Warehouse design guide: planning a building around your operation
Design · Updated · 6 min read
Short answer
Start with the operation, not the building: the largest vehicle you receive, peak vehicle movements, how goods are stored and how high, how many people work there, and how the business may grow. Those answers set the site layout, docks, clear height, column grid, slab design and fire-safety approach, which together decide most of the cost and how well the building works.
Outside the building
- Largest vehicle and its turning path, from the street to the dock and back.
- Dock numbers and type (recessed with levellers, or on-grade roller doors).
- Hardstand depth, pavement design and drainage falls.
- Separation of trucks from staff and visitor parking.
- Fire brigade access and hydrant coverage, which can double as circulation.
Inside the building
- Storage method and top-of-storage height. Storing combustible goods above 4 m can trigger sprinklers (NCC E1D13).
- Clear height to suit racking and forklift reach.
- Column grid matched to racking bays, or a clear span.
- Slab thickness and joints for forklift and racking loads.
- Natural light, ventilation and heat management.
People and office
- Office size, location and whether it overlooks the floor or yard.
- Amenities for the number of staff and shifts.
- Accessible entry and facilities.
Growth
Reserve space on the site for another bay or more docks, and detail the end wall and footings so the extension is straightforward. It costs little at design stage and a great deal later.