Prefabricated Steel Tower Applications
Although Panel Built, Inc. is well-known in the modular construction industry for its work in commercial, manufacturing, and industrial spaces, installing modular offices and mezzanine systems across the United States and internationally, some may be surprised by our long history of providing buildings to the US government and military specifically, Panel Built's prefabricated tower systems.
Panel Built's towers effectively combine our mezzanine and prefabricated building product lines. The prefabricated towers utilize a bolt-together steel system to create the structure, with our pre-assembled buildings often serving as the "cab" at the top. These cabs can be fully customized to meet various applications. In some cases, the tower tops may remain open with protective railings, while other towers might be completely enclosed using our wall panel systems. Each aspect of our towers can be customized to perfectly match your project's needs.
This post explores some of the most popular applications for which Panel Built has supplied prefabricated towers.
Prefabricated Guard Towers
Guard towers are commonly associated with correctional facilities, providing officers with clear visibility of surrounding areas. However, these towers are also utilized by other facilities to enhance security along property lines. Guard towers offer a strategic vantage point, enabling surveillance of potential intruders. Panel Built designs guard towers with either open or enclosed decks. An enclosed booth is often preferred for outdoor use, providing a temperature-controlled environment. In high-threat areas like military bases, towers may be outfitted with additional security features, including ballistic-rated materials for bullet resistance and gun ports for defense. Typically, guard towers feature decks extending beyond the cab footprint, enabling 360-degree visibility.
Prefabricated Range Towers
Range towers are among the most popular tower systems supplied by Panel Built. A key benefit is their ability to provide a clear line of sight down target ranges. Range towers almost always feature enclosed cabs for occupant comfort, including HVAC systems. Panel Built can customize range towers with additional features like sirens, exterior security lights, interior countertops, cabinets, and more. Each range tower is fully customizable, with specialized cabs, tower heights, and sizes tailored to specific needs. Downward tilted windows or extended roofs can also be added to reduce solar glare for range supervisors.
Observation Towers & Platforms
Observation towers and platforms are frequently installed at military bases, government facilities, nature preserves, national parks, and private entities. Depending on their primary function, these structures can vary significantly. Some observation towers resemble exterior mezzanines, featuring large decks, safety railings, and open designs for unobstructed views. Alternatively, other observation towers resemble guard towers, housing guards or officers tasked with property security. Due to project variability, Panel Built engages closely with customers to fully understand the structure's intended purpose and ensure precise customization.
Rappel Towers
Panel Built rappel towers differ significantly from previously mentioned tower types. Their primary purpose is not visibility but to enable military personnel to safely practice rappelling and related training exercises. Though highly specialized, rappel towers can incorporate additional training features such as climbing walls or helicopter fast rope exercises. Typically utilized by the US military, Panel Built has also received interest from college and high school ROTC programs, as well as private challenge course companies.
Tactical Training Towers
Tactical training towers help military and law enforcement personnel train for specific tactical scenarios. Unlike rappel towers, tactical training towers are usually fully enclosed to simulate realistic building-clearing operations. These structures are highly customizable in layout, dimensions, and unique training features. Panel Built has creatively integrated custom elements such as confined-space training areas, sniper/shooter windows, ladders, roof hatches, and more, delivering comprehensive training solutions.
Panel Built’s mission is to "Solve Our Customers' Space Needs With Excellence And Great Customer Service." Since 1995, we have proudly supplied prefabricated tower systems to US military bases, serving all branches of the armed forces.
For questions about our prefabricated tower systems or to discuss custom solutions for your project, contact us at 800-636-3873, email info@panelbuilt.com, or chat with us using the LiveChat feature at the bottom-right of our website. We're always happy to assist you.
