Structural Steelwork and Architectural Metalwork – the Backbone of Modern Construction.
March 12th, 2025
Structural steelwork and architectural metalwork provided by Brooksby Projects form the foundational support for floors, ceilings and roofs (as well as our famous balconies), ensuring stability and safety in construction. In new builds, these components are designed to distribute weight efficiently, while in steel frame buildings, they enable architects to explore innovative designs without compromising strength.
We’re heavy-hitters when it comes to experience in steelwork. Whatever your structural steel or architectural metalwork needs – we’ll have the expertise you need.
So, in this article, we’ll take a look at the important, fundamental role steel frames play in modern construction.
Clickable table of contents
- Introducing steelwork in modern construction
- Steelwork in utility spaces
- Steelwork in storage and logistics
- Steelwork in plant rooms
- Steelwork in utility infrastructure
- Steelwork in access and safety
- Brooksby: Delivering excellence in structural steelwork and architectural metalwork
- More about Brooksby Projects
- Contact us
Introducing steelwork in modern construction
Whether it’s creating the load-bearing frameworks that support entire buildings, reinforcing aging structures to meet contemporary safety standards or providing the hygienic fixtures and fittings needed by modern back-of-house facilities, steel’s role is indispensable.
From residential projects to towering commercial developments, steel beams – including RSJs (Rolled Steel Joists), I-beams or H-beams – are essential for constructing compliant, durable and reliable structures.
Additionally, when it comes to preserving heritage of existing structures or adapting older buildings for modern use, reinforcement with structural steel ensures compliance with today’s rigorous safety standards, making it possible to accommodate increased loads and extend a building’s lifespan.
Brooksby’s expertise offers this blend of flexibility and durability for a diverse range of applications in the construction industry.
So, let’s take a look at the different applications of high-quality steelwork in construction projects.
Steelwork in utility spaces
Utility spaces are critical to the functionality of any building and structural steelwork plays a vital role in ensuring these areas meet both practical and regulatory requirements. From mechanical and electrical rooms to elevator shafts and escalator frameworks, steel offers the reliability and compliance necessary for efficient and safe operation.
Mechanical and electrical rooms
Steel frameworks are essential for supporting HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning), electrical panels and plumbing installations in mechanical and electrical rooms. These spaces must accommodate heavy equipment while ensuring optimal organisation and accessibility for maintenance.
Steel’s inherent strength and customisable nature make it the ideal material to construct frameworks that can bear significant loads while adhering to building regulations.
Elevator shafts and escalator frameworks
Elevator shafts and escalator frameworks require robust, precision-engineered steelwork to support the weight and movement of vertical transportation systems. Steel frames provide the structural integrity needed to bear dynamic loads while maintaining stability throughout the structure’s lifespan.
Steelwork in elevator shafts is often integrated with fire-rated enclosures to ensure safety in the event of a fire. Steel frameworks like this are designed to optimise safety while maximising load-bearing capacity, durability and accessibility.
With our 40 years of experience in fabricating steel for complex layouts we, at Brooksby, ensure your utility spaces are functional, safe, durable and capable of supporting your HVAC systems, electrical panels and vertical transportation infrastructure.
Steelwork in storage and logistics
Structural steelwork provides robust racking systems as well as versatile platforms and mezzanines in warehouses, where the need to maximise vertical space is critical. These systems are designed to support heavy loads, ensuring the safe storage of goods while maintaining easy access for handling equipment such as forklifts.
Mezzanine floors, constructed using steel platforms, make good use of steel’s high strength-to-weight ratio and offer an effective way to expand storage or operational space within a warehouse without requiring costly extensions.
Here at Brooksby, our custom steel fabrication services allow businesses like yours to enhance storage capacity and operational efficiency, with solutions tailored to your unique spatial and logistical needs.
Steelwork in plant rooms
Plant rooms house essential equipment such as boilers, generators and industrial machinery. These areas require steel platforms and steel frames that can accommodate heavy loads and enable efficient routing of conduits for pipes, cables and ventilation systems, while offering safe access for maintenance personnel.
Beyond load-bearing capacity, steel offers the added benefit of being able to withstand the vibrations and stresses associated with running large industrial equipment.
Brooksby’s structural steel services are well-suited to these applications, particularly in designing and fabricating bespoke steel structures for heavy-duty machinery and large ventilation systems.
Steelwork in utility infrastructure
The utility infrastructure is the web of arteries running through modern buildings and facilities, enabling the seamless delivery of essential services such as water, gas, electricity and, of course, data. From pipe racks to cable trays and conduits, these steel frameworks are designed to hold and organise pipelines, keeping them secure and protected while ensuring easy access for maintenance and repairs.
As buildings become increasingly reliant on advanced technology, the infrastructure required to support electrical wiring and data cables has grown more complex. Steel cable trays and conduits provide a secure and organised solution for managing these systems, ensuring functionality, efficiency and safety.
Brooksby’s expertise in structural steelwork delivers tailored solutions that enhance utility management, optimise use of space and ensure long-term reliability.
Steelwork in access and safety
From staircases and handrails to catwalks, platforms and safety barriers, access routes are essential in any industrial, commercial or construction setting. And that access needs to be reliable and, above all, safe for everyone to use. Steel’s inherent strength and versatility make it the material of choice for access and safety infrastructure.
Catwalks and platforms: secure access to machinery
As with staircases, UK regulations require catwalks and platforms to meet rigid standards for dimensions, load capacity and slip resistance. Steel’s ability to support various finishes – such as anti-slip coatings – helps ensure compliance with these standards.
Brooksby’s team of designers and fabricators can create steel platforms and catwalks tailored to your specific machinery layouts, ensuring easy access without obstructing other operations. Modular designs allow for future expansion or reconfiguration as facility requirements evolve.
Safety barriers: protecting equipment and workers
To ensure worker safety, steel catwalks and platforms are typically equipped with features such as guardrails, toe boards and anti-slip surfaces to protect employees.
Steel safety barriers do double duty as they don’t only protect staff but, also, safeguard sensitive equipment from accidental damage. These barriers are a critical component of industrial and commercial safety strategies.
Brooksby’s expertise in designing and fabricating bespoke steel solutions ensures that every access and safety requirement is met with precision in our unwavering commitment to quality. By choosing steel, facilities can prioritise the well-being of their employees and the integrity of their operations.
Brooksby: delivering excellence in structural steelwork and architectural metalwork
With our combination of expertise and the latest technology we, at Brooksby, offer clients the very best in structural steel fabrication services. Working from our well-equipped factory, we’re capable of undertaking bespoke structural steel fabrication projects of any complexity.
Dedicated project managers oversee every step, ensuring timely completion and addressing potential challenges with proactive solutions.
More about Brooksby Projects
Brooksby Projects is a leading specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of balcony systems, including the innovative FlightDeck® slide-on balcony system. With over 40 years of experience, we bring architects’ and property developers’ visions to life through our comprehensive in-house services.
Our commitment to off-site manufacturing and assembly means that balcony units are expertly fabricated, assembled and stored, ready for seamless on-site delivery at the agreed point in your project timeline. This approach ensures quality in every project while simplifying logistics, enhancing safety and saving you valuable time – helping you stay ahead in today’s demanding construction environment.
Contact us
By choosing Brooksby Projects, you gain a trusted partner in delivering high-quality steelwork solutions for projects of all sizes and complexities.
So, whatever Structural Steelwork and Architectural Metalwork project you need, get in touch with Brooksby.
Schedule a consultation by contacting our team today to discuss your project’s specific needs.
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