Our geodesic domes are ideal as havens of relaxation in sun-kissed meadows and balmy beachside retreats, but not all our clients want to create places of zen-like calm and serenity. Some are set up to attract adventure-seeking tourists and adrenaline junkies that prefer to set their pulses racing in more challenging environments. Those sites come to TruDomes because our domes are designed and built to withstand the most extreme conditions. One of our installations in an arctic wilderness perfectly demonstrates that all-weather capability.
Based in Åre ski resort, northern Sweden, Below Zero Ice Driving is one of the world’s best winter playgrounds, offering a unique and unforgettable driving experience to drivers of all abilities, from the fun-seeking novice to the seasoned competition professional. Visitors flock there to get behind the wheel of a rally-winning Porsche 911 and take a spin on an ice-covered lake, navigating meticulously prepared circuits cushioned by snowbanks. Supported by fully studded tyres and world-class instruction, drivers push the 911s to their limit.
TruDomes supplied one of their luxury winter domes to accommodate guests at the lake. Fitted with a log burner to provide welcome warmth after time on the circuit, the dome overlooks the frozen lake, providing outstanding views of its spectacular backdrop through our signature panoramic window.
With arctic weather, ice a meter thick in places and three feet of snow covering the area, this location is no place for glamping units that skimp on material quality. It’s a place where TruDomes’ robust and durable performance really comes into its own. Geodesic domes have an in-built advantage with a design that the American Institute of Architects refers to as “strongest, lightest and most efficient means of enclosing space known to man.” The connected triangles that form the structure give them unrivalled strength. Their spherical shape means that there are no large straight areas that can perish in the wind.
TruDomes enhance that sturdiness with the use of aircraft-grade aluminium to manufacture frames which are lightweight yet strong enough to bear the weight of snow. Unlike steel, the aluminium is rust-free, ensuring that the struts resist degradation. Fastened to the frame is a 650 g/m² PVC shell with a lacquered finish designed to resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees C.
In 2021, the UK experienced its biggest storms in over 30 years, with record-breaking winds speeds which famously tore through the shell of London’s Millennium Dome. TruDomes’ domes fared far better, with customers reporting how well their units stood up to the test. They are demonstrating similar resilience in the unforgiving conditions of northern Sweden.
Below Zero Ice Driving is not for the faint hearted. It’s an experience for thrill-seeking drivers taking on most unusual circuits they will ever encounter, but after a session behind the wheel they will always find a place to unwind in a dome from TruDomes which is built to stay the course, whatever the weather.
