Inflatable Buildings: Where Can Inflatable Buildings Be Found?

As society, technology, and architecture have evolved, structures are also becoming widely innovative. Now you don't need to build several structures that we have been building for decades if not centuries such as garages. This advancement has stretched traditional construction techniques beyond boundaries, igniting fresh ideas in building design.

Novel construction systems and innovative approaches are reshaping our environment. Inflatable buildings are among these innovative construction approaches that are helping people in general, businesses, and other fields of life. Lots of events are organized in inflatable structures these days.

Inflatable architecture relies on the malleable and flexible material that contains air and creates pneumatic structures. Joy Inflatable makes sure users get the quality inflatable structures that they need. In this article, we will explore Inflatable buildings from different aspects from their advantages to used materials, and more.

What is an Inflatable Building?

An inflatable building is a structure made from two layers of membrane. These are typically made using the same material. A cavity is formed between the layers, which is pressurized with air that produces a rigid structural element. This process allows large span structures to be achieved. Some people also mix it with air-supported buildings. They are both different structures with a key difference in the use of airlocks. In the air-supported buildings, buildings require airlocks at all the access points to prevent air from being lost when doors are opened because the entire building needs to be pressurized. Inflatable buildings are widely used to serve sports such as their common use for tennis and indoor golf.

Types Of Inflatable Buildings Fabric

Inflatable buildings are built using different types of inflatable fabrics. Materials play a crucial role in a structure’s performance, and these building blocks material or fabric is the very beginning. They don't carry much of the frame, so the fabric is the crucial material that must carry the load of the overall structure. Inflatable fabrics are typically coated or laminated with synthetic materials to strengthen the structure and build environmental resistance. For this purpose, several types of material are used. Common materials used in the construction process include:

● Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated vinyl

● Nylon

● Oxford woven cloth

Among these materials, PVC coated materials can persist against severe environmental conditions, so they are expensive too. Next thing you may have on your mind is which material type is the best. Well, it depends on several factors. One of the major considerations is whether or not the inflatable building will experience a strong impact. This could be slides or bounce surfaces. Materials used in modern air supported structures are usually translucent and don't often require a lighting system inside the structure during the daytime.

Components of Inflatable Buildings 

Inflatable buildings or most inflatable structures often have these components:

● The main material which is strength tested and has inherent rip-stop properties of nylon.

● Heavy material for harder wearing areas like those areas that contact with the ground, usually PVC.

● Internal ribs or straps that help to make the shape. It is usually made up of similar nylon or polyester.

● Thread for stitching or sewing. This has to be heavy-duty since it has to cope with the pressure from inflation.

● Zips for those areas that need to access the inside of the structure. Additionally for areas like doors.

● Velcro to act as a fastening mechanism and provides additional strength to areas such as doors.

Manufacturing Process of an Inflatable Building

Manufacturing process mainly includes the following steps:

● Design structure

● Testing and modeling in a computer simulator to check the structural integrity and calculations.

● Engineer seam allowances

● Plot out, cut panels and component parts of the structure.

● Sew panels together with any extra detail

● Testing with the inflation equipment.

Installation of the Inflatable Buildings

The installation process of the inflatable building is easy and may require less than an hour without requiring any prior experience. Pros will require less time.

● Find space where you want to install. Space should be long, wide, and high enough to place the tent on the ground.

● Clean up the site leaving no sharp objects and high-voltage wires to ensure safety.

● It may be better for you to put a cushion under it like carpets and plastic color cloth to ensure the protection of the inflatable building from the sun.

● Spread out and flatten the structure on the ground.

● The connection between the air inlet of the inflatable tent and the outlet of the blower should be tight.

● When the blower is switched on, it will take 10-30 minutes to inflate the building. Timing can vary depending on the size of the structure.

● If there is a strong wind, then make sure to fill the sandbag and tie it to D-rings on the bottom of the tent or tie the Stakes to D-rings on the bottom and insert the stakes in the soil to ensure the stability of the inflatable building.

