Space Frame Cost: 8 Factors That Determine the Price per m²

“What is the space frame cost per m²?” is the question we hear most. The honest answer: two space trusses of the same area can differ greatly in price, because the price is driven not by the area but by the amount of steel, labour and cladding needed to cover it. Below are the eight factors that shape the cost of a space frame.

1. Span and support layout

As the distance between columns grows, member forces and structural depth increase. A 30-metre span and a 70-metre span do not use the same steel per square metre. A roof supported on four sides is lighter than one carried on its corners only.

2. Roof form

Flat and pitched forms are made from repeating standard members. Domes and free forms need more member types, and every sphere is drilled at different angles, which shows in fabrication time. Barrel vaults and domes, on the other hand, benefit from arch action: with the right geometry and structural design they make larger spans possible. Which form is advantageous is assessed for each project.

3. Loading

The snow load, wind speed and seismic zone of the site directly determine the member sections. The same project needs larger tube diameters and wall thicknesses in a region with heavy snow. Additional loads such as cranes, air handling units or stage equipment hung from the roof are also taken into account.

4. Member sections and tube diameters

Material is the largest cost item of a space truss. The tube diameter and wall thickness of every member are chosen for the force it carries; a structural design with section optimisation removes oversized sections, uses material efficiently and lowers the price directly. As tube, sphere and bolt prices follow the market, quotations are valid for a limited period.

5. Surface protection

Connection parts are produced galvanised. For tubes, purlins and rafters there are several options depending on the project: primer and paint, electrostatic oven-cured powder coating or, on request, hot-dip galvanising. Galvanising and powder coating are separate processes with different costs. In corrosive environments such as pools or coastal sites, the protection system is chosen accordingly.

6. Roof cladding

Trapezoidal sheet is the most economical cladding, sandwich panel the most common and glass the most expensive; standing seam and polycarbonate sit in between. The cladding type also affects purlin spacing and therefore the structure.

7. Erection conditions

Erection height, crane access, working space on site and the programme determine labour cost. Systems that can be assembled on the ground and lifted in one piece are faster and cheaper than those built piece by piece from scaffolding.

8. Location and freight

Space frame components are knocked down and light, so transport is economical; the distance between the site and the plant affects the quotation. For projects abroad, freight, customs and delivery scope are set by the terms of the quotation / contract.

How to obtain a reliable quotation

1. 01
   Fix the dimensions

   Share width, length, eaves height and, if possible, the column grid.

2. 02
   Define the scope

   State whether design, fabrication, freight, erection and cladding are included.

3. 03
   Compare like with like

   Check that surface protection, cladding type and design loads are the same in every quotation.

4. 04
   Ask for references

   Look at completed jobs of similar span and form.

Correctly defined loads and an appropriate engineering calculation are essential for a safe space truss. A low price per m² based on incompletely defined loads can cost far more over the life of the building.

Send your dimensions through our quote form; our engineers will pre-size your space frame and give you a preliminary price as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions