Air Structure Components

An air-supported structure should be thought of as a building system. Although the actual fabric envelope makes up the largest portion of any project, there are various components that work together in an air-supported structure system which we've listed below:

Note: If you require pricing on individual components for your facility, please contact us at 1-888-445-3223 or by e-mail at info@thefarleygroup.com.

Heat, Inflation and Air Conditioning Equipment

HVAC mechanical equipment is used to keep the dome inflated as well as to add heat to your facility. If you plan to use your dome during the summer months (or you're located in a year round warm climate), we can also include air conditioning equipment to cool your air structure. The size of such equipment determined based on factors such as the size of your dome and your local weather conditions, and is custom built to accommodate those specific requirements.

Standby Inflation Fans

All air-supported structures are equipped with a standby inflation fan. Since a dome is held up by air pressure, it is critical that a secondary inflation system powered by a generator be ready to kick in automatically in the event of a power failure, or should there be temporary challenges with the primary inflation system.

Dome Access - Revolving Doors & Personnel Airlocks

To get people in and out of the door without compromising the internal air pressure which keeps the dome inflated, use of revolving doors and / or personnel airlocks are used. The primary method recommended is the revolving door for it's ease of use, however personnel airlocks can be used as well to comply with ADA requirements for handicap access.

Dome Access - Vehicle Airlocks

For larger domes it is advisable to include what we refer to as a vehicle airlock. Allowing access for vehicles can add a great deal of convenience for bringing larger equipment in and out of your dome. Custom sizes are available, but generally a vehicle airlock with dimensions of 10ft x 10ft x 30ft is sufficient, allowing access for a typically sized pickup truck. A vehicle airlock can also serve as a handy storage area, especially for things like soccer goals when they are not needed on the field.

Emergency Balanced Exit Doors

In addition to having access points that are frequently used (revolving doors and personnel airlocks), building codes also require that each air structure have adequate emergency exiting capacity. To accomplish this, we include emergency exit doors as part of our package. The doors we use are specially designed center-balanced exit doors, which open smoothly while under air pressure (a regular door would swing open dangerously fast due to the air pressure acting upon it). Our doors also come with the appropriate emergency exit signs and lighting.

Insulation System

For domes that will be up all year long, we recommend using an insulation system to help reduce your heating and cooling costs. For more information on insulating, please click here to visit our insulation system page.

Lighting System

One of the most important aspects to consider for a successful sports facility is your lighting system. We have several options and configuration that we can recommend. Click here to learn more on our Lighting System page.

Other Accessories

For other optional accessories for your dome such as divider nets, walkways, targets and signage, click here to visit our Accessories page.