Clad-Rack Warehouses. The Racking is the Building.
A Godrej Clad-Rack Warehouse (RCW) integrates the pallet racking structure as the building’s primary framework – eliminating the conventional structural steel skeleton. Lower capex. Greater height. Faster construction. Automation-ready.
What Is a Clad-Rack Warehouse?
The conventional warehouse model - and its limitation
In a conventional warehouse, the construction sequence is: build the structural steel framework and roof first, then install pallet racking inside as a separate system. Two independent engineering projects. Two separate cost lines. A structural frame that contributes nothing to storage capacity.
The RCW model - one integrated engineering system
A Clad-Rack Warehouse reverses this. The pallet racking itself becomes the primary structural element. Uprights from the racking system extend to full building height, support the roof and external cladding panels, bear the load of stored goods, and resist wind, seismic, and operational loads - all within a single integrated engineering calculation.
Structure
Engineering
Load path
Height
Project phases
Total capex
Solution Components
What makes up a Clad-Rack Warehouse
Tap a number on the drawing, or a component below, to see where it sits in the structure.
- 1
Pallet racking uprights
Form the primary structural columns from floor level to full building height (up to 40+ metres).
- 2
Pallet racking beams
Standard pallet racking beam system for product storage at every level.
- 3
Roof structure
Supported directly from racking uprights, with insulated or corrugated cladding.
- 4
External cladding panels
Corrugated metal, insulated sandwich panel, or composite, attached to the upright framework.
- 5
Bracing system
Horizontal and diagonal bracing integrated into the racking structure for wind and seismic resistance.
- 6
Floor slab
Engineered to Godrej's loading and flatness specifications for the specific racking and MHE requirements.
- 7
Fire suppression system
Integrated into the racking structure to meet fire code requirements for high-bay storage.
- 8
Lighting and utilities
Designed around the racking layout from project inception.
All components are engineered as an integrated system. Godrej's RCW engineering team provides structural calculations, foundation design recommendations, and compliance documentation.
Benefits & Applications
Benefits
Lower total capex
Eliminating the conventional structural steel framework removes a complete engineering sub-project. A single-phase RCW typically costs significantly less than the equivalent conventional warehouse build plus racking.
Extreme height capability
RCWs can reach 40+ metres - far beyond the practical limits of conventional PEB-structure warehouses. Every additional metre of height is pure additional storage capacity at no additional land cost.
Faster construction timeline
Single-phase construction vs conventional two-phase (build structure, then install racking). Reduces overall timeline and allows earlier operational start.
Automation-ready
The RCW is the structural base of choice for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS). Integrated engineering makes it easier to specify MHE guides, power infrastructure, and control systems from project inception.
Engineered for compliance
Godrej RCW structural calculations cover seismic loading, wind loading, roof snow loading, and operational live loads - all in a single certified engineering document.
Applications
E-commerce fulfilment
High SKU volume, automated picking, rapid expansion
Typical configuration
Cold chain
Cold space is expensive to build and run - maximum cubic utilization per sq. m is imperative
Typical configuration
Pharmaceuticals
Controlled environment storage with high volume and batch traceability
Typical configuration
Logistics parks
Maximizing land use in industrial estates
Typical configuration
Is an RCW the right choice for your project?
A Clad-Rack Warehouse makes strong financial sense when:
Project volume
The project volume is sufficient to justify integrated structural engineering (typically 10,000 sq ft floor area or larger)
Height
Building height beyond 12–15 metres is required or desirable
Automation
Automation (ASRS) is planned now or anticipated within the facility's life
Greenfield site
The site is a greenfield plot, allowing foundation design from the start
Capex focus
Total project capex optimization is a key decision factor
Engineering & Compliance
What Godrej's RCW engineering team analyses, specifies and documents for your project. Hover over an element to see the detail.
Project Execution
How an RCW project is delivered, from the first site visit to commissioning.
Feasibility
Site visit, volume assessment, preliminary layout, and an indicative cost comparison vs a conventional warehouse.
Engineering
Integrated structural calculation, foundation specification, and fire suppression coordination.
Civil works
Foundation and floor slab by the client's civil contractor, coordinated against Godrej specifications.
Racking erection
Kaizen certified installation team erects the racking structure.
Building envelope
Roof structure and cladding panels attached to the racking uprights.
Services and MHE
Lighting, fire suppression, power, and MHE installation, in parallel with the building envelope.
Commissioning
Load testing, documentation, load board installation, and MHE commissioning.
Ready to transform your warehouse?
Start with a free site survey.
Our storage specialists will visit your facility, assess your inventory profile and floor plan, and recommend the right Godrej system — at no cost, no obligation.