Tennis
The trend for geodesic domes for sports is spreading in Italy too: let's see what types there are! But what are geodesic domes?
Geodesic domes are circular structures with a dome-shaped roof made of PVC or polycarbonate . Currently, there is a geodesic structure—and it's our flagship product—that can easily be compared to a real sports arena . But we'll see that shortly.
Let's look together at how a geodesic dome can be used for sports and what possible solutions are available.
Is a geodesic dome suitable for sports facilities?
The use of dome structures is not at all uncommon in the world of sport.
Consider, for example, the pressostatic balloon , a decidedly lower-quality structure whose disadvantages we've outlined in our article " Pressure-based balloon? A tent structure is better ." Although we at AmarantoIdea don't recommend it—and that's why we don't stock it—its semi-dome shape perfectly echoes that of geodesic domes.
Another example of circular structures used for sports are the numerous theaters, stadiums and sports halls among which we also find world-famous arenas.
So we can say that the geodesic dome, although still rarely used, is certainly suitable for sports facilities. Let's look at the different types.
The PVC geodesic dome with steel structure
As we explained in our article on the structure of geodesic domes, the frame of AmarantoIdea domes is made of steel and aluminum. These are indeed domes of exceptional quality and solidity.
The dome structure is composed of two main elements: the beams and the nodes —connection points. In this case, both are made of steel. This aspect should not be underestimated, especially in the case of domes intended for sports use and therefore subject to internal impacts on the structure. In this case, we strongly advise against any structures made of resin, plastic, or wood. With a metal structure, you can extend the life of your investment without ongoing maintenance costs!
The PVC covering can be made in white , white and crystal (transparent), or completely transparent . A transparent crystal structure is a surefire idea, especially if the sports center is located in a natural setting!
OvalGeo
Ovalgeo is AmarantoIdea's geodesic solution for sports. It's not a classic circular dome, but a much more complex structure comparable in strength, durability, and performance to a real sports arena . Ovalgeo is a rectangular-based dome structure with a steel frame and a PVC roof that can be customized in various colors and with company logos. Ovalgeo stands out above all for its safety performance.
Why do we claim it's comparable to a sports hall ? Because it has an extremely solid structure with a tolerance for snow and wind loads similar to that of a masonry structure.
It is also customizable in terms of access with the possibility of installing a real hall with a branded glass door.
Ovalgeo is undoubtedly the highest-performance geodesic dome for sports on the market, and we can confidently say that it could be used as a sports hall in sports centers that are particularly demanding in terms of performance and investment durability.
We have to admit, it's also the most expensive solution . But the cost is well offset by the performance!
Which dome should you choose for your center?
As we like to say at AmarantoIdea, it depends on your needs . For a yoga center , we would definitely recommend a simple crystal-type geodesic dome. The ability to see the outside, especially if immersed in nature, could be an invaluable plus for your business. Likewise, if you're practicing floor exercises or various types of partner sports (dance, fencing, for example), one or more domes could be a good choice.
Conversely, for large, multipurpose sports centers , an Ovalgeo -type structure might be more suitable . In this case, we could create a large covered area that can be divided into several sports areas.
The size of the investment you want to make must also be taken into consideration , since, as we have anticipated, the costs of the two structures are very different.