In nearly all industries, advanced materials have brought new possibilities to the fore. This may be more true in the construction of steel buildings than any other area. The reasons for this are many, and our commercial and domestic clients here at Bunger Steel might be the best qualified to describe those reasons. But the full capabilities of steel construction may be best exemplified in the products of today’s top architects working in steel and glass. We’ve gone to great lengths to describe the potential of steel buildings, but these world-class structures prove it.
10 Exemplary Steel Buildings in Modern Architecture
While many of these structures may not be practical for commercial or private use, they do show the extremes that can be accomplished in size, dimensions, configuration, and style. Just a quick glance will easily dispel any doubts you may have about the potential of steel construction.
1. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Springfield, Va.
A massive, awe-inspiring, and functional space, the GIA in Springfield VA, delivers enough office space for a huge enterprise and its main bay accommodates innumerable functions.
2. City Creek Center Retractable Roof, Salt Lake City, UT
As charming as an ancient city street in Rome, the City Creek Center in Salt Lake City is a wonder with its retractable roof and old-world style.
3. HL23, New York
Despite its utilitarian name, HL23 is strange and stunning with its liberal use of glass and its angular profile.
4. UC Berkeley California Memorial Stadium Press Box, Berkeley, Calif.
Perhaps unimpressive at first glance, this stadium press box achieves great things in the way it suspends the media space far out over the seats in this sport arena.
5. El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado, Ark.
With its combination of steel and wood with its high, vaulted design, this Conference Center is as inspiring as it is functional.
6. Twilight Epiphany, Houston
This work of art is striking and otherworldly without being overwhelming. It is lean, modern, and beautiful.
7. The Corner Condominiums, Missoula, Mont.
Fitting functional and attractive apartment living spaces into a wedge of a lot, the Corner Condominiums in Missoula are surprisingly spacious and inviting.
8. Sierra Bonita Mixed-Use Affordable Housing, West Hollywood, Calif.
Cutting-edge architecture and affordable housing don’t often mix. But the team behind this structure has proven that it is not impossible.
9. Solar Canopy, Chicago
Easy to miss, this diminutive structure shows how useful and out-of-the-way a public solar installation can be.
10. Chelsea Piers Connecticut, Stamford, Conn.
Accommodating one of the largest indoor pools in the world, ice rinks, turf fields, and a sprawling gymnastics center all under one roof.
These examples are award-winning, but they are also somewhat practical. For more extreme examples of what is possible with modern steel engineering, check out this post from ArchitectureDigest.com.
If you were inspired by these innovative designs to bring your steel building dreams up to the next level, now is a great time to contact Bunger Steel. Our team is made up of Arizona’s top steel building design, construction, and installation professionals. Get in touch today to learn more.