garage/shop brainstorming future plans

[duckarolltape]

Looking to build a shop on our new farm/homestead we are in the process of buying. After doing some modeling in sketchup I’ve realized I need at least 2000 sq ft for just the machines and weld area im looking to put together after the shop is built. And thats not even including a vehicle assembly area or material storage or general parking etc etc.

Building a 5000 sq ft shop immediately isn’t in the cards, but adding on to an existing building in the future as space is needed is much more practical and doable. Plus, keeping the machine shop area “smaller” will allow me to cheaply keep it heated and cooled instead of worrying about that for a large area thats not broken into sections.

After some thought id like to build the first structure out of CMU blocks or ICF, I like the look of CMU better, but ICF construction would keep the temperature pretty stable year round. Also I think a low roof would be less area to heat or cool. But then again heat rises so I might **** myself. No clue. Ill post some photos later of shop ideas that I have in mind.

The next structure I think could be a steel building built up next to the first building with a pass through roll up door connecting them. The roof could be taller for a car lift or material storage etc etc, but it wouldn’t need to be heated or cooled or even insulated at first. After working in steel buildings with no insulation at all its literally the worst thing ever. I never wanted to get any work done during work hours because it was either to cold or to damn hot.

This is the shop I modeled in sketchup, im a big fan of older buildings with all the large factory windows letting in natural light, security isn’t a worry so much as this will be on our 60 acres. people get robbed no matter what. May as well have this place looking how I want it.

Here are some photos of some other inspiring buildings id like to base the build off of.

Notice this shop from the dude who runs the jalopy journal, garage journal and the HAMB. The pitch of the roof is much steeper than any steel buildings I’ve seen and it really changes the look. This may be an option for the addition to have off the side of the brick building, they would flow together really well.

anyways. Just a mind dump of what im planning and wanted a place to put all this information out there and get some feedback.

 

[matt_i]

I hate to be the first guy out to pour cold water on the dreams.

I think your most economical for 5ksqft is going to be a red iron building, built in 1 shot. Next would be a stick build with what I think is a shallow frost depth (use a thickened edge earth-formed slab basically). I think I'd choose a wooden building for ease of modification if you built in stages. Potentially part of it could also be less-expensive post-frame if just for dry storage...Brick facade is possible with a proper footing for it.

The parapet wall detail is one that's not going to be cheap or easy, the membrane roof is not one that most people can do unlike a shingled or metal roof.

The ICF is good because of its insulation and mass but you have the issue of creating a facade on the exterior as well, some of the siding or facade has to be in direct ground contact. And then there's the looming foam block interior...which would have to be covered as well. Not much to hit with the ends of the wall-ties being the major structure.

 

[duckarolltape]

no worries on the cold water lol. i appreciate the feedback.

 

[pmiranda]

I agree that in the long run, one big building is cheaper than two small ones. It's pretty easy to frame a 2x4 interior partition to separate spaces for efficient climate control.
Even in my relatively small 40x60 I plan to put up vinyl hanging partitions so I can wash a car in one corner without getting everything wet and to reduce heat loss/gain when the overhead doors are opened.
Either way, depending on your climate you might need to be able to remove humidity or an uninsulated (or thinly insulated) steel panel exterior will "sweat" when temps drop outside overnight.
Also, for storage don't forget to utilize vertical space.