JOHANNESBURG — In2Structures (part of the Gearhouse South Africa Group) launched two new Dome structures at the GHSA head office in Bezuidenhout Valley. The 36 meter wide SupaDome (SP) and the 18 meter wide AliDome are designed to augment either end of In2Structures’ current range of MaxiDome and Flat Truss Dome portable structures.
The three-day launch event was designed as a walk-through experience and was attended by over 200 invited individuals from the events, sports, leisure and tourism industries.
A SupaDome was built for the launch. It retains the shape of the MaxiDome, but with an increased width and height.
The standard SP Dome width is an elegant 36 meter (external dimension) wide curve, with a variable length that can be added via modular six meter long sections (bays). Each section is constructed from robust 800 x 300 mm trussing and has a weight loading capacity of 3 tonnes.
The demonstration SupaDome was built with six bays plus two Dome ends, giving an impressive internal size of nearly 2000 square meters, measuring 68.70 meters long by 32.70 wide, with headroom of 16.23 meters.
A Mercedes Vito was suspended from two of the SupaDome arches. At 2.4 tonnes this effectively illustrated the weight-loading strength of each arch, which is one of the key features. On the opposite Dome end, a mezzanine level lounge area with a mass of five tons was suspended on six points. It could accommodate up to 60 people, resulting in an additional dynamic load of 6 tonnes.
In2Structures has invested in heavy duty Tri Keder extrusion to suit the wide spans and girder arrangements of the SP Dome, and the introduction of a fork-and-pin system dramatically speeds up build times, allowing a 3200 square meter SP Dome to be constructed in the same timeframe as a 2100 square meter MaxiDome.
The AliDome design evolved in conjunction with the development and manufacture of the SP Dome, in recognition of the need to offer marquee style spaces with vastly improved facilities, as part of a full range.
The AliDome is made from aluminum extrusions and works on the same construction principles as the larger Dome. The current Ali Dome size is 18 meters wide with a height of 8.5 meters to its roof apex. Its build is an estimated 3 to 4 hours (dependent on the base).
An 18 meter diameter AliDome was built inside the SupaDome for the launch, featuring a variety of different skins, including a printed Johannesburg skyline combined with sky projections and transparent “window skins” — giving a good insight into the versatility of the cladding options and branding opportunities.
The dimensions of the AliDome, which seats just over 100 sitting in dinner or for cocktail format, 200 as a mini-cinema and 250 standing is well-suited for a heated or air conditioned VIP area, also with the option of clear membranes for good viewing.
In2Structures’ Linda Wijnberger said, “Everyone attending received individual attention and a guided tour from our teams. Their interests were greatly varied — some were purely technical, others wanted to appreciate how the different architecture and dynamics could facilitate an event or functions, while still others were looking for specific temporary venue solutions”.
A wide cross-section of visitors, from production companies to promoters and event coordinators, stage managers, lighting and scenic designers, circus and casino operators, churches, car and truck companies, local government officials and event organizers, made the time to visit the venues.
As with the other Domes in the In2Structures range, the SP Dome and AliDomes are available for sale or hire, and can also be customized.
For more information, please visit www.gearhouse.co.za.
