Let's start with the definition of an industrial building. One of the four primary categories of commercial assets utilized for business purposes is an industrial building, as we have already discussed. To put it simply, industrial buildings are factories or other sizable spaces principally utilized for the production or storage of goods, services, or raw materials for commercial gain.
Types of industrial buildings
Typically, these are one-story structures that can be anywhere from 5,000 to hundreds of thousands of square feet in size and are used for the transportation and storage of commodities. In most cases, ceilings are at least sixty feet high because of the racking and storage systems that must be kept under cover. Large truck doors, loading docks, and parking areas big enough to handle the semi-trailers needed for distribution are further distinguishing characteristics.
These manufacturing structures, sometimes referred to as heavy industrial buildings, house the capital-intensive machinery needed to produce commodities and materials. Shipbuilding, mining, and the oil industry are a few examples. To provide adequate voltage to run the large machinery within, these buildings use a three-phase electric power supply. Typically, they have large ductwork combined with high-capacity ventilation and exhaust systems to create clean air and remove dangerous chemicals and odors from the building. Lastly, in order for the gear to operate correctly, it frequently features pressurized air or water lines in addition to useful features like floor drains and storage tanks.
Light production requires less capital than the big industrial buildings mentioned above. Textiles, furniture, and home electronics are a few examples of light industries. Light manufacturing buildings have the characteristic of requiring less area, energy, and materials to function.
- Cold storage and refrigeration
Refrigeration and cold storage facilities are typically distribution hubs for food items, including dairy, meat, and fruit. These structures have rooms designated for freezing and cooling, giving commodities a temperature-controlled environment to be preserved before being distributed. Special seals on the docks and insulated overhead doors to maintain product temperatures are two more distinguishing features
Numerous business operations pertaining to the production process are housed under one roof in a flex facility. This provides a "flexible" solution to fit the specific requirements of a business. For instance, you might come across an office building combined with a small warehouse, R&D facility, or showroom. Flex buildings often have lower ceilings, between 14 and 24 feet, and more office space than a traditional warehouse.
- Data Hosting Centers and Telecom
To maintain a company's network and data, these specialized buildings (usually measuring about 100,000 square feet) host large computer servers and related equipment. These structures, which go by several names, including switching centers, cyber centers, and web hosting facilities, have two or more redundant power supplies to ensure that technology continues to run in the event of a possible outage from one source. These buildings also have elaborate security systems, specialized HVAC units that can effectively cool the machinery, and reinforced floors to sustain the weight of the heavy equipment.
An office building or warehouse space (or both) combined with a public exhibition area is called a showcase property. An automobile dealership is a good example of a showroom. The design and layout of a showroom are comparable to those of a flexible building. To display and sell products on-site, a showroom typically dedicates roughly half of the building to retail space.
- Investigation and Creation
A research and development center, which is typical in the biotechnology and technology sectors, is another type of flexible building. In order to create and improve products, research and development centers frequently consist of a combination of offices, labs, and even manufacturing spaces in a campus-like setting. Research and development buildings frequently need more power than a conventional flex facility because of their electrical testing labs.
Another subgroup of flex buildings are biotechnology facilities, which are primarily labs that test and examine medications, chemicals, and other biological processes. Unlike dry labs, which concentrate on simulations, biotechnology buildings are wet labs, which are experimental facilities that incorporate the handling of many sorts of chemicals and liquids. Biotechnology buildings need specific planning to prevent contamination and spills because of the possible hazards. Temperature controls, specific piped utilities, and direct ventilation are a few examples.
