Shelters are an excellent solution whenever you need a shelter that is lightweight, strong, and can be set up quickly in various terrains and weather conditions. They can be used effectively as emergency shelters, temporary accommodation (during construction projects, for example), field kitchens and dining areas, or for providing secure storage for sensitive equipment. Multiple units can even be linked together to create field hospitals, social event spaces, or collective shelters.
Given the diverse applications, the customization options for shelters must be equally varied. Indeed, everything can be customized, from the shelter skin to the zips and seams. This guide provides an overview of the main customization options for rapid deployment systems to help you configure the right shelter for your needs.
1. Frame type
The frame is crucial as it directly affects the weight, size, and strength of the shelter. The main options are:
- Metal poles: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to assemble.
- Inflatable air poles: Allow quick assembly but require the use of an air pump.
At LANCO, we manufacture both aluminum and inflatable frame shelters. Choosing an inflatable shelter is ideal when you prioritize quick and easy deployment. Depending on the size of the shelter, inflatable shelters can be set up in 2-7 minutes using an electric inflator. Exoskeleton shelters usually take a bit longer to set up, up to 10 minutes, but this is more than compensated for by their increased resistance to extreme weather conditions (high winds, heavy snow loads, extreme rain, etc.).
2. Fabric selection
The right fabric has a direct impact on the performance of your shelter. Choosing a tear-resistant material, UV-resistant, and ideally flame-retardant is essential, especially if you plan to use your shelter in extreme weather conditions. Depending on your needs, you can choose between:
- PU (Polyurethane) coated fabrics: widely used in shelters, they provide the right balance between waterproofness, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coated fabrics: highly durable, waterproof, and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions
- CP (Cotton-Polyester) fabrics: a blend of cotton and polyester, CP skin combines the natural breathability of cotton with the durability and strength of polyester.
3. Color and additional features
The color of the shelter's skin is an important factor to consider. Shelters can be made in any color you want, but bear in mind the climate conditions and color will affect internal temperature and external visibility. Light colors reflect sunlight, keeping the inside cooler. Dark colors attract more of the sun’s rays, warming the inside. Camouflage is also available. You can also add a flysheet to cover the top of the shelter for extra protection from sun, rain, wind, and snow. The flysheet can either extend to cover the whole shelter or leave the mesh panels exposed.
4. Insulation and ventilation
You can add inner liners inside your shelter for better insulation. These are optional accessories made from lightweight, breathable materials that provide additional protection from the elements. Inner liners reduce the flow of heat between the inside and outside, making it easier to achieve comfortable temperatures and save energy.
Proper ventilation is a must to prevent condensation and maintain air quality. You can opt for:
- Mesh panels: Allow air to circulate while keeping insects out.
- Vents: Strategically placed to improve circulation.
In some specific cases, you may want to ensure that the shelter is airtight, either to prevent outside contaminated air from entering, thus creating a toxic-free area inside the shelter (for example, in chemical disaster response) or to prevent internal air from escaping (this may be the case in field hospitals or hazardous materials storage areas). For these applications, we have developed airtight shelters and decontamination systems that have proven themselves in many life-threatening situations in the field. While LANCO does not manufacture this equipment, we are able to source the most appropriate solutions, delivering the turn-key shelter to the customer.
5. Shelter's floor
When it comes to the shelter floor, durability and waterproofing are key. The most common options are:
- PU-coated nylon: Lightweight and waterproof.
- Polypropylene: All-weather, high load capacity, and versatility.
For projects that require rigid flooring, Polypropylene tiles are our primary choice. These easy-to-install, solid tiles offer unparalleled durability, secure footing, and quick assembly. Through a click-and-connect system, the floor is ready in a matter of minutes. This solution ensures heavy equipment (up to 130 t/sqm) and wear and it is designed to be used even in extreme weather conditions.
If you plan to use your shelter in wet areas, consider a fully integrated structure where the shelter skin and groundsheet form a single unit. Our RAPID high-pressure inflatable shelters and RDT exoskeleton shelters are such products. This provides unparalleled waterproofing. Additionally, pay attention to your shelter’s zips and seams, as quality zips and sealed seams will prevent leaks.
6. Ensuring stability
Ensuring the stability of the shelter is crucial. The goal is to make sure your shelter can withstand the elements and retain its structural integrity. Guy ropes stabilize the shelter, and peg points secure it to the ground. Depending on your needs, you can choose reflective guy ropes to improve visibility at night or multiple stakepoints to spread the tension evenly.
7. Interior panels and walls
Interior panels and walls allow you to compartmentalize your shelter and make the most of the space inside. You can use them to create separate spaces within the shelter, such as private areas for changing, sleeping, or organizing equipment. Interior panels and walls are typically made from lightweight fabrics such as nylon, polyester, or mesh. Here are some types of inner walls that can be fitted to a shelter:
- Inner shelter walls: The breathable fabric that forms the inner layer of double-wall shelters.
- Mesh walls: Used in warm weather shelters, mesh walls increase ventilation and reduce condensation.
- Partition walls: Removable or roll-up walls that allow for customization based on weather conditions or personal preference.
8. Modular design and connection options
The modular design and multiple connection options of modern shelters are some of the most convenient features of these structures, as they allow you to easily expand the footprint and available space. Here are some of the most common features that can be added to connect multiple units:
- Entrance modules: Streamline entry and exit to ensure rapid movement of people, supplies, and equipment. These modules create a buffer zone that prevents rain, wind, and debris from entering the shelter. Entrance modules can also incorporate security features such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and intercoms.
- Side entrances: Provide additional access points where required (this may be the case when connecting multiple units), beyond the main entrance.
- Solid doors: Solid, non-transparent doors that provide increased security, privacy, and insulation. Unlike soft doors, they increase condensation within the shelter.
In addition, shelters can be fitted with a variety of devices such as lighting, air conditioning, heating, and solar panels. The adaptability of shelters is unrivaled.
9. Conclusions
These are some of the most common ways in which you can customize your shelter. As you can see, there are plenty of options in which you can enhance your shelter, making it uniquely adapted to your needs. Use this guide to select the best shelter configuration for your rapid deployment.
With so many options, getting the right configuration can feel like a challenge. At LANCO, we produce both standard configuration shelters and custom-made ones. Either way, our team of engineers guides you throughout the whole process, making sure that the final product responds to all your requirements. If you have a project in mind, contact us.
