Prefabricated steel buildings go up quicker than if you were to use traditional building materials, as they arrive pre-cut and preinsulated, eliminating the need for a host of traditional subcontractors and saving both time and money. Photo courtesy of EcoSteel
Photo courtesy of EcoSteel
In both the commercial and residential sectors, people increasingly look to steel to make their design dreams come true, says Dave Scott, operations manager for EcoSteel. Architects may seek out EcoSteel because they want an exposed, industrial-chic look for their clients, Scott says, or homeowners may look to the company for solutions that offer pristine views while maintaining an energy-efficient space. EcoSteel offers the design flexibility they need—from cantilevers to large, clear spans for wide, open spaces that allow you to bring the outdoors in and preserve that connection to nature.
“People don’t always understand what we can do with steel,” Scott says. From unique designs to varied finishes and colors, EcoSteel has made its mark on countless standout projects—elaborate homes, modern breweries, Class A office buildings, and more.
Discretion Brewing in Soquel, California uses EcoSteel. Photo by Treve Johnson
It’s no secret that steel lasts. But not only are EcoSteel’s systems durable; they resist mold, mites, and even fire while also standing up to severe storms. Developers often turn to EcoSteel as a way to be proactive, especially in California where, in 2017, the state’s wildfires destroyed 7,500 buildings.
Commercial real estate developers and brothers Brian and Kevin Dueck know the need all too well. After their 20,000-square-foot retail property in Santa Cruz was destroyed by fire, they turned to EcoSteel for a fire-resistant building that was building- and energy code-compliant and modern. EcoSteel’s prefab buildings saved them time and money when rebuilding, as they could be designed and assembled faster than traditional methods. Now the Duecks have a successful 10,300-square-foot steel property—complete with gastropub, salon, and gym—with two-hour fire rated panels and roof.
“EcoSteel gave us a sweetheart of a deal and helped us design a retail space with a modern and open look that is also fireproof,” Brian Dueck says. “It has been a huge hit and has brought a lot of economic vitality to the area.”
In South Carolina, hurricanes are a real challenge for buildings. When Jenn Beatty and her husband chose to build along South Carolina’s coastal barrier island, they were adamant about steel, even when no local architects could do it.
“We wanted steel—something that was environmentally green and had high recycled content and wind stability in hurricane weather,” Beatty says. “My husband found EcoSteel and had a conversation with Joss about what we wanted to build and they got right to it. Working with their design team and engineers, our dream quickly became a reality.”
The result is a house with nearly 70% impact windows. It’s built on concrete pilings to keep it above water, while 12-foot ceilings and exposed steel beams support the wind beam glass loads without interruption. The 1,900-square-foot main house, 680-square-foot guest house, and 900-square-foot shop were all built on eight-and-a-half acres of riverfront property.
“Our main idea was to make sure what we created was something that made you feel like you were outside when you were inside,” Beatty says. The family of five moved in just days before Hurricane Florence hit. They chose to shelter in place, and their modern EcoSteel prefabricated home came through unscathed.
