Mezzanine floors have been used as a stylish way to add extra space and dimension to domestic homes, often used for bedrooms, office spaces, lounge areas and more. They are especially popular in modern open-plan homes - they are a great choice for extending families and if you are searching for an alternative way to transform your living areas.
Mezzanines became popular through the development of modern architecture and the increase of warehouse businesses, yet their dominant design features and concepts have been used countless times in history. These structures, as an intermediate floor where you can see the floor below, were used in the construction of important buildings like the Palace of Versailles. In some sense, this can be analysed as an implementation of a metaphorical tool of power, as the mezzanine was used by the nobility to oversee those below and those of a lower status. They are quite literally presented as being ‘above’ others.
But, let’s transport you back to the modern day, how can mezzanine floors be beneficial for commercial and industrial properties? This blog post will detail the advantages of why you should consider investing in mezzanine floor design and construction for your business. Particularly beneficial for warehouses, they can capitalise and increase existing space that you can use however you want. Have a browse below to see how our mezzanine floor construction at Racking and Shelving can help your business or commercial property.
Mezzanine Floor Doubles Existing Workspace
One of the key beneficial characteristics of a mezzanine floor is that they can increase your existing workspace in a cost-effective way. Installing a mezzanine floor is much cheaper than renting additional space and it keeps all of your work production within one property - a great idea for businesses that pride themselves on keeping all of their production in-house.
In this sense, a mezzanine floor can allow your business to expand. If you had always planned on creating a new department or team, but you didn’t originally have space for it, then a mezzanine floor is perfect for you.
Plus, as aforementioned, the use of mezzanine constructions in notable historical buildings was potentially used as a power tool by the nobility. Though you may not want to recreate this as literally or exploitatively, having a mezzanine would be a good way for you to ‘oversee’ the work at hand below. Especially if you plan on utilising it as extra offices, it allows you to see how your employees are working, and have a sound knowledge of how your business functions.
Doubling your existing workspace is also beneficial as it allows for an uncluttered working environment. Having more space generally, whether at home or at work, means that it is easier to keep organised, whether that's miscellaneous bits and bobs, important files or more,utilise the mezzanine construction by having it as an additional on-site storage space.
Mezzanine Floor Designs are Modular
One of the most attractive benefits of mezzanine floors is their versatility. Mezzanine floors are modular in their construction methods. In their design process, they are created as temporary spaces so you can add, remove or change the way the mezzanine floor is designed. This customisable element means that they suit a large variety of different businesses and is the perfect blank canvas to decorate.
If you are curious as to how mezzanine floors are constructed, and to see how their modular styles can benefit you, we have put together a quick explanation below:
How Are Mezzanine Floors Constructed?
Firstly, a site survey will be carried out of your business. At this point, they will analyse what size and shape of mezzanine will suit you, and a quotation will be discussed.
Here at Racking and Shelving, we will put together a CAD design of your future mezzanine floor. This is a great way to picture how it will look and function within your business environment.
Generally speaking, the building process consists of attaching universal hot rolled steel main beams onto a box section steel column. These steel columns are then fixed to concrete, and the main beams are interlinked using cold rolled preformed galvanised lightweight purlins. The structure is at this point now skeletal. The structure is then overlaid with your choice of decking. Here at Racking and Shelving we have a large variety of different functional and stylish decking choices to suit your needs. Then, premade mezzanine staircases are attached to the flooring as well to avoid any health and safety hazards.
The end result is a transitional space that is seamless in its end design construction. It is paramount that you employ a trusted construction company that is experienced in building mezzanines as if they are poorly constructed then this could lead to a potential of hazardous risks.
Mezzanine Floor Construction Can Add Extra Aesthetic and Functional Dimensions to Commercial Spaces
If you don’t have an industrial, but rather a commercial business plan, mezzanines are also a great choice, both functionally and aesthetically. Below we have put together how different business can utilise a mezzanine construction:
Restaurants: We have all, at times, criticised a restaurant dining experience over where we have sat. Whether it’s tucked away in a corner, in the middle of the room, or in a cramped space, where we sit will affect how much we enjoy our food and the social aspect of eating out.
Therefore, creating a beautiful and welcoming dining space sounds easier than it looks. A modern mezzanine construction in your restaurant is perfect for this. Having multiple floors and levels in your restaurant will heighten the overall restaurant experience, as it will achieve a ‘cooler’ and more modern appearance. Plus, it will allow for more privacy during the dining experience rather than being shut away from the rest of the restaurant. You could even utilise it for exclusive special bookings like parties and large tables.
Though it is probably best to not install the restaurant kitchen on the mezzanine floor due to health and safety risks, it is the perfect space for extra dining.
Retail: Though we may not initially think it, how a retail shop is laid out will also affect our shopping experience. Boost your business and keep customers coming back with a seamless architectural design with a mezzanine. The phenomenology of shopping and urban spaces has actually been analysed by academics and critics - describing them as a place for social interaction, and a safe place to buy and envision a life you want to lead with the products they have on offer. Therefore, in order to do this, you don’t want a retail space that is cramped or untidy. You want seamless avenues where you can peruse with leisure and without any pressure to buy. A mezzanine space is an ideal way to present more and separate goods to avoid a cramped environment.
It is also a health and safety requirement to make sure that mezzanines for retail spaces are fire-safe.
Events Spaces: From clubs to licensed events and wedding hire spaces, a mezzanine could be the reason that sways people to hire the space. From providing extra space for dancing persons and adding to the possibility of creating an incredible atmosphere (whether for dining or installing a DJ booth),they definitely should be a deciding factor if you are planning on starting an events business.
Racking and Shelving: Low Disruption Mezzanine Floor Construction
The mezzanine floor installers of Racking and Shelving can design and build an efficient mezzanine floor for your industrial or commercial business. Our designs can help you save money, especially if you are considering relocating to larger premises. Plus, we can offer you an expansion of your business of up to 50%. Find out more about our mezzanine services here.
Racking and
Shelving also offers a wide range of storage
solutions
for industrial businesses. From pallet racking
to workbenches, we can help you keep your space organised and uncluttered.