Domes  ( Garden Igloos) 2021

As part of Covid recovery planning, we considered ways how to operate our community hub in as safe a manner as possible. The answer was to purchase 2 HypeDomes, basically, polycarbonate Igloos, to provide Al Fresco dining, accompanied by some picnic benches which clientele could also use if they wished. The Domes have a picnic table fitted inside them with some picnic tables also placed around the garden area. This arrangement allows the cafe to operate without too many people congregating inside and has enough seating outside for people to choose to sit singly or in groups. The reduction in the number of people inside the community hub cafe provides a safer environment and adequate social distancing for all. Funding for this project came from HIE.

The 2 Domes arrived in March and were constructed over 4 days and a big hand to Fiona, Trish, Charles and Norman who spent time & effort in constructing the Domes.

Each panel was numbered and had to be bolted together in a particular order according to a colour code. Lots of patience and lots of tea was required to do this.

They served our purpose extremely well and looked the part fitting in nicely beside the community hub. They created interest and resulted in an increase in clientele.

The Domes were supplied by HypeDome and come in kit form with over 100 solid polycarbonate panels and need to be bolted together in a fish scale design which means that the rain doesn’t penetrate at all. It looks like glass but is 200x stronger and creates an extremely durable shell that can withstand all kinds of unfavourable weather conditions, torrential rains, snowfall, violent winds, long term sun exposure and will not be degraded by the sea spray.

It’s a truly unique space that shelters from the elements and enables you to enjoy the outdoors all year round.

There is however a footnote to this story, during Storm Corrie on 31st January 2022 the Domes foundation fixings broke and they were blown over and damaged, however some of the polycarbonate panels did stay in one piece....... extremely disappointing but we do still have the picnic benches for our Al Fresco dining.....here are some weather-beaten folk salvaging whats left