Cities are getting busier and more densely populated – raising the height of homes and buildings is becoming a common operation. By extending or raising the height of existing houses onto flat roofs, new homes are being created.
Why should you elevate with steel frame?
Moving up, a high-flying operation
With unmatched durability and design flexibility, steel frame elevations will take your building to new heights.
Building optimization through elevation has been commonplace since 1980, and has been successfully done in many large cities for several years, such as in Berlin, London or Paris where there is a serious housing shortage. This construction method can also produce significant results in rural areas, for example by increasing the height of a bungalow and adding a second floor.
The advantages of such a solution are twofold: on the one hand, the impact for the environment is reduced, and on the other, the added value a roof extensions is usually considerable.
There are different building methods but the most efficient one is with light steel frame. This method, made by beSteel makes possible to add one, two or even three floors to an existing building without having to reinforce the existing foundations.
Steel frame has taken construction projects to a whole new level. What’s more, it offers associated cost savings, reduced nuisance for neighbours and durability of the method.
Flat roof or pitched roof: which can have the height increased?
The height of any type of building can be increased: offices, the top floor of a building, or a house in the countryside, a flat, sloping or terrace roof… Everything is possible.
What does it take to raise a building?
beSteel will carry out a feasibility study, will do the calculations and then will provide a detailed load plan for the structure. The feasibility of the project is then verified and approved. Thanks to its steel frame technology and process, beSteel was able to meet 100% of requests received.
Why the steel frame?
In 75% of cases, it was impossible to raise buildings using other construction methods because the point loads were too high. With lightweight steel, the weight is not an issue anymore: steel frame eliminates the need to reinforce existing foundations.
Find out here why steel frame elevations are the best choice !
The stages of the steel frame elevations
- Building permits – Before starting, you must obtain all necessary permits and approvals from your local building department.
- Co-ownership agreement (if applicable) – When several parties share ownership of a building, it is important to make sure everyone agrees with the building elevation plan.
- Choice of construction method – beSteel is involved in this process. We carry out the feasibility study for your project and direct you to the best construction partner in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Let us show you the way. Without the proper guidance, this process can sometimes be an obstacle course. Working closely together, the architect, beSteel, the construction company and the stability engineer form a working group to deliver the framework of your project in less than 8 weeks.
- Transforming the existing structure – Opening up the existing roof (if necessary) and building the new steelframe elevations.
Ready to gain square footage through steel frame elevations? Contact us, cause we’ve been ready all along!