Christchurch Events Dome

BUILD

Christchurch City Council commissioned and purchased this 30m inflatable dome as a versatile event space, providing the city with a large-scale structure that could be adapted for a range of events and applications. Its first major use was as an event venue for the Ellerslie Flower Show, before later being transformed into a temporary ice-skating arena.

Fabric Structures was engaged to design and manufacture the inflatable dome, which can accommodate up to 525 people within its large, column-free interior. Constructed using Serge Ferrari 502 PVC, the air-supported structure operates much like a large marquee, with the internal air pressure providing the structural support without the need for conventional framing or internal columns.

One of the key features of the design was the ability to use two interchangeable roof skins. The standard white 502 PVC skin provides a clean, conventional event environment, while a translucent membrane offers a completely different atmosphere. The translucent skin allows light and projection to pass through the membrane, creating opportunities for striking illuminated displays and giving the dome a strong visual presence when used at night.

The entrance was formed using two shipping containers, creating a substantial access point into the dome, while a third container housed the fans and associated equipment required to maintain the internal air pressure. Revolving door airlocks allowed visitors to move in and out of the structure while maintaining the required pressure inside.

The result was a reusable, large-scale event venue that could be adapted to suit different applications through changes to its internal fit-out and membrane skin. From the Ellerslie Flower Show through to its later use as an enclosed ice-skating arena, the dome demonstrated the flexibility of air-supported structures and their ability to create distinctive environments for major public events.