The perfect event needs the best possible setting, usually built with tensile structures. But are you aware that there are different types of tent designs available, each with their pros and cons? Pagodas, poleadions, clearspans, classic stretch tents, and even opera tents are all viable options that can elevate your event to new heights. Do you want to find out more about them? Then read on!
What are the 5 tent designs that you should know and use during your events? Let’s briefly overview the most important ones.
Pagoda tents are small, square tents with characteristic high-peaked roofs, resembling Chinese architecture. They are elegant and distinct hence, they are often chosen for more formal events. However, you might also see them at conferences, sporting events, or even festivals.
One of the best features of pagoda tents is that they look marvellous in photographs. If you surround them with marketing materials, like posters or banners, you can easily increase your event or brand awareness through photos made by the attendees and posted on their social media accounts.
Finally, pagoda tents are versatile. You can choose from both standalone options and tents that will be attached to other marquees or events joined together to form a bigger structure. Therefore, they are almost always a good choice.
What are poleadions? This tent design is simply a clearspan (more on them later on) with a twist. Poleadions are large tents that do not need any internal support, hence maximising the space inside them. Similarly to Pagodas, they are characterised by high-peaked roofs which add to their overall aesthetics.
The biggest advantage of poleadions is that they can be fully sealed, providing excellent weather protection during the colder seasons. As such, they are a great choice for autumn or winter.
What is the downside of poleadions? They are large – they might be too big if you need smaller, separate tents.
Clearspans are one of the most popular event tensile structures in the whole industry. They are wide (at Pavilion, you can choose from 3m to 25m in width) and can be extremely long – depending on your needs. But what makes them one of the best tent designs is their versatility.
Clearspans can use different materials as their support: from simple PVC walls to fully glass ones. What is more, you also have a range of options regarding the ceiling – it can either be see-through or non-transparent. Finally, while their width is fixed, you can modify their length as you wish, making them perfect for any type of space.
Like poleadions, the biggest downside of clearspans is that they are large – they might not be the perfect option for smaller events or dividing space.
Stretch tents are the most basic yet effective marquee solution. Their aesthetics might not appeal to everyone, but their utility will.
What is the main advantage of this event tent design? They are modular – you can combine as many of them as you wish to meet the needs of the largest events. You can also decide to stretch them out on higher poles, providing access from all sides, or limit the number of entrances.
What about the downsides? As mentioned before, they might not appeal to everybody’s taste. Moreover, if you want to opt for stretch tents, you need to select a quality provider – if you purchase or rent low-quality tents, they will likely be made from unbreathable material, which will hugely impact the comfort of your guests or attendees.
Finally, you can rent opera tents – a solution tailored to the needs of music event organisers. Why are they a good option?
Opera tents are designed to have acoustics similar to that of real amphitheatres. As such, they do not only provide protection from the sun or rain to the musicians but also help you create the perfect environment for music events anywhere you want. Thanks to them, you no longer need to pay higher fees for renting music venues – you can build a temporary one wherever and whenever you want.
Naturally, the biggest downside of this tent design is that it isn’t viable for any events other than music festivals and concerts. Yet, for these two categories, it is simply the best.
Tent design matters—the type of tensile structures you choose will define your guests’ comfort and the level of immersion in the event that they will achieve. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, choose between pagodas, poleadions, clearspans, stretch tents and opera tents based on your needs. After all, you now have the knowledge to make a conscious choice.
You might also read: From Weddings to Corporate Gatherings: Choosing the Perfect Marquee for Your Event
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