Temporary building structures explained

How to choose the right type of structure solution for your business

If you need more space on your site, there are a number of solutions available to you. F&L Temporary buildings will explain how to choose a temporary building structure. These options include a temporary structure, fully specified building, like a temporary warehouse, or an industrial tent. The right choice depends on what is slowing your operation down, causing operational issues or impacting growth. Some businesses need quick and simple covered capacity for overflow stock, vehicles or short-term storage. Others need a full-spec temporary building for long-term use, vehicle maintenance, cross docking or manufacturing capacity. In this article we will explain the differences between a temporary structure, compared to a full spec temporary building. Including the levels of specification achievable within each type of solution.

What are the operational and capacity challenges you are currently facing?

Before choosing a temporary building or structure, the best place to start is to fully understand the pressure points in your operation. Every solution we install is designed and manufactured to solve a specific operational need.

If you require more space, the right option depends on what is limiting your capacity. Are goods being stored outside? Is your warehouse reaching capacity? Are loading areas exposed to the weather and damaging stock? Have you secured a new contract and need additional warehouse space? Are you using expensive off-site storage? Have you expanded your feet and need to increase workshop space? Or do you need a long-term building that can accommodate machinery like forklifts, vehicles and stock movement every day for many years to come?

These are the type of issues we love to solve! By starting with the operational challenge, rather than the building type, we can help you specify a temporary building structure that gives you the right level of space, protection, access and flexibility.

What level of temporary building structure do you need?

Temporary building structures can be specified in different ways depending on the operational problem you need to solve. Whilst this list is not exhaustive, it is based on the common solutions we provide.

how to choose a temporary building structure

Operational Need	Recommended Structure	End Result
Keeping goods dry outside the main warehouse	Canopy shelter or storage structure	Provides weather protection without over-specifying the solution
Extra, non-sensitive storage for short-term or seasonal peaks	Industrial tent structure	Creates additional capacity quickly and cost-effectively for a few weeks to several months
Goods-in or goods-out is exposed to the weather	Loading canopy structure	Protects people, goods and vehicles while improving operational flow
Secure storage on-site	temporary storage building	Gives better stock protection and access control than an open canopy
More warehouse capacity for sensitive goods	Full-spec, insulated or non-insulated temporary warehouse building	Suitable for racking, bulk storage, FLT logistics, stock movement and everyday use
Considering a traditional extension but looking to save time and costs	Bespoke temporary building	It will provide additional operational capacity faster, cheaper, with less disruption and greater flexibility
Increase feet maintenance capacity	Custom workshop structure	Partitioned / self-contained workshop or vehicle preparation space
Recommended option	Choose an industrial canopy when you need weather cover, open access and operational flexibility.	Choose a temporary warehouse building when you need secure, enclosed, weatherproof and organised storage capacity.

Design your own structure or building

We offer a completely bespoke service and every structure or building is designed for your unique requirements. You can try our free interactive configurator to design your perfect solution. Start your design here.

What is the difference between a temporary structure and temporary building?

Both a temporary structure and temporary building will give you the same end result, additional capacity. The terms are often used interchangeably by businesses and there is no technical definition. They are often grouped by the solution type. For example, a temporary building structure is more commonly and industrial canopy structure, or a robust industrial tent. These structures are often the quickest to re-locate and are ideal for simple storage. Often there is a misconception that calling it a temporary structure may negate the need for planning permission. This is not true as both may require planning permission, no matter the name. You can find out more about permission in our planning permission guide for temporary buildings and structures.

Are temporary building structures semi-permanent?

Temporary building structures can be used for short, medium or long-term requirements. Although they are demountable and relocatable, modern temporary buildings can also provide durable operational space for many years. Both temporary buildings and temporary building structures are classed as semi-permanent because they are modular, do not require permanent foundations for installation, and can be easily disassembled or relocated.

Explore temporary building structures for your site

Once you understand the level of structure you need, the next step is to design a solution around your site, workflow and capacity requirements. Whether you need covered storage, an enclosed storage structure or a full-spec temporary warehouse building, the right specification can help increase operational capacity quickly and cost-effectively.