Choosing the right dome for your business

Posted on 15 March 2024

The striking aesthetic of a geodome is a surefire way to enhance the appeal of a glampsite, but the wrong choice of dome could have the reverse effect in the long-term. Low material quality and hidden deficiencies start to reveal themselves, tarnishing the appearance of the dome and with it the customer experience.

With that in mind, due diligence is vital to avoid the pitfalls of a bad choice. Here’s what you need to ask and need to know

Before you start to compare the quality of the domes on the market, you need to be sure of a few key considerations:

What will I use the dome for?

This is usually the biggest factor in the size and design of your dome. For example, if you want to use it as events or yoga space, it needs to be a larger dome, ideally with a greater proportion of windows.

If you’re renting it as sleeping accommodation, consider whether you are primarily looking to attract families or couples looking for a cosy bolthole.

What budget do I have available?

Before you approach a dome supplier, make sure you are clear on how much you can afford to invest. Ideally it should be part of a business plan with some research on your expected yield per night. You don’t need to have a precise figure for your expected yield, but it’s useful to have an approximate range for your nightly price.

When do I need them to be ready?

If you’re a new or existing glampsite, you need to get your new domes delivered installed for the start of a new season. If you’re a year-round operation, it’s better to get them installed in the quieter months, ready for peak season.

When speaking to a supplier, you need to set a deadline and check to see whether the supplier’s lead times can meet it. If the supplier sources the product from other manufacturers, this could complicate matters, especially if the product is sourced overseas. Ordering directly from a manufacturer is preferable. It reduces the lead time from production to delivery and helps to avoid delays in the supply chain which are often caused by external factors outside control of a seller.

As a manufacturer, TruDomes’ lead time from order to delivery is 6-8 weeks.

Once you’ve established the purpose of the dome and the budget/timeframe, you’re ready to start shopping around. To make an informed decision, it helps to assess each aspect of a product’s performance and the credentials of the company supplying it.

The dome foundation

When assessing your foundations, you need to make sure that your site has stable and levelled ground for your dome.  An experienced supplier should be able to provide advice on what kind of base you need.

Once you’ve established a suitable patch of land, concrete or wooden decking are the two best solutions for a foundation. Many customers choose timber decking for its aesthetic appeal. TruDomes supply ground anchors which fix into concrete or bases. We can also supply decking drawings to assist customers with their build. TruDomes also provide an optional PVC groundsheet with eyelets to fix it to the dome. This is always a useful option as it acts as a barrier to keep moisture (and bugs) out. Once you’ve fixed your groundsheet, you can add your own choice of flooring and/or rugs.

The structural strength of the frame

The strength of the structure is an essential factor in choosing a suitable dome. Make sure you verify the framework thickness.  It needs to be able to withstand the local weather conditions, specifically the wind and snow load bearing capacity of the framework.

A supplier or manufacturer should provide documentation with evidence of the frame strength assessed by an independent organisation. Always ask for a structural report and check the details of the organisation that provided it.

TruDomes offer a standard frame for most weather conditions and an uprated frame designed to withstand more extreme weather.

The material used for the frame

Dome frames are commonly manufactured from either steel or aluminium. Aluminium’s sustainable properties make it much more suitable for eco resorts and environmentally conscious glamping businesses.

Around one third of the density of steel, the lighter weight of aluminium reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during transportation and improves energy efficiency.

Aluminium is highly recyclable, retaining its properties indefinitely through repeated recycling,  and requires only around 5% of the energy needed for primary production, resulting in significant energy savings and lower carbon emissions. Steel is also recyclable but typically requires more energy for recycling.

Aluminium also scores higher than steel on durability. It has a natural oxide layer that forms on its surface, providing a protective barrier against corrosion. This is especially valuable for coastal locations which are more corrosive environments. In contrast, steel is vulnerable to rusting. Coatings or treatments can be applied to resist corrosion, but this often involves the use of environmentally harmful chemicals.

All things considered, you should always look for domes with aluminium frames. TruDomes frames are manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminium for optimum performance.

TruDomes team of expert consultants have experience in supply domes for all types of environments and we can advise the most suitable frames for your specific location.

The material used for the cover

When it comes to choosing a dome, the quality of the cover is every bit as important as the quality of the frame. It needs to be material that can withstand a range of weather conditions.

