Air Domes

Sheltirx air domes deliver custom, climate-controlled enclosures for sports, commercial, and industrial operations. Eliminate structural limits with rapid-deployment, clear-span architecture engineered to perform through every season.

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Air Domes for Sports,
Commercial & Industrial Applications

Air domes can enclose large areas without the roof trusses, beams and columns required by conventional buildings. The membrane is supported by maintained internal air pressure, creating an uninterrupted interior particularly suited to large sports and operational spaces.

For sports facilities, the enclosure can be developed around the actual court or field footprint, run-off areas, circulation and required clear heights. Commercial and industrial sites can use the same open layout for equipment, vehicles, storage and operations without internal supports dictating the floor plan.

Typical applications include:

• Tennis and racquet sports

• Multi-sport and training facilities

• Indoor fields and recreation

• Commercial sports facilities

• Equipment and vehicle storage

• Industrial and operational space

Space Without
Structural Limits

An air dome uses maintained positive internal pressure to support the membrane. Because the pressure acts across the enclosure, conventional internal columns, roof trusses and support beams are not required.

For sports projects, this changes how the building can be planned. Court dimensions, run-backs, side clearances and required playing heights can establish the footprint rather than fitting the activity around a structural grid. The curved perimeter also means clear height away from the centerline needs to be considered when sizing the enclosure.

For commercial and industrial applications, the same principle provides uninterrupted space for vehicles, equipment, storage layouts and circulation.

Access also forms part of the pressure system. Airlocks and revolving entrances allow people and equipment to enter while limiting pressure loss from the enclosure.

Performance Through
Every Season

Air domes operate as complete systems rather than simply a membrane enclosure. The membrane, inflation equipment, pressure controls, perimeter anchoring, entrances and building services all need to work together during operation.

Wind, snow, temperature and exposure are site-specific design inputs. These conditions influence the final membrane, anchoring, pressure strategy and supporting systems, so engineering should be based on the installation location rather than a standard load assumption.

For climate-controlled facilities, insulation, heating, cooling and ventilation can be integrated into the system. Multi-layer insulated membranes can also improve thermal performance and help manage condensation at the internal membrane surface.

Because continuous pressure is structural to the building, standby equipment is an important consideration. Redundant blowers and backup power can maintain inflation if the primary blower or electrical supply is interrupted.

Air Dome Advantages

CLEAR-SPAN INTERIOR

No conventional columns, trusses or arches within the occupied area, leaving the complete floor space available for courts, fields, equipment and operations.

LARGE USABLE SPACE

The enclosure can be developed around the required activity and clear-height envelope rather than a conventional structural grid.

NATURAL DAYLIGHT

Translucent or transparent membrane systems can use daylight within the enclosure, reducing reliance on artificial lighting during suitable daytime conditions.

FAST INSTALLATION

Once civil works and utilities are complete, installation of the membrane system can be relatively quick. Most installation typically takes less than a week.

FLEXIBLE USE

The same structural principle is used for sports, recreation, warehousing and other commercial or industrial applications requiring large unobstructed interiors.

PERMANENT OR SEASONAL

Air domes can be designed for longer-term operation or seasonal use. Seasonal systems can be deflated and removed when the enclosure is no longer required.

Installation and Site Requirements

1. Site Survey & Design
Confirm the required footprint, clear heights, site levels, access, utilities, climate conditions and engineering requirements before finalizing the system.

2. Prepare Foundations
Complete the specified perimeter foundation and anchoring system together with the required electrical supply, equipment locations and other site services.

3. Deliver Components
Unload and position the membrane, entrances, inflation equipment, controls and other components required for the installation.

4. Position the Membrane
Unfold, inspect and correctly orient the membrane across the prepared footprint before inflation.

5. Secure the Perimeter
Connect and seal the membrane to the engineered perimeter anchoring system before the structure is raised.

6. Install Equipment
Install the blowers, backup systems, entrances, controls, lighting, HVAC and other specified equipment.

7. Inflate the Dome
Start the inflation equipment and progressively raise the membrane while monitoring pressure, membrane position and anchoring.

8. Test & Handover
Commission the pressure controls, primary and standby equipment, access systems and other services before normal operation and operator handover.

Plan the Right Air
Dome for Your Needs

Tell us what the dome will be used for, how much space you need, the required clear height and where it will be installed.

We can then review the activity layout, site conditions, climate, access and operating requirements to establish the appropriate building design and project requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an air dome?

An air dome is an enclosed membrane structure supported by maintained positive internal pressure. Blower equipment maintains the pressure required to tension and support the membrane without conventional internal roof framing.

What are air domes used for?

Air domes are used for sports, recreation, commercial, industrial, storage and other applications where large uninterrupted enclosed areas are required.

Can an air dome be used for sports?

Yes. Air domes are particularly suited to courts, fields and multi-sport facilities because the playing area can remain free from conventional structural columns.

How does an air dome stay standing?

The inflation system maintains the interior at a slightly higher pressure than outside. This pressure tensions and supports the membrane, which is restrained around its perimeter by the anchoring system.

Can air domes be designed for wind and snow?

Yes. Wind, snow, temperature and exposure can be incorporated into the project-specific engineering, together with the required anchoring and operating strategy.

Can air domes be used year-round?

Yes. Insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation and environmental controls can be incorporated where the facility requires controlled conditions throughout the year.

Can an air dome be customized?

Yes. The footprint, clear height, entrances, airlocks, lighting, HVAC and internal layout can be developed around the intended activity and site.

How long does installation take?

Installation varies according to size, site conditions, civil works and the selected systems. As a reference, most sizes can be installed within a week.