New Steel Portal Range: What you need to know

Tractors, combine harvesters, and other implements are not only getting bigger, but their price tag is as well. And what used to make practical and financial sense in the way of storage is now not an option.

This, along with the need for dairy farms to run more efficiently, maximise milk production, and increase profitability, means the need for quality farm infrastructure has never been greater.

Quick Links:

• Introducing Alpine’s latest innovation: The Steel Portal range.
• Alpine’s Standard Timber Pole vs New Steel Portal Design: What’s the difference?
• Where it shines: Key use cases
• Birdproof? Here’s what to know
• More than just a shed. It’s a legacy.
• FAQs
  
  

Introducing Alpine’s latest innovation: The Steel Portal range.

For years, our standard timber pole sheds have served Kiwi farmers well, spanning up to 24 metres with our Alpine Structural steel rafters, and for many, that’s plenty.

However, Alpine recognised the need for quality, large-scale agricultural sheds after speaking to a number of farmers around New Zealand. It also became clear that these large-scale sheds not only needed to last for future generations, but they also needed to be more affordable than the other options currently on the market to be economically viable. 

After many months of conversations with engineers, the design team, steel suppliers and most importantly, Kiwi farmers, the Alpine Steel Portal range was born. Thanks to Alpine’s buying power and practical knowledge after 30+ years in construction, this range has been value-engineered, making it incredibly cost-efficient. 

The Alpine Steel Portal range provides bigger spans for New Zealand’s growing rural operations. It’s a full structural steel shed system with bolted and welded connections, engineered for New Zealand’s wild weather. This gives Kiwi farmers peace of mind that their investment is going to be a lasting structure on their family farm. One that their grandchildren will use thanks to its long-term durability and rust-resistance. 

With spans ranging from 25 to 50 metres, these sheds are built for large-scale rural operations. Whether you’re housing machinery, setting up a large herd home, or building a large rural workshop, this range has you covered.

Unlike some cheaper systems that only meet 25-year building consent standards, Alpine’s Steel Portal sheds come with a 50-year consent, which is the longest building consent length you can get in New Zealand. These sheds are truly built to last a lifetime. Or two.

Alpine’s Standard Timber Pole vs New Steel Portal Design: What’s the difference?

At a glance, both shed types wear the Alpine name. But when it comes to the design, they’re built for different missions.

Timber Pole Sheds are ideal for general farm and lifestyle use - they’re cost-effective, long-lasting, and can handle a wide range of layouts. They span up to 24 metres and offer exceptional value for most operations thanks to their proven quality and durability.  

Steel Portal Sheds, on the other hand, are purpose-built for scale. Instead of timber poles, they use structural steel portals, or legs, which means they can span up to 50 metres wide without internal columns. That’s a game-changer for storing large machinery, building clearspan herd homes, or creating workshops with uninterrupted space.

Here’s the key difference:

• Timber Pole Design: Great for most farms and lifestyle blocks when you need clearspans up to 24metres wide.
• Steel Portal Design: Designed for large-scale agricultural operations and dairy farms needing clear spans from 25 - 50 metres wide.

Where it shines: Key use cases

The Steel Portal range is designed to serve those who operate at scale. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s purpose-built for demanding applications such as:

• Herd Homes & Composting Barns: Increases cow comfort, milk production, and protects paddocks from over-grazing.
• Implement Storage: Maximises internal space and keeps expensive machinery protected from the elements, significantly reducing wear and tear while maintaining the resale value.
• Large-Scale Rural Workshops: Provides a working space where you can service gear, reduce downtime, and keep things running through any weather.

Birdproof? Here’s what to know

The standard Steel Portal design is not bird-proof.

But if birdproofing is important to your operation, it’s available as an upgrade. Contact the team, and we’ll talk you through the different options.

Pictured: Bird-proof design.

More than just a shed. It’s a legacy.

It’s important to note that there are cheaper options on the market, such as canvas covers and cold-rolled steel (click here to learn more about these options). However, these structures are not designed to last for generations.

If you are building on your family farm, it makes sense to build infrastructure that lasts, so your future generations are not left with expensive repairs or replacements. Through working with our network of suppliers, using Alpine’s buying power, and 30+ years of building knowledge, we have value-engineered this range to make it incredibly efficient and cost-effective for what you get. When the cost outlay is divided by the expected lifetime, this structural steel system makes a lot of sense. 

Because when you are building on your multi-generational farm, you need a shed that will last the distance and one your grandchildren will be proud to own.  

FAQs

• Will the standard Alpine Timber pole design remain?
  Yes, absolutely. Our standard timber pole design will still provide many farmers and lifestyle block owners with a quality shed, spanning up to 24 metres. 
  
  
• Is the Steel Portal range bird-proof?
  The standard design is not bird-proof. However, you can upgrade to include bird-proofing options. Get in touch with the Alpine team to learn more and explore your options.
  
  
• What is the Steel Portal range best suited to?
  This range is best suited for large-scale rural operations such as herd homes and composting barns, large-scale workshops, and implement storage.
  
  
• Can I build a Steel Portal shed on industrial land?
  No, the Steel Portal range is only for use on rural land.