Brewery Building Construction: Best Practices for Success

The New Zealand brewery industry has steadily grown in recent years. With increasing demand for locally brewed, unique beers, building a brewery can be a rewarding business venture.

At Coresteel, we count ourselves among New Zealand’s foremost industrial steel building construction experts, and we’re here to share our top tips and best practices to ensure your brewery exceeds industry standards. Read our insights below.

Key Features of a Brewery Building

Adequate Space and Layout

The first rule of brewery construction is to make it spacious. These buildings need ample room to hold brewing equipment, packaging, and additional storage. The layout should be efficient for workflow, with clear paths for staff and visitors.

At Coresteel, we utilise our unique structural systems — DonoBeam and the Bracketless Portal System — to achieve spacious brewery designs. Our metal box beams allow for large, open interior spaces without obtrusive centre poles or braces, creating a comfortable and safe environment for brewery operations.

Industrial-Grade Flooring

Brewery floors typically face heavy loads, including large brewing equipment, kegs, and frequent foot traffic. The flooring must withstand this constant wear and tear without degrading quickly. We recommend using industrial-grade, non-slip flooring.

Ventilation, Air, and Temperature Control

Different stages of the brewing process require different temperatures. Insulation and a good HVAC system are important for maintaining these temperature ranges. Proper ventilation is also necessary to manage the steam and odours produced during brewing.

Expansion Potential

As with any commercial or industrial building, consider future growth and ensure you can expand or modify the space. We prioritise this here at Coresteel, which is evident through our extensive portfolio of flexible designs.

Our work with Sawmill Brewery is a perfect example. Utilising our structural systems, we helped the business double its production capacity. The extension included a space to implement automation machines, store product packaging, an office, and a laboratory, allowing the business to meet growing demand and expand its offerings.

Captivating Design

A unique, captivating design can help convey your brewery identity. It can transform your building from a simple brewing area to a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Your Coresteel expert will work closely with you to craft a bespoke design that reflects the ethos of your brewery, whether it’s a rustic charm, modern minimalism, or something entirely unique. Here are a few design ideas for your inspiration.

• Rustic Industrial Aesthetic: Use wooden accents and metal fixtures to create a warm, welcoming, and rugged ambience. This style pays homage to traditional brewing techniques while offering a cosy, nostalgic feel.
• Modern and Minimalist: Emphasise clean lines, neutral colours, and open spaces. Use glass walls for transparency and to showcase the brewing process.
• Comfort and Community Focus: Design with comfort in mind; incorporate soft lighting, comfortable seating, and communal tables. Foster a sense of community and make your brewery a local gathering spot.

Why Are Steel Structures the Best Solution for Brewery Buildings?

Strength and Durability

Steel is the most reliable material for brewery construction. This hard-wearing material is well-trusted in the industry thanks to its impressive strength and durability. It can withstand heavy industrial use and harsh conditions typical in a distillery environment. It’s also less likely to warp, crack, or rot, ensuring the structure remains safe and stable over the years.

Larger Interior Spaces

Steel’s inherent strength allows for large, open spaces without needing internal support columns, essential for accommodating large brewing tanks and equipment.

Customisation and Flexibility

Steel buildings are highly customisable, making various exterior finishes, colours, and interesting architectural details easy. Steel’s flexibility also allows for modifications and expansions in the future, which is ideal for distilleries that may need to increase production capacity or alter their layout as their business grows.

Resistance to Corrosion

Breweries can be humid, and substances like hops, yeast, and cleaning chemicals can be corrosive. Steel is highly corrosion-resistant, especially when treated with coatings or alloys, making it ideal for brewery construction.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Cleanliness is essential in a brewery to maintain product quality and adhere to health and safety standards. Steel structures typically have smooth, non-porous surfaces that are easy to clean. Additionally, unlike wood or concrete, steel doesn’t require frequent treatments or repairs to maintain its integrity.

Build a Brewery with Coresteel Today!

Ready to get the process started? Coresteel has successfully created stunning breweries for a wide range of New Zealand clients. We can manage the entire construction process, from initial design to completion. Get in touch today to build a brewery that will leave an impact.