Survey shows strong growth in key markets

Steel dominates the multi-storey commercial sector such as the recently completed Moorgate Exchange in London

Steel has been confirmed as the preferred market choice as a framing solution in the 2014 Market Shares survey which confirms the upward trend of demand for constructional steelwork in key markets.

The survey is the latest in a series, by independent researchers Construction Markets, that has been carried out annually since 1980. Based on interviews with 750 architects, builders and designers, the survey is the biggest of its kind in the UK.

The total market for structural frames in 2014 was estimated to be almost 38 million square metres of floor area, of which steel took the biggest share; almost as much as the total of alternative materials combined.

Steel continued to dominate the key market for office developments of five storeys and over where it enjoyed a market share of 70%. The research reveals that the total market for multi storey office buildings of two storeys and over grew by almost 8%, with the total floor area accounted for steel frames increasing. The nearest rival to steel in market share was insitu concrete which fell in two of the office building height categories analysed and rose in three others.

Steel was very strong in the multi storey retail buildings market, which grew by 1.5%, with market share ranging from over 75% for two storey structures to over 77% for six storey retail buildings. A significant shift to two storey structures, which were the main area of growth in retail, was seen in this market.

One of the strongest growing markets in 2014 was for multi storey leisure buildings, where steel enjoyed market share of almost 70% in some segments, growing in line with the market which was driven by hotel and motel construction.

The overall floor area covered by steel frames in the public education buildings grew healthily, while strong market share growth was seen in the ‘other private buildings’ category which includes private education which grew strongly as a result of the free schools programme.

Steel increased its market share in public health buildings which showed strong growth of 19%, with marked dominance of the largest sector, for three storey buildings.

BCSA Director General Sarah McCann Bartlett said: “The survey shows that steel is the preferred choice of the recovering construction market across all the building types analysed.

“The cost effectiveness of steel, its flexibility, speed of construction and contribution to sustainability are all factors that continue to be valued by developers, contractors, designers and building users, so we are confident that future market share surveys will continue to illustrate the dominance of steel as a framing material.”