Some buildings exist to protect equipment rather than people or stock: pump stations, blower and UV buildings at treatment plants, generator shelters, switch rooms and electrical housings. They look simple from the outside, but they carry requirements most sheds never face. Steelspan has delivered this kind of building at water and wastewater treatment plants and at a naval base, including blower and UV buildings, pump plant buildings and generator roofs. We’ve also built specialist buildings for collecting and storing blood products and waste products, and dedicated electrical enclosure buildings.
Importance level #
The structural loading standard sorts buildings by the consequences of failure. A farm shed is usually importance level 1, an ordinary building level 2. Buildings that house essential services can sit higher, which means stronger design loads for wind and earthquake. Confirm the importance level with the asset owner and engineer at the start, because it drives the frame, footings and cost. Steelspan designs to importance level 3, which is often required for the council infrastructure buildings we provide, and we have a track record of IL3 buildings across a number of sites.
Heat and ventilation #
Pumps, blowers, generators and switchgear give off heat. The building needs enough ventilation, louvres or mechanical extraction to keep equipment within its operating temperature, while keeping out rain, birds and vermin.
Noise #
Blowers and generators are loud. Acoustic wall and roof systems, attenuated louvres and careful door seals can be needed to meet district plan noise limits at the boundary. Acoustic performance needs to be designed in, not added later.
Corrosion #
Wastewater sites, coastal sites and chemical dosing rooms are hard on metal. Gases such as hydrogen sulphide, high humidity and salt air call for careful material selection, coatings and detailing inside and out. Our coastal and cladding posts explain the product choices.
Getting equipment in and out #
Equipment has to be installed, serviced and eventually replaced. Plan for:
- removable roof panels, hatches or wide doors for crane lifts
- lifting beams or gantries inside
- floor loads and plinths for heavy plant
- bunding for oils and chemicals
Working on secure and live sites #
Infrastructure sites often stay running while we build. That means inductions, access control, shutdown planning with the operator, and working around live equipment. Our clients include Watercare, Ports of Auckland, the NZ Navy and Auckland Airport.
Talk to Steelspan #
Send us the equipment list, site and operator requirements, and we’ll design a building that protects the plant and is easy to maintain. Use our Easy Shed Quote or call 0800 787 726.
