Guard House
Guard houses are outdoor, modular workstations that are used to house security personnel and equipment at any secure checkpoint that requires authorization in order to access an area. Mostly used for security applications, these buildings are often manned by contracted security companies for settings like hospitals, parking garage checkpoints, large construction sites, gated communities and shipping harbors. They are used as guard check stations, parking attendant shelters, security offices, security gate areas, military check-ins and checkpoints of all kinds. Since they are modular, guard houses are usually pre-fabricated at a factory on an assembly line and shipped in large segments or whole. The set-up process is quick and inexpensive, and guard houses can last many years before being replaced. They generally lack a foundation and are able to be moved around if necessary.
Since guard houses are used to protect people that protect facilities, safety is an important factor in the design. They are usually made out of a bullet proof material like steel or stainless steel paneling and have a strong structural frame. Since quick entry and exit is common, sliding doors and windows are popular design options for guard houses. Because guard houses are mostly inhabited by security personnel, they, unlike most outdoor modular buildings, are almost always insulated and have electricity, phone jacks, lighting systems and sometimes bathrooms. Many are built with permanent counters and shelving systems for equipment.