Architectural Application
Air-Supported Structures

Over the past five decades, air-supported structures have been utilized in a multitude of applications. Early in their design history, they were frequently used in warehousing applications. Today they are primarily used in recreational applications where large clear span areas must be protected from inclement weather conditions at an economical cost.

Such an application was designed, manufactured and installed at the Michigan Athletic Club in East Lansing, Michigan, by Yeadon Fabric Domes Incorporated. Two clear span structures were built to provide unobstructed play on six tennis courts and to cover the club's swimming pool. The larger of the two is 126 feet wide by 332 feet long with a 41-foot high ceiling.

In Buffalo, New York, Birdair Incorporated constructed a 275-foot wide by 370-foot long by 80-foot high structure to provide a protected indoor golf driving range, which includes its own miniature golf putting range.

St. Paul, Minnesota's baseball and softball teams can now play year-round with the installation of a 90-foot high by 360-foot diameter air-supported structure fabricated and installed by Yeadon Fabric Domes Incorporated. Similar clear span structures have been created for a variety of college and pro teams including the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions and Boston College.

Most air-supported structures developed for these types of recreational facilities incorporate an inner thermal/acoustical liner that provides improved insulating properties and energy cost savings. In many cases, these structures are dismantled in the spring to offer normal outdoor playing activities.

Continue to: Applications: Tension-Membrane Structures