Loft in 30x50 steel building

[toddt429]

Happy Holidays.
I have a 30x50x12 2" tube steel building. I have used it for about a year now and have established my needs and a plan. I would now like to add a loft across the width of one end of the building (about 10' deep). I would be using the loft for a climate controlled office space and the rest for light non industrial storage.

Can a 2 inch tube steel building support that? I had all the upgrades added when it was built ( heavier gauge, verticle siding with the additional horizontal support framing etc...). I have no problem adding 6x6 supports or lally columns every 7' across the front as I will be closing the lower section off to make other isolated climate controlled areas for grow rooms and a honey processing space. Im hoping this can be done as it would actually add more practical space to my building. also if anyone has a similar set-up and pictures handy, could you please post for inspiration?
Thank You,
Todd

 

[PugetDude]

Frame it out conveniently as a freestanding structure, just tie it to the steel
frame. I wouldn't rely on the tube steel structure for support, it was probably designed to hold up the roof and walls only. The difference is only the framing materials across the back wall, anyway.
Better safe than sorry.
My 2cents for free.
Merry Christmas

 

[toddt429]

And a very valuable 2 cents. This plan allows for better insulation options. Thank You and a very Merry Christmas to you as well.

 

[yatg]

I have a 30x50x12 2" tube steel building

A loft in a 12' tall building? Not a lot of headroom top or bottom.

 

[toddt429]

I'm planing on making it half office from center out and half storage center out to other side. I will also cheat the ceiling height down below to like 6.5 feet.

 

[larry_g]

You can see what I did for a loft in my building below. Mine is a pole building and the loft was designed in but the wall under the loft in the middle of the building may have a few ideas for you.

lg

 

[toddt429]

That is very impressive. I love the pass through cubby/shelves. consider that idea stollen lol. if you don't mind, how tall are your walls? A previous poster does bring up a very good point about my walls being a little too short. thanks for showing your shop. lots of inspiration there.

 

[larry_g]

That is very impressive. I love the pass through cubby/shelves. consider that idea stollen lol. if you don't mind, how tall are your walls? A previous poster does bring up a very good point about my walls being a little too short. thanks for showing your shop. lots of inspiration there.

I believe that the shop wall are a nominal 14' tall. The storage wall, (pass through cubby/shelves), has one side of each stud bay closed so it is not a pass through for purposes of heating and dirt control. Those studs are 2x10's so each shelf holds quite a bit.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[readhead]

Tube steel buildings generally have zero collateral loads designed into them. The frame is designed to hold itself and the cover and that is it. As Pudget Dude suggested frame an independent structure inside.

 

[PugetDude]

I'm planing on making it half office from center out and half storage center out to other side. I will also cheat the ceiling height down below to like 6.5 feet.

I would consider putting the office in the center with normal head room below and shorter storage above it. Lower headroom in storage areas on either side of the office.

 

[toddt429]

I believe that the shop wall are a nominal 14' tall. The storage wall, (pass through cubby/shelves), has one side of each stud bay closed so it is not a pass through for purposes of heating and dirt control. Those studs are 2x10's so each shelf holds quite a bit.

lg
no neat sig line

Great info. Thanks again.