What Are the Different Types of Fabric Structures Available?

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What Are the Different Types of Fabric Structures Available?

Depending on the industry, fabric buildings can provide mining, construction, waste management, and aviation services. Fabric buildings are designed for easy relocation and cost-effective solutions but provide safe shelter under all weather conditions. Whether seeking container-mounted shelter to a large FreeSpan™ structure or a towable fabric shelter, Allshelter provides top-quality solutions for a 10-year warranty on most of our shelters. 

So, what do you want to know about fabric structure types and how they can meet your operational needs?

Different Types of Fabric Structures

1. FreeSpan™ Shelters

FreeSpan™ shelters are large, open-span structures designed for efficiency. These shelters have no internal posts, allowing for maximum workspace and storage capacity.

Key Features:

  • Expansive interior without internal posts
  • Curved steel arches for strength and durability
  • Quick installation with minimal maintenance
  • Designed for all-weather performance

Common Uses:

  • Bulk and dry goods storage
  • Waste management enclosures
  • Large equipment maintenance areas
  • Temporary construction and manufacturing spaces

With Flexible Options: (Please note if you have endwalls or doors, that there will be some small gaps, mostly across the bottom which can be sealed later.)

  • Partial endwall
  • Full endwall
  • Side Entrance
  • Doorway Endwall & Pedestrian Access
  • Banners & Signage
  • LED Lighting

Mounting Option:

  • Ground Mounted
  • Custom Engineering

Maximise space and efficiency with FreeSpan™ Shelters – Learn more today!

2. All Fabric Dome Shelters

Allshelter’s fabric dome shelters offer a relocatable, durable solution that can be mounted on containers, posts, or walls. These shelters are widely used across multiple industries.

Key Features:

  • Heavy-duty polyethylene fabric with steel framework
  • Adaptable mounting options (containers, ground, posts, walls)
  • Modular design to suit various space requirements
  • Backed by a 10-year warranty

Common Uses:

  • Equipment storage and maintenance
  • Sandblasting and painting booths
  • Industrial and aviation applications

With Flexible Options: (Please note if you have endwalls or doors, that there will be some small gaps, mostly across the bottom which can be sealed later.)

3. Towable Fabric Shelters

Towable shelters are portable structures designed for easy relocation. Their steel frame sits on heavy-duty 15” wheels, making movement straightforward using a medium-sized vehicle.

Key Features:

  • Australian-made steel frame with UV-rated polyethylene fabric
  • Heavy-duty wheels for easy mobility
  • Flexible swivel for tight-turning areas
  • Quick assembly and relocation

Common Uses:

  • Machinery building and dismantling
  • Equipment maintenance and refurbishment
  • Sandblasting and painting large equipment

With Flexible Options: (Please note if you have endwalls or doors, that there will be some small gaps, mostly across the bottom which can be sealed later.)

  • Fabric Opening Endwall
  • Banners & Signage
  • Lifting Lugs

Move with ease using portable and durable Towable Fabric Shelters – Learn more today!

Allsheltets bulkspan shelter - perfect for mining

4. BulkSpan®

BulkSpan™ shelters are robust and versatile structures, specifically designed for large-scale bulk storage and equipment protection. These shelters feature a heavy-duty steel frame and are engineered to withstand the toughest conditions.

Key Features:

  • Heavy-duty steel frame for maximum strength
    • Ideal for bulk material and equipment storage
    • Engineered for high wind and snow loads
    • Fast installation with minimal site preparation
    • Available in various sizes to suit your operational needs
    • Designed for long-term durability and low maintenance

Common Uses:

  • Bulk product storage (grain, fertiliser, minerals)
    • Equipment and vehicle storage
    • Waste and recycling facilities
    • Construction material protection
    • Agricultural or industrial warehousing

Outside Mounted Bulk Storage Solution
Maximise your operational space and durability with BulkSpan™ Shelters – Learn more today!

5. Express Shelters – 48HR Guaranteed Dispatch

Express Shelters provide rapid shelter solutions with guaranteed dispatch within 48 hours. These structures maintain the same high quality as other Allshelter products but are available in standard sizes for quick delivery.