Inflatable Buildings Promote Sensory-friendly Spaces 

Sensory-friendly spaces have been a growing topic in several industries because of massive internal changes in the office to provide comfortable consumer experiences. The events industry has been no exception to this growing discussion. Event professionals are widely tending to diverse ways to make their events sensory-friendly. There are many ways to create a sensory-friendly event, but it starts with choosing the right type of space that can simplify the process. Below we have detailed four ways inflatable structures can create sensory-friendly spaces at your next event.

❖ Sound Reduction

We have all experienced the noise that comes with events that vary from the chattering of delegates waiting for their next session to the constant buzz of attendees. For some, this constant noise can be deeply uncomfortable and serve to lessen their focus on enjoying the event. This creates more intellectual barriers when trying to communicate with your target audience. 

However, this environment can have a significant positive turn of events if inflatable structures are employed for the service. Inflatable building structures are specifically designed to reduce noise. An inflatable structure design reduces exterior noise. Most recent research shows that they can reduce sounds in the range of the human voice by 12 dB.

❖ Location Flexibility

Location is a powerful tool to promote sensory-friendly space. People with sensory sensitivities feel stuck when too close to the main event that exposes them to noise, lights and heat. Events can feel isolating if too far away or when there is no space at all. 

Sometimes working with the venue layout makes things difficult for organizers to choose and other times they have no viable solution. However, inflatable buildings can serve as a compromise because of their versatile nature. They are extremely easy to set up, and come in various shapes and sizes. This allows organizers to choose a location in proportion to your event and its schedule.

❖ Control Of Lighting

Lighting events can create lots of discomfort between venue overheads and the glow of tech and other sources for several attendees. Using inflatable buildings gives freedom to control the space by limiting the amount of light coming through. They do not just help to improve physical comfort for your attendees and staff, but also allow you to choose those light sources that suit the needs of your space. We suggest you choose LED uplights because they come in a range of color options that further set the mood with a range of benefits for attendees.

❖ Temperature Regulation

It's safe to say that we all have been to at least one event that was too hot for comfort, regardless of an outdoor event in the peak of summer or a few hours into a packed conference hall. According to research, higher temperatures reduce cognitive performance, so temperature has a huge impact on the retention of your attendees.

With the selection of inflatable buildings, things can become a lot different, on the positive end. The design of Inflatable structures facilitates to regulate temperature through insulated walls and regular airflow exchange that keeps the temperature comfortable throughout the day. Furthermore, these structures also fit perfectly with air conditioning to improve their experience further.

When done right, sensory-friendly spaces are an effective way to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Choosing Inflatable buildings puts you at a huge advantage of a versatile and effective solution to help in several ways such as sound reduction, temperature control, lighting flexibility, and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes any space sensory-friendly?

These spaces are primarily designed to reduce stimuli to help those who struggle with sensory sensitivities or processing difficulties. It varies drastically between venues, attendees and event types. However, major changes include:

● Regulating temperatures

● Dimming lighting

● Reducing noise

● Spaces away from crowds

However, these spaces don’t just benefit neurodiverse individuals but they also help improve mood, reduce anxiety levels and improve focus whether you struggle with sensory sensitivities or not.

2. What are the top inflatable buildings in the world?

There are several inflatable buildings that are simply designed to blow you away. Some of those buildings include:

● Skum, Denmark, by BIG

● Horticultural Spa and Apothecary Experience, UK, by Loop.pH

● Shinse  on Play, South Korea, by Moon Ji Bang

● Ark Nova, Japan, by Arata Isozaki and Anish Kapoor

● Peace Pavilion, UK, by Atelier Zündel Cristea

● Pont de Singe bridge, UK, by Olivier Grossetête

Final Thoughts

Inflatable Buildings are superbly designed innovative structures that are becoming widely popular for their easy setup and lots of other benefits including cheaper than permanent structures. There are several examples worldwide where these structures are helping businesses, family gatherings, and purposes. Some of the famous examples include Pont de Singe bridge, UK, by Olivier Grossetête, Horticultural Spa and Apothecary Experience, UK, by Loop.pH, and Shinse  on Play, South Korea, by Moon Ji Bang. Joy Inflatable makes sure to manufacture the best inflatable buildings that truly redefine diversity of their applications. Visit our website to explore a huge variety of their manufactured inflatable structures.