Pre Engineered Structures: A Viable Solution for Sanctuary Spaces and Worship?

A welcoming exterior of a pre engineering church facility.

Are you looking to build a new church or expand your existing one? Do you need help navigating the world of pre engineered buildings? RPM Team can help.

A newly constructed Church sanctuary in a pre engineered building.

Working with partners that have completed over 50 church related construction projects, RPM Team is experienced in guiding congregations with turnkey solutions for new building sites, expanding existing campuses with classrooms, designing community centers, and delivering impactful state-of-the-art sanctuaries. Pre engineered buildings (PEBs) are a great alternative to slow and expensive stick-build construction.

Smart planning and development of a congregation’s growing space requirement is time consuming and expensive. Cost estimates, raw materials, site planning, engineering and permitting are all costs in addition to the fees for architects, construction, tradesman, etc.

A solution that has been gaining more attention from congregations are lower cost and highly versatile pre engineered solutions. With their faster and less intensive development process, combined with greater quality control and upgraded finishes, pre-fabricated and pre-engineered buildings have surpassed traditional structures for many applications.

Exterior view of a pre engineered church project.

Pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) offer unparalleled flexibility in design, allowing for complete customization tailored to specific needs and preferences. From the exterior facade to the interior layout, PEBs can be meticulously crafted to reflect the unique character and vision of a project. This adaptability extends to user experience as well, enabling the creation of spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional and comfortable for occupants. Whether it's a modern, minimalist aesthetic or a traditional, ornate design, PEBs provide the canvas for architects and designers to bring their creative concepts to life.

PEB Structures: Components, Benefits and Disadvantages

PEBs are built in factories, transported to the construction site and installed locally. Steel cladding is a typical material for a PEB structure but there are structures that don't use conventional steel either. Sprung Structures and other manufactures use alternative materials such as an advanced tension membrane which can allow for an abundant amount of natural light.

Adopting a design-based PEB approach to conventional concrete structure design can offer several advantages over conventional steel buildings, notably more economical manufacturing and rapid construction. Read more about the benefits of PEBs here.

A sleek, modern multimedia command center with multiple screens and the ability to impress audiences.

Advantages of PEB structures for Church applications

There are numerous advantages to pre engineered buildings for Church applications.

Better acoustics

Soft wall materials which better absorb sounds versus deflect and echo materials.

Energy-Efficient Roofing and Wall Systems

Building insulation options provide a variety of ways to enhance a facility’s operational efficicency. Polyurethane insulation and fiberglass blanket insulation are commonly used and meet high performance criteria. This insulation makes pre engineered buildings more energy efficient, which is important for high volume spaces like sanctuaries - PEBs consume 50% less energy to heat and cool over conventional construction (read more about energy efficiency here).

Arch shape

Pre-engineering buildings can be delivered in an arch shape and is a natural choice for church sanctuaries. This iconic shape is consistently seen in use for congregations all over the world.

PEBs offer the tallest ceiling for the cost of building components

This cost efficiency helps stretch budgets and allows for congregations to get more for their spend.

Quality Control

Since the components of a metal structure is produced completely in the factory under controlled conditions, the quality is more easily manageable in comparison to the traditional method at the construction site.

Reduction in Construction Time & Construction Costs

Pre-fabricated steel structures are typically delivered within days of drawing approvals. Foundation bolts and anchors are parallel cast ready to bolt into place. Using pre engineered methods will greatly reduce project completion time. Continue reading to learn more about the accelerated timelines offered by PEBs.

Low Maintenance Cost

Buildings are manufactured using highest grade paint in a controlled environment that results in long lasting structures with low maintenance costs.

A large lobby basking in natural light with an arched ceiling providing scale to congregants and visitors.

PEB structures: Disadvantages of pre engineered buildings

Pre engineering building designs can offer many advantages but have some limitations. There isnt one construction application that solves for all needs and occasionally compromise is needed.

Limited customization

PEBs are typically not as customizable as conventional buildings, so congregations may have to compromise on exterior design preferences, but its what’s inside that counts. Exterior colors can be accented with smart landscape design to best integration structures with their environment.

Potential for noise pollution

If a PEB is not properly insulated, it can be susceptible to noise pollution from outside the building, but why wouldn’t you properly insulate your pre engineering building? There is a cost to insulate buildings but the cost is well worth the investment.

A warm and inviting pre engineered building church lobby filled with natural light.

Here’s an overview of how we service our Pre engineered building projects:

Understanding the needs of a congregation

At the beginning of our engagement, RPM Team works to understand the needs of your congregation. Is it an expansion to an existing campus? Or a brand new site? We learn important information about your congregation’s needs. What are the services offered to your congregation? Are there growth goals? K-12 needs and classroom requirements? Does the congregation need space for an active community? Is there a requirement for a hybrid sports and recreation space? 

Cafe space designed to foster community for a growing congregation.

Concept Drawing & Budget

Following our initial conversations and understanding of your congregation’s goals, we work with our design team to develop a concept drawing and begin the process of creating a budget.

Development, Architecture & Engineering Scope

After we’ve agreed on a design, a plan is then set into motion. We start putting together the necessary development, architecture and engineering scopes needed to develop the drawings necessary for construction and the planning department’s approval.

General Contractor & Building Permit

With the planning department’s approval, the relationship with the General Contractor (GC) commences and then the building permit is submitted. When the permit is accepted, construction breaks ground.

What does an Expedited Construction time for a pre engineered building look like?

Pre engineering buildings can be erected at a rate of up to 2,000 sq. ft. per day, an entire project can be completed in 4-6+ months from start to finish. A pre engineered metal building (PEMB) project will take 9-12 months in addition to the 12 week lead time for materials. And conventional construction takes a minimum of 1 year.

Simplify your growth with a Turnkey Solution

RPM Team doesn't just produce drawings, we work to complete your project on time and deliver your new space at or below budget. Turnkey management is a comprehensive project delivery method where a single contractor or firm takes responsibility for all aspects of a project, from inception to completion. In the context of a church expansion, this means that one entity handles everything, including design, engineering, procurement, construction, and even furnishing and equipment installation.  

The pulpit and screen are illuminated by warm, white light, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

Why choose RPM Team for your Church Construction Project?

With backgrounds in pre engineered buildings and prefabricated structures, development, architecture and engineering, we bring a unique skill set to congregations who need to grow fast and are budget conscious.

RPM team can help keep costs down because we’ve learned to fill in the gaps, anticipate the needs of construction and provide designs to contractors based on their preferences. Our Manufacturing-Led-Design-Process® not only offers accelerated project timelines through more efficient processes but it creates a working environment that takes designer-to-manufacturer coordination off of your plate.

Pre-engineered buildings offer a versatile and efficient solution for congregations seeking to expand their facilities. These structures are designed and manufactured off-site, significantly reducing construction time and minimizing disruptions to the congregation's activities. With customizable layouts and designs, pre-engineered buildings can be adapted to accommodate various needs, such as additional worship space, classrooms, fellowship halls, or administrative offices. Their cost-effective nature, durability, and energy efficiency make them an attractive option for religious organizations looking to grow while optimizing their resources and minimizing their environmental impact.

If you or your congregation are thinking about future expansion, RPM Team is ready to help. 

The clean lines and modern architecture of the pre-engineered building create a sense of spaciousness and tranquility.