Dome covers are also subject to regulations which vary between the EU and the US/Canada, so make sure that your supplier delivers a membrane which has the relevant compliance for your country. It is also helpful if your supplier can advise a suitable colour for your local environment and conditions.

You’ll need to get satisfactory answers to the following questions:

Is the cover UV protected?

A cover’s ability to resist solar degradation is a big factor in its longevity. Exposure to UV often causes discoloration. On various occasions, TruDomes have  been approached for help by glampsite owners who have imported cheap domes and experienced rapid discoloration of the windows, ruining the view out! Again, make sure you ask for the detail whenever a supplier claims to have UV-resistant covers.

Is it stain resistant?

It’s not sufficient for a supplier to claim this without explaining how it’s achieved. Ask about any treatments of finishes applied to resist stains.

Is it fire resistant/flame retardant?

Again, it’s not enough for the supplier to simply say “yes” to this question. They need to have supporting evidence that it meets the relevant fire safety standards.

Every type of hospitality accommodation requires fire retardancy certificates. Local authorities will not permit the operation of campsites and glampsites without valid documents. Domes require certificates for the cover as well as curtains, insulation and any other potentially flammable components.

Make sure a supplier can provide flame retardancy certificates from an approved testing body. The standard is BS 7837 in the UK, NF P 92507 in France and NFPA 701in the US.

What is its lifespan?

A supplier should provide certification relating to the expected lifespan of its covers.

TruDomes’ high quality dome covers tick all the necessary boxes. We achieve stain resistance with an acrylic lacquer applied on both sides.

Our robust and weatherproof PVC covers have exceptional temperature resistance ranging from – 40°C  to +70°C. The UV-resistant membrane protects against discoloration and meets the fire safety standards defined under BS 7837, NF P 92507 and  NFPA 701.

Our covers have an expected lifespan of 10-15 years and are easily removed and replaced when required.  PVC is100% recyclable. It can be reused, melted, and extruded numerous times, so disused PVC needn’t contribute to landfill.

Dome insulation

Whether you plan to set your dome up in a hot or cold climate, high quality insulation is essential. It will help to regulate temperature, reduce energy usage, create a cosy feel, enhance your customers’ comfort, and enable you to attract booking during off-peak seasons.

Insulation should mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures, keeping heat out in summer and cold out in winter. It’s especially important in the UK, where temperature variations are more pronounced.

Regular insulation is suitable for an approximate temperature range of  between minus 15 Celsius degrees to plus 25 Celsius degrees, but you need to consider whether your site will experience prolonged weather conditions which fall outside that range.

When enquiring about insulation, make sure you ask for data on the R-value of the cover. R-vale measures a material’s ability to resist the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better.

It’s also worth asking about the following:

Specific heat –  the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of the material.

Decomposition temperature – the temperature at which the material chemically decomposes.

Upper melt temperature (or melting point)

Thermal conductivity – the material’s ability to conduct heat.

For all these metrics, the higher the better.

With a triple layer comprising fabric, foam and foil, TruDomes’ premium insulation is designed for high-performance across all metrics:

– Decomposition temperature: >260C

– Upper melt temperature: 255-260C

– Specific heat: 1.34KJ/Kg at 250C

– Thermal conductivity: 0.14W/mk

– R Value 0.95m2*K/W

TruDomes also supply blackout thermal curtains to complement our insulation.

Doors and windows

Many suppliers provide zip-up doors as their standard option, but you might want to consider something more robust. TruDomes come with the option of a solid wood door. As well as being more durable and secure, it’s more in keeping with a luxury aesthetic if your site is designed to offer high-end glamping.

Windows are  always a key consideration in geodomes. If you’re choosing skylights, think how they can function in relation to the interior space. Domes with well positioned skylights are perfect for the ‘stargazing’ experience.

Some dome windows are attached by velcro while others are permanently fixed as an integral part of the membrane. Velcroed windows are easier to remove when damaged. TruDomes’ panoramic windows are velcroed, enabling them to be replaced as a single component without having to replace the whole cover. The windows are watertight and windtight to ensure maximum comfort.

