Often, we hear the term “design” alongside words such as
“fashion” and “interior.” However, the term also applies to the construction of
a building. A building’s design must complement what the business itself is
used for. A restaurant’s design will be significantly different from that of a
retail store. Schools, libraries, and government buildings all have their flow to enhance their functionality. Industrial warehouses, whether used for
manufacturing, storage, distribution, or other, must be designed in a
particular way to guarantee efficiency. In this article, we’ll be taking into
consideration what an industrial warehouse design should include and why.
What is the Industrial Warehouse Being Used For?
Before the design process even begins, you need to think
about what sort of operation it will house. Is it going to be a distribution
warehouse, a storage warehouse, or a data center? Then, you’ll need to take
into account what material, product, or machinery will be used or stored in the
warehouse to determine the size and space needed. These are some questions
you’ll need to answer to help in the design process:
Will a certain flow need to happen for operations to
function properly and efficiently?
Are the ceilings high enough for shelving or large
machinery?
Will you need to consider warehouse automation, or will all
operations be handled through manual processes?
Do you need loading and unloading docks, or a shipping or
receiving zone? More than likely, this is a yes. Restricting these spaces will
only stunt operations and cause traffic jams, which people get enough of on the
road.
Have you factored in offices, a reception area, and storage
spaces? The reception area may not be necessary, but the office space, which
doesn’t need to be large, will be utilized, if only for paperwork and
bookkeeping. A storage area is also necessary for odds and ends or an excess of
goods. This space should be out of the way of normal operation flow and should
remain clutter-free.
Where is the Industrial Warehouse Located?
If you are looking for a site to construct your industrial
warehouse, you’ll need to ensure there is ample space to build the warehouse
without running into permit issues and property lines. If you’re looking into
buying an existing warehouse, does the building provide you with the space and
flow that you need for your operation?
What Should the Industrial Warehouse be Constructed From?
Though your warehouse could be constructed from aluminum,
wood, or concrete, a steel building is a classic choice for a warehouse due to
its many advantages:
High load-bearing weight
Durable against weather
Withstand the impact of heavy machinery
Easy to construct
Flexibility with design and space
You don’t want a material that is unable to withstand the
tough environment or the heavy traffic that an industrial warehouse sees daily.
Does the Industrial Warehouse Have a Clear Span?
A clear span is an open area in a building that is clear of
structural supports, such as walls or beams. This is a very important feature
in a warehouse since products, materials, and machinery used in such a place
are oftentimes overly large and cumbersome; employees and automation must be
able to maneuver forklifts, pallets, stacker cranes, crates, and other heavy
items and machines around the warehouse space. If there is not enough clear
span, flow, and ease of access are inhibited, and functionality decreases.
Create Separate Picking and Reception Spaces
The reception and picking areas of an industrial warehouse
are important but can be lumped together or shrunk down to give the warehouse
floor more space. However, marking out separate areas for both is important. If
the picking and reception areas are combined, it can make it uncomfortable to
spend time in the reception area for guests. It can also make things less
efficient since you will not be able to keep things quite as neat. Future you
will thank you for creating enough space for these areas when you design the
warehouse.
Roof Considerations
Most warehouses need to have a taller roof, at least in some
parts of it, to make space for a large, overhead crane. When designing your
warehouse, it is important to keep in mind how tall the equipment you are going
to need will be, so that the roof is high enough for it.
If your warehouse is a fulfillment center, you may not need
as large a roof, depending on the equipment you will need, so it is important
to research the required equipment when designing your warehouse.
Is the Industrial Warehouse Safe and Secure?
Safety measures must be in place when dealing with large
machinery and heavy products or materials. Structural supports, shelving, and
even flooring must be durable and be able to withstand large amounts of weight
placed upon it. Even more important, employees, customers (if applicable), and
ownership need protection against possible accidents. Some security measures
could include:
• Employee or authorized personnel only signs
• Elevated walkways
• Stairway railings
• Clear aisles
• Fire protection in place - alarms, extinguishers, and
sprinklers
• Use of PPE (personal protection equipment) - gloves,
steel-toed boots, protective eyeglasses, earplugs, safety vest, and hard hats
Invest in Durable Flooring
An important safety feature in any warehouse is durable
flooring. Heavy machinery can tear up flooring, especially if it is moved
around a lot. Plus, if any of the equipment gets knocked over, having durable
flooring can help prevent or minimize damage to the floor. Investing in more
durable flooring also means that you will not need to replace it as often,
saving you money in the future.
Air Quality in the Warehouse
Air quality is always an important safety consideration in
warehouses. While workers may be wearing masks and other PPE to protect them
from inhaling any toxins, it is important to take other safety measures to
improve the air quality in a building. Your warehouse needs to have good
airflow, ventilation, and easy access to fresh air. When designing your
industrial warehouse, consider adding a functional exterior so workers can go
outside to take a break. You can also include commercial air scrubbers in your
building to help eliminate toxins in areas with slightly less
ventilation.
Energy Efficiency in Warehouses
The United States is trying to increase energy efficiency in
buildings across the country, so when designing your warehouse, it is important
to keep energy efficiency in mind. This will help keep your energy costs lower
too, so it is a bonus to choosing a more efficient building.
Surprisingly, steel is one of the most energy-efficient building types
available these days. It can be insulated to help regulate the temperature.
Since you are designing your building, add in some skylights and larger windows
to help bring in natural light so you will not need to worry about keeping as
many lights on during the day. They are also great at standing up to adverse
weather.
Does the Industrial Warehouse Have Room for Growth?
The future always needs to be first and foremost when owning
or operating a business. Machines are becoming more efficient, goods will
always be in demand, and building materials will be sought after. Whichever
operation your industrial warehouse will be housing, chances are its supply and
demand will only increase. Therefore, the warehouse design should have the
flexibility of being expanded or added on to support future
operations.
In the world of industrial warehouse design, the dimensions and flow of the building are imperative in terms of efficiency and use. As with any business, determining the size and functionality of your industrial warehouse is essential in the beginning stages of design. Safety must be included and checked as the construction of the building progresses. Finally, once the industrial warehouse is built and underway, you’ll be able to bask in the success of conceiving the most efficient and desirable design of your building and its future success.
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About the Author
Amanda Stockwell is a freelance writer, knowledgeable in
many subjects such as industrial warehouse
and design. She has an MFA from Stephens College, is a mother to two and wife
to an Air Force pilot, and when she’s not writing and editing, she can be found
reading or baking.
