Rising from the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright Brothers knew their plane would change the current of society forever. They also unknowingly created an entirely new industry: aviation construction.
The history of aviation construction is a fascinating journey marked by innovation and adaptation. The first hangars, often repurposed metal barns or other existing buildings, were adapted out of necessity. These functional shelters laid the groundwork for today’s sophisticated aviation facilities.
Read on to learn how the advantages of metal building systems revolutionize aviation construction.
From Barns to Hangars
Initially, aerospace facility construction was practical. Contractors utilized and repurposed whatever materials and buildings were readily available. In fact, the first hangar was a small wooden structure the Wright Brothers used to protect their plane from the windy environment.
From there, builders moved to metal barns. With their spacious interiors and the ability to withstand various weather conditions, they were adopted as versatile aviation hangars. As aviation technology advanced, so did the requirements for more specialized structures.
Early purpose-built hangars were typically constructed with wood or brick. While these materials offered some permanence, they presented limitations. Wood was susceptible to fire and weather damage, while brick structures were expensive and time-consuming to erect.
Metal construction was far superior. This led to the development of advanced materials and engineering techniques to meet functional standards.
The Rise of Metal Building Systems
The emergence of metal-building systems had a revolutionary impact on the aviation industry. These pre-engineered structures offer a unique combination of benefits that perfectly align with the requirements of modern aviation facilities. Let’s take a look at the advantages of metal building systems:
Design Flexibility
Metal building systems offer unparalleled versatility. Their modular nature allows architects to design wide-open, clear-span interiors to accommodate various aircraft sizes, from single-engine private planes to jumbo jets.
The benefits go beyond housing aircraft. Metal building systems can integrate mezzanines, office spaces, and other functional areas, creating a customized hangar environment.
Affordability
Compared to traditional construction methods, modular metal structures offer significant cost advantages. Their prefabricated nature reduces construction time and labor costs. Additionally, metal buildings require minimal maintenance, leading to long-term cost savings for hangar owners.
Durability and Security
Metal buildings are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snowfall, and seismic activity. This ensures the safety of valuable aircraft housed within the hangar. Integrated with advanced security features, such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and fire suppression technology, metal buildings offer peace of mind for aviation professionals.
Sustainability
Metals, manufactured with a focus on recycled materials, contribute to environmental sustainability. Advanced insulation methods and reflective roof coatings can help regulate interior temperatures, potentially reducing heating and cooling demands. Incorporating a high percentage of recycled steel reduces the need to extract raw materials from the earth.
The Use of Aviation Construction
Metal building systems have become the preferred choice for a wide range of aviation support structures and projects, including:
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities
- Fixed-base operations (FBOs)
- Cargo terminals
- Aircraft manufacturing facilities
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, high-performance metal buildings will play an important role in supporting its growth.
Modern aviation facilities require solutions that are as adaptable as the industry itself. Chapple Design Build is at the forefront of utilizing metal building systems in aviation construction. Also, as a Butler Builder®, we’re part of the network of metal building contractors and designers organized by industry leader Butler Manufacturing™.
Ready to start building? Reach out to us now to begin your journey!
