Air Domes
Custom air-supported buildings for sports, industry andcommercial use, providing large, climate-controlled spacewithout internal columns.
A SMARTER WAY TO CREATE LARGE INDOOR SPACE
Air domes provide a fast and cost-effective way to enclose large areas without the internal columns, beams and extensive structural framework required by conventional buildings. The membrane is supported by slightly increased air pressure inside the structure, creating a spacious clear-span interior that can be used efficiently from wall to wall. Each air dome is designed around its intended use, site conditions and local climate. They are commonly used to cover football pitches, tennis and padel courts, swimming pools, athletics facilities and other sports surfaces, but are equally suitable for warehousing, industrial operations, events and specialist storage applications. The structure can be configured for seasonal or year-round use, with options for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and insulation. Translucent membrane systems allow natural daylight into the building, creating a bright internal environment while reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Access is provided through purpose-designed revolving doors, personnel airlocks and vehicle airlocks that allow people and equipment to enter without causing a significant loss of internal pressure. The result is a practical, controlled environment that can continue operating throughout poor weather and changing seasonal conditions. Compared with conventional construction, air-supported buildings require fewer structural materials and can be installed with far less disruption to the site. Once the foundations and services are prepared, most domes can be installed in days and operational within a week, depending on their size and specification.
PROJECTS
See how operators in all industries are using Sheltirx air domes to turn outdoor
areas into dependable, year-round indoor space.
WHY AIR-SUPPORTED BUILDINGS?
• Vast clear-span interiors without columns or roof trusses
• Installed in days and operational within a week in most cases
• Suitable for seasonal or permanent year-round use
• Fully controlled indoor environment in all weather conditions
• Faster and more cost-effective than conventional construction
• Natural daylight through translucent membrane systems
• Heating, cooling and ventilation options available
• Airlocks for pedestrians, vehicles and equipment
• Large areas can be enclosed with minimal structural framework
• Suitable for sports, storage, industry and events
FROM INITIAL DESIGN TO A FULLY OPERATIONAL DOME
Designing an air dome is about far more than selecting the right size. Factors such as internal height, usable floor area, access requirements, membrane specification, environmental controls and local weather conditions all influence how the building
will perform over its lifetime. Getting these decisions right at the start helps
maximise efficiency, reduce operating costs and ensure the dome is fit for its
intended use. Whether you’re enclosing sports facilities, industrial operations or
commercial space, every air dome is developed around your site and application. From engineering and membrane selection through to inflation systems, access points and installation, every detail is considered before manufacturing begins, resulting in a structure that performs reliably from day one and continues to do so for
years to come.
RELIABLE PERFORMANCE IN EVERY SEASON
An air dome relies on a controlled inflation system that continuously maintains the small pressure difference needed to support the membrane. Modern systems automatically
monitor and adjust the internal pressure as outside weather conditions change, helping the structure remain stable during normal operation.
Primary and standby inflation equipment can be provided so the structure remains supported if one system is unavailable. Backup power, alarms and remote monitoring
can also be incorporated, giving operators clear oversight of the dome and its essential equipment.
For colder or warmer climates, the inflation system can be combined with heating, cooling and ventilation equipment to maintain a comfortable internal environment. Air distribution can be designed to move conditioned air throughout the occupied space rather than allowing heat to collect unnecessarily at roof level.
Depending on the required level of thermal performance, the dome can use a single or insulated double-membrane system. Lighting, internal liners, acoustic treatments and other equipment can also be incorporated according to the building’s intended use.
The membrane and anchoring system are designed together around the size and geometry of the dome, its location and the environmental conditions it will face. Where required, the complete structure can be engineered for local wind, snow and building code requirements.
By combining proven air-supported technology with modern controls and carefully selected materials, an air dome can provide dependable indoor space for many years while remaining quicker and less structurally intensive to build than a conventional large-span facility.
WE DO THINGS PROPERLY
Experience means understanding how a building performs long before it reaches production. We’ll often recommend
design refinements you may not have considered that improve structural efficiency, simplify installation, enhance long-term usability or, in many cases, reduce unnecessary costs. It’s this practical experience that allows us to identify opportunities early in the design process, optimising both performance and value before manufacturing begins. Our goal is always the same: to make sure you get the right building, not just the one you asked for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an air dome cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the structure, membrane specification, local engineering requirements and the systems included. Heating, cooling, airlocks, lighting,backup equipment and internal fit-out will all influence the final cost. Every dome is therefore quoted around the individual facility rather than priced as a standardbuilding.
How does an air dome stay inflated?
An air dome is supported by maintaining slightly higher air pressure inside the building than outside. Inflation equipment continuously supplies air to the structure,while automatic controls monitor and adjust the pressure as required. The pressure difference is small and is generally not noticeable once inside the dome.
What happens if there is a power failure?
Air domes can be supplied with standby inflation equipment and backup power systems. If the primary system stops operating, the backup system can take overand continue maintaining the structure. Monitoring and alarm systems can also alert the facility operator if any part of the system requires attention.
Can an air dome be heated and cooled?
Yes. Air domes can be designed for full year-round use with heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. The environmental system is selected around thedome size, local climate, occupancy levels and the activities taking place inside.
How long does installation take?
Once the foundations, electrical supply and other site works are complete, most air domes can be installed in days and operational within a week. Larger or morecomplex projects may take longer depending on the membrane system, equipment and internal fit-out required.
Are air domes suitable for heavy wind and snow?
Airdomes can be engineered around the wind and snow conditions for their location. The inflation system, membrane and perimeter anchoring are designed as acomplete structural system. Automatic pressure controls can also respond to changing external conditions.
Can an air dome be customised?
Yes. The dome dimensions, internal height, membrane system and equipment can all be configured around the intended application. Available options include insulation, lighting, HVAC, revolving doors, personnel airlocks, vehicle entrances, emergency exits, internal divisions, branding and sports-specific fit-outs.
These seven are the strongest mix of commercial intent, technical reassurance, and product-specific expertise, while avoiding FAQs that can be answered
elsewhere (such as foundations or sports facility installation).