Rack Clad Buildings: Why They Are a Smart Investment for Growing Businesses.
As businesses grow, so do their storage, logistics and production demands. Expanding into new premises isn’t always a viable option, especially when budgets, planning permission or timescales get in the way. That’s where rack clad buildings come into their own.
Rack clad buildings, also known as rack sheds, combine structural racking and building envelope into a single, integrated solution. Rather than constructing a warehouse first and fitting storage later, this approach uses the racking as the building’s framework, with the cladding applied directly to it.
It’s a solution that’s becoming increasingly popular across logistics, manufacturing, retail and industrial sectors, and for good reason. In this blog, we explore how rack clad buildings offer both design and operational advantages, and why they’re such a smart investment for growing businesses.
What Is a Rack Clad Building?
A rack clad building is a structure where the racking system forms the skeleton of the building, and the roof and walls (the cladding) are fixed directly to the racking. The result is a storage solution and building shell in one.
Because the structure is essentially the racking itself, there’s no need for separate steelwork or internal columns, which maximises internal capacity and simplifies construction.
Here are ten benefits of rack clad buildings:
1. Design Flexibility to Suit Your Operation
One of the biggest advantages of rack clad buildings is their adaptability. Whether you need pallet racking, cantilever racking, or a bespoke system, the structure can be designed around your specific needs.
At Wickens, our in-house design team work closely with you to ensure that the building not only supports your operational requirements but also enhances workflow and space utilisation. Key design considerations include:
- Type and weight of goods to be stored
- Required access (manual, forklift or automated)
- External site constraints (e.g. footprint, access roads, or weather conditions)
- Integration with existing buildings or services
- Future expansion potential
- Cladding Requirements
This means your rack clad building isn’t just functional, it’s efficient, too.
2. Faster Construction = Quicker Return on Investment
Rack clad buildings are faster to install than traditional warehouses, largely because there’s no need to erect a separate structure before racking can be installed.
That time saving translates to quicker operational readiness and, ultimately, a faster return on investment. For businesses facing increased demand or limited storage, that time advantage is a game-changer.
And because everything from design to installation can be managed in-house at Wickens, lead times and disruption are kept to a minimum.
3. Maximised Storage Capacity
By removing the need for internal columns or redundant space between racking and walls, rack clad buildings allow you to make the most of every cubic metre.
This is especially valuable on tight or awkward sites, where maximising vertical storage or making clever use of available space is crucial. The structure is tailored to your exact inventory and flow, rather than forcing your operation to adapt to the building.
4. Cladding Options to Suit Every Environment
Rack clad buildings offer a range of cladding options that impact not just the look and feel of your building, but how it performs long-term.
Some of the most common choices include:
- Single skin cladding – A cost-effective solution for general weather protection
- Anti-condensation roofing – Reduces moisture buildup and damp
- Insulated panels – Ideal for temperature-sensitive or high-value goods
- Translucent panels – Allow natural daylight into the building
- Solar panel integration – For sustainability and long-term energy savings
- Custom colours and flashing – Match existing branding or create a standout aesthetic
The right cladding choices can reduce running costs, protect your goods, and make your site safer and more comfortable for staff.
5. Built-In Weather Protection
Rack clad buildings are designed to withstand the elements. With the right cladding and flashing in place, they provide effective shelter from wind, rain, and snow, keeping stock protected and operations running smoothly year-round. This makes them especially valuable for outdoor or exposed sites where traditional structures might not be feasible.
6. Operational Benefits Built In
Rack clad buildings aren’t just efficient to install, they’re smart to run. By designing the structure around your operational needs, you’ll benefit from:
- Improved stock visibility and access
- Simplified stock rotation and flow
- Reduced handling time
- Minimal maintenance
- Protection from the elements without over-engineering
They’re ideal for businesses that need to respond to seasonal peaks, streamline logistics, or improve turnaround times, without relocating or investing in large-scale redevelopment.
7. A Scalable, Future-Proof Solution
Business needs change. One of the standout benefits of a rack clad building is that it can be designed with scalability in mind.
Need to extend or reconfigure in future? With modular racking systems and flexible cladding, these buildings are far easier to adapt than traditional builds.
This makes rack clad buildings not only a smart solution for now, but one that continues to serve you as you grow.
8. Designed, Manufactured, and Installed by Experts
At Wickens, we manage the full process of your rack clad building project, from concept to completion. Our in-house design team will work with you to understand your site, stock profile, and business goals. We’ll advise on cladding, structural loads, and compliance, and handle manufacturing and installation ourselves.
That means fewer contractors, reduced risk, and total quality control at every step.
9. Lower Groundworks Costs
Because rack clad buildings are lighter and structurally simpler than traditional warehouse builds, they often require less extensive groundwork and foundations. This can significantly reduce the upfront cost of construction, particularly in challenging locations or on previously developed land.
10. Streamlined Project Management
With Wickens handling the full lifecycle, from concept and design to manufacture and installation, you benefit from a joined-up, accountable process. This reduces the risk of delays, budget overruns or miscommunication, and gives you a single point of contact throughout.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a growing business looking to increase storage capacity, improve efficiency, or expand operations, without the cost and complexity of a new warehouse, a rack clad building is a practical, long-term investment.
It delivers on both design and operational performance, helping future-proof your facility while making the most of the space you already have.
Find out more about how Wickens can support your next rack clad building project:
Visit the Wickens Engineering Ltd website for more information on Rack Clad Buildings: Why They Are a Smart Investment for Growing Businesses.
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