Creating unique multistorey buildings tailored to specific needs

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Building a multistorey warehouse requires rigorous planning, design and execution. These complex projects, often located in dense urban areas, call for constant coordination throughout. Key design decisions include determining the uses of each floor, addressing the challenges of multi-tenant occupancy, and ensuring accessibility via ramps and/or cargo lifts.

Early collaboration with the entire project team – including planners, architects, engineers and the end client – provides valuable input. It simplifies the approval process, reduces delays and optimises resource utilisation, ensuring a rational & efficient approach..

Kiss the sky

In urban areas, warehouses must blend in. Their architecture and landscaping – particularly in terms of façade and height – need to match the scale and nature of the neighbouring buildings. Both aesthetically and functionally, they must be in harmony with the movement of pedestrians and other users of the public space. Various other design aspects also set urban logistics buildings apart from those located outside cities, especially when it comes to high-bay facilities.

Air quality and noise are key issues. Heavy traffic in urban areas can affect ventilation strategies, reducing the opportunity for opening windows in warehouse and office spaces. And to ensure indoor acoustic comfort, the building’s envelope and façade must be adequately designed. Conversely, in mixed-use areas, the facility’s operation must not affect the wellbeing of local residents. 

A facade can contribute to a greener city. Even compact sites can provide room for plants and create habitats that support biodiversity. A warehouse’s long, uninterrupted façade is – in fact – well suited to such initiatives. However, environmentally-friendly features require careful planning and selection, taking into account fire safety and maintenance considerations. The envelope being the only barrier between the building’s interior and its environment, it is crucial to select & specify adapted materials, ensuring that they are durable and meet the required safety standards.

Due to their height, multistorey buildings’ cladding materials are subject to stricter fire prevention regulations. And given that various floors often support different uses, it is also important to ensure adequate separation between levels in the façade’s design.

Carrying the weight

The structural elements of multistorey logistics buildings bear considerable horizontal and vertical loads. In addition to the building itself, they must carry the weight of goods and equipment ranging from palletised merchandise to racking systems and moving vehicles such as pallet trucks and forklifts. Within our dedicated teams, architects and structural engineers work together to optimise the column layout and structural depths.

The upper floors must also be designed to support handling equipment systems, including robotics, which require excellent surface regularity and a rigid support structure to minimise deformation in operation. These factors need careful consideration during both the design and construction phases.

It is crucial to assess the pros & cons of materials such as steel, concrete and timber right from the start of the design process. This includes requirements regarding fire resistance, strength and accidental load scenarios.

Have no fear of heights

Ideally, vehicles should have direct access to loading bays and/or vertical transport systems to simplify the movement of goods to & from the logistics facility, as well as within it.

Ramps – whether straight or spiral – provide direct access to all floors. Multiple docks on each level enable fast, efficient loading, which translates into a higher efficiency and throughput capacity.

The choice of a spiral or straight ramp should take into account the types of vehicles they will serve. Courier vehicles, light goods vehicles and heavy trucks have different requirements, which can also affect the height of the individual floors. Safety and manoeuvrability, particularly for heavy goods vehicles, require effective space planning from the outset, making optimal use of scarce land.

In some warehouses, the upper floors are accessed by cargo lifts. It is important to consider the challenges associated with multi-occupant warehouses, where lifts are shared by several units and may require regular maintenance.

Sustainable materials and excellence in construction

To shrink both carbon footprint and operating costs, GSE has changed its approach. Lifecycle carbon assessments are now an essential part of our process. We suggest low-carbon materials, taking into account their design life, reusability and any ongoing maintenance or re-use requirements.

A simple strategy to support net zero goals is to extend the life of existing buildings and/or reuse their parts. For a newbuild multistorey logistics building, design choices concerning the structure, façades, clear spans, clear heights and – above all – floor loads can have a significant impact on the facility’s longevity and therefore its carbon footprint.

Design factors that support your operations

Highly customised solutions to match unique requirements

With advanced features that offer unrivalled customisation and versatility, our buildings are designed to meet the unique requirements of each operation. From environmentally friendly solar roofing options to adaptable loading zones, our solutions meet your specific needs. Customise your storage facility with innovations that make it both more functional and more sustainable.

By suggesting low-carbon materials – such as timber façades, low-carbon concrete paving, bio-based paints and re-used materials – GSE can dramatically reduce your future multistorey building’s carbon footprint.

Versatile storage options for every need

Whether you are navigating the complex landscape of urban logistics or simply expanding your company’s storage capacity, our facilities provide unrivalled versatility. Options include single level, multistorey and mezzanine storage systems, offering flexible and adjustable space management. Each option is designed to maximise efficiency, meeting the requirements of a variety of industries and activities – from retail storage to large-scale warehousing.

Building a multistorey facility requires meticulous attention at every stage of the project – particularly in a complex urban environment. Rigorous planning and effective coordination are essential to ensure that each level of the building meets its functional, logistical and sustainability requirements. In addition, the challenges of multiple occupancy and of accessibility to the different levels – whether by ramp or cargo lift – need to be carefully considered at the design stage. Appropriate handling solutions, such as vertical conveyors and lifts, are essential to facilitate the seamless movement of goods. In addition, the choice of eco-responsible materials and sustainable practices – such as solar roofs and timber façades – helps reduce a project’s carbon footprint.

GSE’s many years of expertise and innovation enable its teams to design multistorey buildings that meet the client’s specific operational needs, improving operational efficiency while adhering to environmental standards. From structural strength to optimised use of space, every aspect is carefully planned to ensure a project’s success and sustainability. You can trust our team of engineers and architects to create bespoke solutions that meet your specific requirements and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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