#14466 – 40x60x16 Multi-Purpose Steel Building in Old Town, ID

Project Walkthrough & Owner Interview

In this video, Steel Structures America customer Andrew explains how purchasing five acres in Old Town, Idaho led to the design of a 40 × 60 multi-purpose steel building that supports both his current shop needs and future living plans. He shares that after finding the property, he knew he did not want to live in a trailer long term and needed a solution that could serve multiple purposes. For him, the building represented “the best of both worlds,” giving him space to work while also creating the opportunity to live in it down the road.

Design & Purpose

From the beginning, the project was shaped around how Andrew planned to use the space both now and in the future. Working closely with Mat and the Steel Structures America team, the early design process involved reviewing multiple layout options and orientations to find what would function best on the property. Mat explains that they talked through everything from how to position the building to selecting window sizes and overhead door dimensions that would accommodate campers, workspace needs, and future living space.

For Andrew, having that guidance made the process easier to navigate. He admits it was difficult to picture everything at first, but says Mat was easy to work with and patient as ideas evolved, noting that changing plans along the way is just part of building something custom.

Layout & Structure

Determining the right footprint early on played a major role in the final design. As Mat explains, one of the first decisions in the design process is square footage, figuring out how wide and how deep the building needs to be. After working through those considerations, the team landed on a 40 × 60 layout that would accommodate everything Andrew needed moving forward.

The final footprint provides ample room for equipment, campers, and hands-on projects, while remaining flexible enough to support future interior buildout.

Exterior & Features

Overhead door placement was another key design consideration. The doors were positioned on the eave wall and coordinated carefully with the structural layout. Mat explains that by fitting the doors between poles or trusses, the design avoided the need for additional headers. This approach allowed the building to meet Andrew’s access needs while also keeping construction costs under control.

Foundation & Durability

This building sits on a Perma-Column® foundation system, which keeps all wood above grade and supports long-term durability. As Mat explains in the video, this foundation choice is a key consideration for most projects. “Very few buildings are sold without a Perma-Column. Having no wood in the ground is a major selling point for us.”

Built for Longevity

Inside the shop, insulation was selected to support current use while allowing flexibility for future upgrades. The space was insulated using 2.5-inch vinyl-backed fiberglass metal building insulation, creating a solid baseline for workspace comfort. As Mat notes, “We went with our standard girt approach and 2.5-inch vinyl-backed insulation, which works really well for him in the shop. He’ll be able to upgrade the insulation later for the living quarters and handle ventilation at that stage.”

Once construction began, progress moved quickly. Andrew recalls being surprised by the pace, saying, “It’s been going really well. Smooth and fast. Honestly, incredibly fast. I’m impressed.”

Even with permitting and financing involved, the overall timeline remained efficient. From the execution of the contract through construction, Mat explains that “the whole process was probably four or five months.”

Looking back on the experience, Andrew describes the project as straightforward from start to finish. “Everything was seamless. It was smooth and easy to deal with,” he says, adding that if he were to build again, “I’d go with Steel Structures for sure.”

Project Features

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