Air dome
An air-supported enclosure depends on membrane, inflation or pressure systems, entrances, anchoring and operational continuity.
Decision Centre / Global
Air dome or clear-span sports hall?
Both can create large covered play space, but their structural and operating models are fundamentally different.
Global / overseas search owner Manual project review Exact-system evidence only
Direct answer
The short version.
Air domes can be attractive for rapid large-volume enclosure and selected seasonal or simple building-envelope applications, while clear-span framed halls suit projects wanting a more conventional permanent structure, fixed openings and broader architectural integration.
Project decision
What matters before product selection.
Use these points to structure the first project conversation. Final suitability stays tied to the actual site, selected system and local project team.
Clear-span framed hall
A framed structure provides a conventional load path and can integrate walls, doors, services and architecture more directly.
Whole-life operation
Programme, energy, membrane maintenance, emergency systems, local approvals and expected building life should be compared—not just initial shell cost.
Comparison matrix
Covered-sport comparison
Use this to define the project pathway before detailed engineering.
| Factor | Air dome | Clear-span hall |
|---|---|---|
| Primary structure | Air-supported membrane | Framed structure |
| Programme | Potentially rapid | Project-dependent |
| Operational dependency | Inflation / controls | Conventional building services |
| Architecture | More standardised form | Higher flexibility |
| Typical fit | Large simple enclosure | Permanent integrated facility |
Project brief
Information worth collecting before quotation.
01Sports and court count
02Required clear height
03Seasonal vs permanent use
04Climate / wind / snow
05Energy and operating model
06Doors and circulation
07Local code pathway
08Programme
Frequently asked
Answers without oversimplifying the project.
Is there one best covered-sports facility for every project?
No. Site conditions, scale, permanence, local works, operating expectations and documentation requirements change the right starting point.
Does Apollo calculate project pricing automatically online?
No. Apollo uses a manual project-brief process so the selected system, quantities, destination, freight and project interfaces are checked before pricing.
Who handles local engineering, approvals and installation?
Apollo is primarily a supply-only project-supply specialist. Local engineering, approvals, foundations, services, installation and other site work remain with the appointed local project team unless a written project scope states otherwise.
Next step
Turn the research into a real project brief.
Send the site, dimensions, intended use, quantities and known local requirements. Apollo will review the relevant product pathway and keep local engineering, approvals and site-work responsibilities explicit.