Part 1: Architect’s Guide 1 - 6 Intelligent use of steel products and components produced by manufacturers who are constantly innovating and developing, contributes to the transformation of our urban landscapes. 2.3 An evolving art Today’s perception of steel has evolved. Its qualities and advantages have been revealed, tried and tested. Moreover, the very wide range of accompanying products means the steel frame can respond to rapidly changing lifestyles and use. Many buildings constructed after the Second World War no longer fulfil today’s needs, although they can be restructured and extended if the patrimonial value of the existing building is worth prolonging. Steel buildings are designed with walls made of light composite products. This construction solution combines all of steel’s qualities. 2.4 Extending and refurbishment 2.4.1 Extending upwards The concept of extending buildings upwards is very interesting. The designer can benefit from the foundation of existing buildings and their vertical connections. Load-bearing steel frames are lightweight and adaptable for many situations. They provide an effective solution for the extension of old buildings, whatever the original material, and help find the right balance between the weight of the new structure and the admissible loads. In order to extend an existing steel structure, it is reasonable to retain the same building system. Figure 2.4 Extending building upwards An extension is often carried out in parallel with complete refurbishment of the building. The modus operandi for building an extension with a steel structure allows the two activities to be managed simultaneously, thus significantly reducing the time needed to refurbish the existing building. The latter can be carried out in parallel with the extension and without incurring costly delays.
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