Businesses and industries often require reliable, flexible, and cost-effective shelter options. Shelter design is particularly crucial for the success of operations in many areas, including mining, construction, industrial, waste management, aircraft, transport and logistics. People have been using traditional steel sheds and fabric shelters for a long time, but dome structures are a new and emerging option available.
So, how does a dome shelter compare to other types of shelters? Let’s discuss how it performs under pressure, its design benefits, and why businesses throughout Australia are choosing modern, curved-roof solutions like those offered by Allshelter.
What Is a Dome Structure?
A dome structure consists of a curved arch framework covered with steel or high-tensile fabric. The curved profile evenly distributes external pressures, and therefore is a strong performer when it comes to protecting your assets from various weather conditions such as snow, rain and wind.
Dome structures are known for their:
- Easy setup
- Ability to handle poor weather
- Modular flexibility
- Low foundation demands
- Can be mounted on top of containers or built as separate buildings.
You can use these shelters for various purposes, such as storing tools and vehicles, setting up temporary workstations, and storing items.
What Are the Different Types of Dome Structures?
There are many types of dome structures, each created to meet the specific needs of a particular business and environment. Allshelter emphasises three key categories of sturdy, effective, and expandable shelter solutions:
1. FreeSpan Structures
FreeSpan shelters are designed to cover a significant area without requiring support columns. This open-plan layout maximises the available space and is ideal for companies that require flexibility and the ability to work on a large scale.
Great for:
- Areas for servicing and maintaining mining and industrial equipment
- Protecting planes in aviation and
- Covered loading and logistics zones in freight and construction hubs
- Pre-Cast Facilities
Their sturdy frames and sloping roofs enable them to withstand adverse weather and heavy foot traffic in areas where many people congregate.
2. BulkSpan Dome Structures
BulkSpan shelters are ideal for storing bulk materials, as they provide high enclosed areas giving maximum volume coverage. Best for:
- Waste management facilities that handle recyclable or processed materials
- Stockpiles of bulk items or minerals in mining and industrial settings
- These shelters protect critical materials from the elements, preventing odors from entering the environment and making them easier to transport.
3. Fabric Dome Structures
Fabric dome structures feature a durable fabric cover tensioned over curved steel framework and can be mounted on a variety of bases including shipping containers, concrete block walls, posts, or directly on the ground. This design provides versatile shelter solutions that serve both overhead protection and, when mounted on containers or walls, added storage or workspace below.
Some typical uses include:
- Mobile maintenance shelters for construction and mining sites
- Remote logistics hubs for storing and moving equipment and personnel
- Secure, weather-resistant stations for tools, components, and operational setups in industrial areas
These shelters are especially valued for their modularity, rapid installation, and adaptability across various terrains and project needs. Whether fixed or mobile, fabric dome structures offer a cost-effective and scalable solution for dynamic environments.
Real-World Applications for Dome Structures
More and more businesses that need quick, long-lasting, and affordable shelter are turning to dome structures for their operational benefits:
Mining
Dome structures are ideal for mining locations that are difficult to access and rugged. They’re easy to install and can withstand dust, UV light, and strong winds.
Some common uses are:
- Storage for machines and vehicles
- Areas for analysing core samples
- Workshops for mobile maintenance
Construction
Dome shelters, especially container domes and FreeSpan shelters, are ideal for construction sites because they are flexible, easily relocatable, and suited for a wide range of applications. FreeSpan shelters, in particular, are well-suited for pre-cast facilities and large open areas where unobstructed interior space is essential. Both shelter types can fulfil many essential purposes on site.
Common uses:
- Storage for tools and materials
- Lunchrooms and break rooms on site
- Bays for maintaining equipment
- Pre-cast concrete facilities and staging areas
Industrial
Fabric dome shelters are well-suited for industrial environments due to their durable construction, weather resistance, and versatility. These shelters provide reliable coverage for a range of manufacturing and storage needs.
Ideal for:
- Covered regions of manufacturing operations
- Housing assembly lines and production equipment
- Storage of raw materials or finished goods
Waste Management
People who work in the waste management and recycling business utilise dome shelters to protect their equipment and create controlled processing environments.
Effective uses include:
- Covered transfer stations
- Areas for sorting and processing waste
- Keeping smells and dust in
Aircraft Hangar
Dome shelters for aircraft hangars feature broad, column-free interiors that are ideal for storing planes and supporting aviation operations.
Common applications:
- Hangers for helicopters or drones
- Bays for maintaining and servicing aircraft
- Storage for aviation parts and equipment
Transport & Logistics
Dome shelters are ideal for freight, storage, and intermodal operations because they are quick to set up and feature large, unobstructed spans.
Used for:
- Loading zones for trucks and containers
- Storing large amounts of things
- Temporary storage and logistical hubs
Environmental & Sustainability Advantages
Dome shelters are a low-impact, reusable option for people who are worried about the environment in Australia:
- Materials that can be recycled, including steel and HDPE fabric
- No need for a lot of digging or concrete
- Natural light and breeze can save energy.
A Dome Shelter solution makes it easy to lower both your carbon impact and your energy expenditures.
Why Choose Allshelter’s Dome Shelter Range?
Allshelter has been a leader in the industry for over 25 years. They have improved the design, production, and delivery of robust dome structures designed to perform well in Australia.
This is what makes their shelters different:
- Certified engineering and wind ratings
- Support for quick delivery and assembly
- High-quality materials made in Australia
- You can change the sizes and add-ons.
Whether you’re expanding operations or establishing a temporary base, choosing a Dome Shelter from Allshelter ensures lasting value and protection.
The Smarter Shelter Choice
A dome construction outperforms traditional shelters in nearly every way, from structural soundness and cost savings to rapid deployment and adaptability.
Dome shelters are no longer a niche option; they’re the new norm in protective infrastructure as industries need more flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency.
Explore our selection of FreeSpan Shelters, BulkSpans, and Container Domes available today. An Allshelter dome is the next step in making sure your business is ready for the future.