Fitting a bathroom into a dome

Depending on how you’re looking to position your glampsite in the market, you may want to consider including  bathroom facilities within your domes. It’s a shrewd move if you’re looking to create the luxury glamping feel to attract people that want to get closer to nature without being too far from modern comforts.

Finding an easy to install bathroom will make your life much easier. You could choose to build your own, but it’s a lot quicker to source an off-the-shelf solution. With that in mind, TruDomes provide bathroom pods that come flat-packed, making them easy to position and build within the dome.

We supply five different pod sizes (Ibiza, Sicily, Cyprus, Maldives, and Asia) which are watertight to provide a stylish wet room. The pods are thermally efficient, with high pressure-moulded, fibre-reinforced construction to retain heat.

The production lead time of our pods is 4-6 weeks.

Upgraded sleeping space

Upgrading the sleeping space is another way to enhance your customers’ experience. A loft bed is an excellent option for domes with skylights, allowing guests to stargaze while  they drift into a slumber.

TruDomes’ popular Star Sleeper platform accommodates two single beds or one double bed with the option to fit one of our bathroom pods underneath for maximum economy of space.

Bespoke modifications and accessories

Many glamping businesses like to add  bespoke elements to their accommodation to differentiate from competitors and create a unique experience. This is usually much easier if you purchase directly from a manufacturer rather than a company that imports/resells mass-produced products with a uniform design and specification. As a manufacturer, TruDomes are always looking to introduce new features that set us apart, from compact kitchenettes and solar panels to portholes for pets!

Unlike many suppliers, we offer accessories such as wood burners and chimneys (with relevant certificates) to make our domes toasty in the colder months – one of a wide range of upgrades available in our range.

Doing homework on your supplier

As well as asking the right questions about your dome design and construction, doing your homework on the company that supplies them is equally vital.

Start with a look at the company’s website – check for case studies, testimonials and industry awards. Also take a look at the social media channels for similar information as well as the comments on posts, both positive and negative. How a company responds to negative comments and complaints from customers is often a useful indication of its approach to after-sale service. Ask for multiple references as a company with a good track record of customer service should have ample evidence of satisfied clients.

Try to get a feel for the company culture – its ethos, communication and responsiveness. A company’s attitude towards sustainability is often a useful indication of its values. For example, does it believe in carbon reduction through measures like reusable and recyclable packaging? TruDomes use pallets for the packaging of our domes as many customers like to re-purpose them for shelving, plant pots and other features for the glampsite.

It helps to research a company’s history and the resilience of its business. If it’s a manufacturer, how long has it been manufacturing?

Buying from a manufacturer has many advantages over buying from a reseller. With a manufacturer like TruDomes, you’ll have full batch traceability with clarity over the source of each component and ready availability of replacement parts. Resellers are often unable to supply parts, particularly if their products are cheap imports sourced from the other side of the planet.

Many suppliers lose interest once they’ve closed a sale. A good supplier should act as a business partner, able to provide technical support and advice during and after the sales process. With TruDomes, you’ll be supported by an expert team with decades of experience in manufacturing and glamping. We also work with glamping consultancy partners to give you access to advice on all aspects of setting up a business, from planning applications to marketing. For us, service is not just about the nuts and bolts of your geodome; it’s also about helping you to build your business.

Warranty

You should consider a Warranty any essential for any dome purchase. Make sure you verify the warranty and clarify its terms and conditions – how it works and what it covers. Check the smallprint on any warranty document and ask where the product and its parts are made.

TruDomes supply all our domes with comprehensive and transparent product data along with a two-year manufacturing defect warranty supplied prior to any sale.

Investing in quality pays in the long-term

If we had to offer one piece of advice to any aspiring glamping business, we would warn that economising with low-grade products and imports will cost you a lot more in the long run.

Inferior quality and durability will soon become a material problem, reducing the appeal of your offering and denting your bottom line as the cost of repairs and refurbishment stack up. Going cheap can also compromise safety – if an incident happens, the responsibility lies with you rather than the supplier.

When you invest in a dome, your decision should be driven by quality, longevity and reliability. If you follow those principles, we’re confident that you’ll make the right choice for your business!

Need more advice?

TruDomes’ customer support team is here to provide guidance. For further information, please get in touch and we’d be happy to help!

You can call us on 024 7632 6585 or email [email protected]

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