When you're looking for a building for storage, machinery or livestock, you inevitably come across two options: an arched building and a classic prefab steel hall. Both types are popular, but they differ in purpose, price and construction method. Which is the right choice for your project?
What is an arched building?
An arched building is a self-supporting structure built from profiled steel arch panels that carry the entire load of the building without interior columns. The panels interlock and rest on an L-profile base track — no welding, bolting into the ground, or drilling required.
- No interior columns — the entire interior space is free
- Fast construction — from a few days up to 2 weeks, depending on size
- Lower base price — from €85/m² for large projects
- The arched roof naturally sheds snow — no accumulation
- Available as a bolt-together kit — can be assembled by 2–3 people
- No building permit required for temporary structures up to a certain size*
* Check exact local regulations with your municipality/authority — rules vary by country and region.
What is a classic prefab hall?
A classic prefab (prefabricated) steel hall has a skeleton frame built from HEB/HEA steel profiles — columns, trusses, beams. The roof is typically gabled or flat, clad with sandwich panels or trapezoidal steel sheeting.
- Precise rectangular dimensions — easy to fit windows, doors, a mezzanine
- Greater heights — up to 12m and beyond
- Easier utility integration — heating, ventilation, crane rail
- Longer build time — typically 4–12 weeks
- Higher price — €190–480/m² depending on equipment and panels
- Requires concrete foundations and structural calculations
Comparison table
| Criterion | Arched building | Prefab steel hall |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | from €85/m² | €190–480/m² |
| Build time | A few days – 2 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Interior columns | None — open floor plan | Depends on the design |
| Height | Up to 10–12m (depends on span) | Practically unlimited |
| Widths | 8–25m | Unlimited |
| Thermal insulation | Possible, priced separately | Built into sandwich panels |
| Snow on roof | Arch sheds it, no accumulation | Requires load calculation |
| Disassembly | Easy — can be relocated | More complex |
When to choose an arched building
When to choose a classic prefab hall
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Our buildings are tested and rated for a base load of 80 kg of snow per m², which covers typical winter conditions in Serbia. The arch shape also helps by shedding snow off the sides instead of letting it accumulate like a flat roof. As with any building, snowfall beyond this rated load (which occurs roughly once every 10–15 years in Serbia) requires clearing the roof or installing temporary supports.
Yes. Insulation can be added to the inside of the arch panels. For a heated building, mention this when requesting a quote so it's included in the pricing.
Our arched buildings are built in spans from 8 to 25m wide. A classic prefab hall can be wider because it has interior columns that break up the span. For spans above 25m or complex configurations, a classic prefab hall is the better option.
Conclusion
For most commercial and agricultural uses, an arched building is the optimal choice: cheaper, faster, and with a fully open interior. For very tall buildings, crane rails, or specific architectural requirements, a classic prefab hall is the better solution.
If you're not sure which type suits your use case, contact us — we provide a free, no-obligation recommendation.