Category: American Construction

For decades, the self-storage industry operated on a simple architectural premise: function over form. Facilities were often relegated to a community’s industrial outskirts, designed as utilitarian rows of metal doors with little regard for aesthetics. They were boxes meant to hold other boxes. However, the market has changed — and the change has been significant. As urbanization drives density and consumers demand convenience, self-storage facilities are moving into high-visibility suburban corridors, mixed-use developments, and even near or in residential neighborhoods. This geographic shift brings new challenges and opportunities for architects, developers, and facility managers. Planning boards today are often stricter than in the past. To comply with regulations, structures must blend seamlessly into the surrounding community [...]

For architects and owners today, a building’s facade is a barrier against the elements but also an active contributor to the structure’s performance and a participant in its dialogue with the surrounding environment. Gone are the days when static, flat elevations seemed to be the only option. Modern architectural aesthetics increasingly incorporate dynamic surfaces that don’t just protect the building but simultaneously “paint” with light and shadow. They also play a distinct role in managing airflow.  Metal panels have become a new favorite. Curved, perforated, and corrugated profiles in particular are serving as a "second skin" for buildings, providing depth, movement, and functional performance.  For architects, developers, and project managers, the challenge often lies in selecting [...]