What started as simple shelters using animal skins draped between wooden sticks during the Ice Age, fabric structures can be tracked 44,000 years ago. Since then, urban shadings have evolved using materials that are less violent to living creatures and are more sustainable.
Fabric structures were first found in areas with fewer materials and where survival relies on mobility. However, when thinking about it, the same principles apply to modern businesses. Organizations in industries like construction and medicine strive to create workspaces with fewer materials needed, and their operations heavily rely on mobility.
This makes fabric structures a go-to option. These are lightweight, modular buildings made from durable materials like PVC or PTFPE membranes. So, what makes them such a smart choice? Read on to find out.
It’s A Cost-Effective Alternative
Building a permanent structure, like a brick-and-mortar office or warehouse, can be incredibly expensive. You’re looking at USD$100 to USD$300 per square foot for traditional construction. This adds up fast for large spaces.
On top of that, you must pay for foundations, permits, and lengthy construction timelines. Fabric structures, by contrast, are a fraction of the cost. It is typically USD$10 to USD$50 per square foot, including setup.
That’s a savings of 30-50% or more right off the bat.
Fabric structures can also be set up in days or weeks, compared to months for permanent buildings. This speed means you can start using your workspace almost immediately, saving money on labor and avoiding costly project delays.
A construction company needing a temporary office can have a fabric structure ready in a week, while a traditional building might take six months. That’s time and money saved.
Plus, many fabric structures don’t require heavy foundations. They can be anchored to the ground with stakes or weights, cutting out the expenses of pouring concrete. This makes it ideal for temporary or remote locations where permanent construction isn’t practical.
It Can Boost Operational Savings
A modern fabric pre-engineered building is equipped with features like insulation, heating, and cooling systems, creating comfortable workspaces that rival traditional buildings. But because they’re designed with efficiency in mind, they often cost less to run.
One standout feature is the use of translucent fabric roofs. These allow natural light to flood the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Studies show this can cut energy costs by 20-30%, which adds up over time.
Maintenance is another area where fabric structures shine. While traditional buildings require regular upkeep, like painting or roof repairs, fabric structures don’t need that much attention.
Their durable materials resist weather and wear, so you spend less on repairs. This combination of energy saving and minimal maintenance makes fabric structures a smart choice for keeping operational costs low.
Its Flexibility is Key to Long-Term Value
While permanent buildings are fixed in place, fabric structures are modular and portable. If you are managing a construction project and must move your workspace to a new site, these structures can easily be dismantled and relocated. This is helpful because construction projects are always about mobility.
The same thing goes for event organizers. One might face the challenge of making an event happen where there are little to no venue options. If that’s the cause, having fabric structures would be the best way to go. A little creativity and a vision could come to life.
Fabric structures can also be reused for multiple projects. That’s because a high-quality fabric building can last 10-20 years with proper care. It can also be built with solid steel frames for added durability. Although it would take more time to build, you’ll have a more stable workspace.
The best thing is that you can repurpose it. For example, a company might use it as a warehouse during a busy season and repurpose it as a workshop for a different project later. This reusability spreads the initial cost over multiple uses, boosting ROI significantly.
Not to mention scalability. If your needs change, you can expand or shrink the space by adding or removing sections. This ensures that you are paying for the space you need, unlike permanent buildings that lock you into a fixed size.
It Provides Tax Benefits and Financing
In many places, fabric buildings are classified as temporary or equipment rather than a permanent structures. This can lead to tax breaks, such as accelerated depreciation, which lets you deduct the cost faster. These savings can improve your cash flow and make the investment even more appealing.
Financing is also flexible. Many providers offer rental or lease-to-own options, so you don’t have to pay the full cost upfront. This is great for businesses with tight budgets or those who only need a workspace for a short time.
The Final Verdict
As you’ve read, fabric structures do offer a compelling ROI for temporary workspaces. That’s all thanks to their low cost, flexibility, operational savings, and tax benefits. So, if you need a temporary workspace for your next project, never hesitate to invest in fabric structures.