What’s the difference between the Ekodome® Original Series and the Ekodome® PRO?
A simple breakdown of how the two dome series differ in purpose, performance, and materials.
Ekodome offers two different frame systems designed for different types of projects. Both are engineered aluminum structures, both use the same geometric precision, and both have their own advantages depending on your goals.
Below is a clear breakdown of how they differ and how they fit into our four product categories.
1. The Ekodome® Original Series
(Used in: Original Hard-Shell Domes and Greenhouse Domes)
The Original Series frame is a lightweight, highly modular aluminum structure designed for easy transport, smooth assembly, and flexible use. It accepts 8 mm hard panels only, which is why it pairs with our HPL compact laminate and polycarbonate panel systems.
What it’s engineered for
• Glamping, studios, workspaces, wellness rooms
• Greenhouses, agriculture, nurseries
• Backyard builds, pop-up setups, modular installations
• Projects that require easy dismantling and seasonal use
• Customers who want a true DIY experience
Performance characteristics
• Light, easy to lift, ideal for small teams
• Quick assembly and dismantling
• