When a project needs covered space, building something permanent is not always the best answer.
A relocatable hoop building can provide storage, maintenance, and weather protection at a project site. Then when the job is done, it can move with you to the next location.
Below, we’ll look at what relocatable fabric buildings are, key features, and how they can help reduce costs across multiple projects.
What Is a Relocatable Hoop Building?
A hoop building is generally a fabric-covered structure supported by a curved metal or steel frame. Relocatable models are designed to be assembled, disassembled, and moved when project needs change.
Fabric shelters can be used for equipment storage, maintenance areas, material protection, and covered work space. Plus their modular design makes it easy to adapt the structure to different projects and site requirements.
The exact installation method depends on the structure and site. Some shelters can be supported by shipping containers or other existing structures, while others can be installed on foundations or other prepared surfaces.
Key Features
A relocatable hoop building is designed around three main ideas: durability, mobility, and flexibility. Depending on the manufacturer and application, common features may include:
- A structural steel frame designed for outdoor conditions
- A durable fabric cover, such as PE or HDPE fabric, that helps protect against sun, rain, wind, and other weather
- Modular construction that allows the building to be assembled and adapted as project needs change
- A relocatable design that allows the structure to move from one project to another
- Multiple configuration options for storage, maintenance, and covered work areas
Not all hoop buildings are built the same. Entry-level structures may cost less upfront, but heavy-duty fabric shelters built for industrial use are engineered for longer service life, harsher conditions, and repeated relocation. That’s where the cost savings add up over time.
Allshelter’s container-mounted fabric shelters are one example. Built with engineered steel frames and durable Straatex® HDPE fabric covers, they mount directly to shipping containers, allowing the structure to be installed, relocated, and reused across multiple project sites.
Benefits of Relocatable Hoop Buildings
Here are five ways that these structures can reduce costs across multiple projects.
1. Move It From One Project to the Next
A major advantage is that the shelter doesn’t have to stay at one jobsite.
For example, a construction contractor may need equipment storage during a road project. When that project ends, the building can be relocated to another site, avoiding the need to purchase a brand new storage structure.
The same principle applies to industrial and other operations that work across multiple locations. One shelter can serve different projects over time rather than sitting unused when a project ends.
2. Reduce Construction and Installation Costs
Traditional buildings can require major groundwork, materials, specialized contractors, and heavy construction equipment. But a relocatable container shelter uses prefabricated components and can generally be assembled more quickly.
That can reduce the amount of labor and construction work required to create covered space. When a structure is needed for a project with a tight timeline, avoiding a full permanent building makes financial sense. The cost savings can become even more important when the same building is used on multiple projects.
3. Keep Maintenance Costs Manageable
Every building requires maintenance, but the type and amount of maintenance can vary greatly.
Traditional permanent structures may require ongoing work such as painting, roofing repairs, and structural upkeep. On the other hand, a fabric hoop building uses durable materials designed for outdoor conditions, which can help keep routine maintenance more manageable.
Weather-resistant materials are especially useful for hoop shelters that spend years moving between outdoor jobsites. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are still important, but a simpler structure can mean less maintenance overall during its service life.
4. Use the Same Building for Different Jobs
Your storage needs aren’t always the same from one project to the next. A relocatable shelter can be used for different purposes depending on what’s happening at the site.
For example, the mining industry may use one for heavy equipment maintenance at one location and material storage at another. An industrial operation might use the same structure as a temporary workshop. For military operations, a relocatable shelter can provide covered space for vehicles, equipment, or maintenance activities where operational needs can change.
That ability to repurpose one structure across different applications can add value well beyond its first project.
5. Protect Equipment and Materials From the Elements
Leaving pricey equipment and materials exposed to sun, rain, dust, and other outdoor conditions can lead to unnecessary wear and damage. A container shelter provides covered space that helps protect those assets, reducing replacement and maintenance costs over time.
For example, AllShelter’s fabric shelters use durable high-density polyethylene fabric. This high-performance material is designed to provide protection from UV exposure and harsh weather.
For companies moving equipment and materials between projects, having reliable covered storage can help extend the life of expensive project assets – and save money by reducing the costs associated with weather-related damage.
A Solution for Multiple Projects
A hoop building isn’t limited to one jobsite or one purpose.
Because it’s designed for relocation, the same structure can provide equipment storage, maintenance space, material protection, or covered workspace across multiple projects. That reduces the need to build or purchase new structures every time your operation moves or expands.
If you’re looking for a fabric shelter that can move with your project, AllShelter can help find your solution. Contact us today or call 1-888-481-3889 to speak with our team.