. It is essential that the extension to a warehouse building is consistent in terms of thermal insulation and strength. If your original building was insulated, the new section should meet the same standards – to avoid energy losses and condensation at the junction of the structures.
An extension is an opportunity to use the latest materials, such as the 160 mm panels we used on our project in Kraśnik, among others. Thanks to modularity, the new cladding is installed very quickly, allowing the new section to be “closed in” and connected to the old one in just a few working days.
Extension without breaking the bank – what really pays off?
Investors often ask about costs. Extending an existing building is usually 30–50% cheaper than constructing a new, free-standing building of the same floor area. This is because we use the existing infrastructure: gable walls, utility connections and yard areas. At MatBud we follow the principle of optimisation. We advise so that the extension of the steel building is technically and economically justified.
Using hot-dip galvanised structures (with a 10-year warranty) means that the new section will be just as durable as the one erected a few years earlier. What's more, at MatBud we offer galvanised structures for the price of painted ones, which increases the value of the whole property without increasing capital expenditure.
Speed of delivery: no interruption to business continuity
One of business owners' biggest concerns is downtime. Because we have most structural modules available “from stock”, prefabrication of components for the extension starts immediately after the design is approved. Erecting the steel structure itself – standing the new frames and preparing them for cladding – is a clean and fast process. Work can often proceed without completely stopping production or logistics in the existing part of the building.
Examples of our projects, such as warehouse buildings in Skarżysko (3696 m²) or Radom (815 m²), show that modular steel construction allows businesses to scale from small workshops to huge logistics centres. Whatever the scale, the MatBud system based on robust IPE steel remains reliable and predictable in operation for years.
If you are planning to expand your company, you don't need to look for a new plot. Use our tool and get a quote for the extension, and our engineers will help you match the new sections to your current needs.
FAQ
Can every steel building be extended?
Most modern modular structures based on IPE frames allow this. The key is to check the technical documentation and the load-bearing capacity of the foundations at the junction of the old and new parts. MatBud analyses these options comprehensively before starting design work.
Do I need a building permit to extend a building?
Yes – under Polish law, extending a building requires a building permit or a notification with a building design. As part of our general contracting service, MatBud handles all the documentation and formalities with the authorities.
Can a building be enlarged with an additional floor (mezzanine)?
Yes, if the building height allows it (our duo-pitch buildings reach up to 12 m), steel mezzanines for offices or light storage can be installed inside. However, if more volume is needed, we recommend adding further frames along the length or across the width of the building.
How long does it take to erect the new section of the building?
Thanks to prefabrication, erecting the steel structure itself for a medium-sized extension usually takes from a few days to two weeks. The whole investment process, including the foundations and sandwich panel cladding, is usually completed within a quarter.
Can the new section of the building have a different use from the old one?
Of course. Modularity allows an existing production building to be extended with a modern warehouse section or a prestige office.
