Geodesic Domes for Events

Sustainable structures made from bamboo

About this project

Tired by standard marquees, Atlas Domes was created to offer an alternative that provides a unique setting to events.

  • Client

Project key features

Moso & Guadua Bamboo Poles
Strong & sturdy natural material to create the geodesic dome.
Geodesic Polyhedron Design
Stress is distributed evenly throughout the structure.
Expert Engineering
Atlas Domes created a joining system to secure the poles & struts.
The structure of a geodesic dome made out of bamboo poles at dusk by Atlas Domes An interior of a geodesic dome made out of bamboo poles with bunting decoration by Atlas Domes The interior of a giant bamboo geodesic dome made by Atlas Domes, set out for a wedding An interior shot of the geodesic dome made by Atlas Domes using strong natural bamboo poles A table set out for a party inside a geodesic dome made out of moso bamboo poles The exterior of a bamboo geodesic dome at night by Atlas Domes People walking up the road toward a bamboo geodesic dome in the distance by Atlas Domes A comfy seating area inside a geodesic dome made out of bamboo poles by Atlas Domes

The Challenge

With marquees becoming commonplace at events, particularly in the summer, Atlas Domes noted a gap in the market for offering a unique alternative that would bring the wow-factor to any event.

Given that the Atlas team already possessed structural knowledge thanks to their studies at university, the challenge was not in the construction of the geodesic domes but in sourcing materials that were lightweight, attractive and strong. Metal or plastic poles were not an option. Following an extended period of research into bamboo’s sustainability and strength, Atlas Domes approached UK Bamboo Supplies to explore the art of the possible.

The Solution

With a range of bamboo pole diameters available, samples were sent to allow the Atlas Domes team to test out their ideas, along with the specification guide. The Moso (60/70mm & 70/80mm) and Guadua (60/80mm) bamboo poles were selected and shipped with next day service to Atlas’ HQ in Scotland.

Over the next few months several hundred poles were supplied, as Atlas Domes built up their inventory of materials to create various dome sizes.

Today, Atlas Domes provides an alternative marquee solution to private parties, events, and corporate functions. The domes range from 10m, ideal for 70 people seated / 150 standing, to a ‘double-dome’ – which seats 230 guests / 450 standing (this figure alone gives a sense of scale!). The business has also expanded to offer an all-in-one events service, supplying sound, lighting, furniture and décor hire, as well as selling geodesic bamboo domes to the public.

Find out more about Atlas Domes