Cast iron’s history with commercial buildings

There is something you need to do in order to be a successful architect. You must understand the differences between each style. This is something our team do very well. As a result, we have become one of the best teams working in commercial architecture. The structures we build make sure their users thrive.

In the mid-1800s, cast iron architecture was one of the most popular types of building design. It was to the extent that people from all over the world were using it. There were many reasons why it was so popular in commercial buildings as well as private homes. By reading on, you can find out about some of them.

Cheap but ornate

Commercial architectureTo begin with, it was a cheap way of reproducing ornate facades. This includes Italianate, Classical, and Gothic. These would go on to be the most popular designs. The grand commercial architecture ended up being affordable when it was mass-produced. You could reuse cast iron moulds too. This enabled the development of catalogues of module patterns.

Similar to the mass production of automobiles, cast iron facades would include parts. As a result it was easier to repair broken components. This was as long as the mould was still available.

Assembling elaborate designs quickly

In addition, with cast iron, you could assemble elaborate designs on construction sites quickly. Even better, it was possible to erect whole buildings in one place. Shipping them all over the world was also practical.

Industrial features and open plan

Finally, using cast iron was a natural extension of the Industrial Revolution. By using steel frames in commercial structures, you were able to use a floor plan design that was more open. There was room to accommodate bigger windows that were more appropriate for commerce.

At Coffey Architects, we ensure that our commercial architecture has everything the client needs. We want the buildings to be inspirational as well. This way, it is easier to attract and keep talent.

If there are things you would like to discuss with us, please get in touch. We can speak about designing new offices, shops, and any other spaces. On top this, we have a lot of experience with renovation.