Air Dome vs Framed Structure: Which Is Right for You?
We manufacture air domes and supply framed structures, so we have no reason to push one over the other. This guide compares them on the things that actually decide it – and points you to the right one for your facility, not the one we would most like to sell.
The Two Options in Brief
Both are far faster and cheaper than a traditional brick-and-steel building – for that comparison, see our guide to air domes vs traditional buildings. The choice between these two comes down to how you want the space to feel and to run.
- Air dome – an air-supported structure held up by gentle internal pressure, with no internal columns. Available as a seasonal dome (up for winter, stored in summer) or a permanent DUOL double-skin dome (climate-controlled year-round). Enclosed, translucent and quick to install.
- Framed fabric structure – a steel or timber frame with a tensioned fabric roof, sometimes called a steel-framed building or “steel barn”. Permanent, open or enclosed with sliding curtains, spectator-friendly, and run with no fans or cooling. See framed fabric structures.
Cost and Installation
A seasonal air dome is the lowest entry point, from £85,000, installed in 3-4 days. A framed structure starts from £72,500 for a geodesic frame, with padel-optimised and arch systems from £94,000 and £150,000, and assembles in 10-20 days. A permanent air dome starts from £150,000. Whichever you choose, you measure installation in days and weeks, not the months a conventional build takes. For a fuller breakdown, see how much an air dome costs.
Year-Round or Seasonal
This is often the deciding question.
- A seasonal air dome comes down in summer, so members keep open-air play for half the year – ideal for tennis courts and football pitches that only need winter cover.
- A permanent air dome stays up all year with full climate control – for facilities that want consistent, professional conditions every day.
- A framed structure is permanent, but sliding-curtain sides let it open up in summer and close in winter – a middle path that keeps the building while flexing with the seasons.
Running Costs and Energy
An air dome is held up by fans, so it draws continuous power; a permanent DUOL dome offsets this with A-rated insulation and 50-70% energy savings over single-skin. A framed structure needs no fans, ventilation or cooling at all, so the structure itself runs at effectively zero energy – a saving of around £20,000 to £50,000 a year versus an air dome on a like-for-like facility. If running cost is your priority, the frame has the edge; if year-round climate control is, the permanent dome does.
Enclosed or Open
An air dome is a sealed, pressurised environment entered through revolving doors or airlocks – warm, quiet and fully weatherproof. A framed structure can be left open-sided or fitted with curtains, keeping natural ventilation, spectator sightlines and a connection to the outdoors. For social, spectator sports – padel above all – the open feel of a frame is a real draw; for controlled training and winter pitch cover, the enclosed dome wins.
Which Suits Your Sport
- Tennis or football, winter cover only – a seasonal air dome: lowest cost, preserves summer play.
- Elite, year-round climate-controlled training – a permanent air dome.
- Padel, or any social, spectator-led venue – a framed fabric structure.
- Large multi-court or multi-sport complex – either, depending on whether you want full climate control (dome) or zero-energy openness (frame).
Still not sure? That is exactly the conversation we are set up to have, because we build both.
About Covair Structures. Covair Structures Ltd has over 40 years’ experience in sports facility coverings, manufacturing air domes in the UK since 1982. We are the only UK provider offering seasonal air domes, permanent DUOL domes and framed structures, so our advice on which to choose is genuinely impartial. Talk to us about the right structure for your facility.