Key Features:

  • Standardised sizes for fast delivery
  • Heavy-duty polyethylene fabric and quality Australian steel
  • Self-installation with step-by-step instructions
  • Backed by a 10-year warranty

Common Uses:

  • Workshops and meeting areas
  • Equipment maintenance spaces
  • Storage solutions

With Flexible Options: (Please note if you have endwalls or doors, that there will be some small gaps, mostly across the bottom which can be sealed later.)

  • Partial endwall
  • Full endwall
  • Partial End Wall – Eyebrow

Mounting Option:

  • Container Mounted
    • Inside Mounted
    • Inside Mounted Double Stack
    • Outside Mounted
    • Outside Mounted Double Stack

Get rapid shelter solutions delivered within 48 hours with Express Shelters – Learn more today!

6. Walkway Shelters

Walkway shelters protect people from the elements, making them ideal for site amenities, remote camps, and connecting offices and accommodation.

Key Features:

  • Fire-retardant cover options
  • Quick and easy installation
  • Can be attached to portable buildings
  • Flexible design for different site layouts

Common Uses:

  • Walkways between offices and site amenities
  • Weather protection for staff and guests
  • Remote mining and construction camps

With Flexible Options: (Please note if you have endwalls or doors, that there will be some small gaps, mostly across the bottom which can be sealed later.)

  • Fire Retardant Covers
  • Guttering

Protect your team with fast and flexible weatherproof coverage using Walkway Shelters – Learn more today!

A large white container building with a spacious white roof, designed as an express shelter for various uses.

7. Container Mounted Shelters

Container Mounted Shelters are engineered to sit directly on 20ft or 40ft shipping containers, providing a durable and elevated fabric shelter solution. These shelters maximise storage space underneath while offering secure side container storage.

Key Features:

  • Utilises standard shipping containers as the base
  • Elevated height for improved clearance and airflow
  • Durable steel framework and high-tensile fabric cover
  • Fast and efficient installation
  • Designed for harsh Australian weather conditions

Common Uses:

  • Equipment and vehicle storage
  • Mining and construction site workshops
  • Waste and materials handling areas
  • Shelter for container-based operations
  • Field maintenance facilities

With Flexible Options: (Please note if you have endwalls or doors, that there will be some small gaps, mostly across the bottom which can be sealed later.)

  • Partial endwall
  • Full endwall
  • Doorway, endwall & doors
  • Twistlock beams
  • Guttering & Downpipes
  • Banners & Signage
  • LED lighting
  • Roller Door
  • Pedestrian Access Door
  • Partial End Wall – Eyebrow

Mounting Option:

  • Container Mounted
    • Inside Mounted
    • Inside Mounted Double Stack
    • Outside Mounted
    • Outside Mounted Double Stack

Maximise container use and shelter performance with Container Mounted Shelters — Learn more today!

Comparison Table of Fabric Structures

Shelter Type

Key Features

Common Uses

Mobility

FreeSpan™ Shelters

Large open space, no internal posts

Bulk storage, large equipment areas

Fixed

Fabric Dome Shelters

Adaptable mounting, durable, relocatable

Industrial, mining, aviation

Fixed

Towable Fabric Shelters

Mobile, heavy-duty wheels, flexible swivel

Sandblasting, painting, maintenance

Mobile

BulkSpan®

Ideal for bulk material and equipment storage

Bulk product storage (grain, fertiliser, minerals)

Fixed

Express Shelters

Fast dispatch, self-installation, standard sizes

Quick storage, temporary workshops

Fixed

Walkway Shelters

Weather protection, attachable to buildings

Walkways, site amenities

Fixed

Container Mounted Shelters

Fast and efficient installation

Mining and construction site workshops

Fixed

For over two decades, Allshelter has been a trusted name in fabric shelter solutions. Our shelters are engineered to meet the highest industry standards, providing durable, cost-effective, and versatile solutions for businesses worldwide. Here’s why our customers choose us:

  • Industry-leading 10-year warranty for peace of mind
  • Australian-made materials ensuring superior quality
  • Customisable designs to suit any application
  • ISO-certified manufacturing for strength and longevity
  • Proven expertise with thousands of successful installations

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right fabric structure depends on your specific needs, whether it’s a large FreeSpan™ shelter for bulk storage, a towable shelter for mobile operations, or an Express Shelter for quick deployment. At Allshelter, we offer premium-quality shelters backed by our expertise and trusted warranty.

Need expert advice? Contact Allshelter today to find the best shelter solution for your business

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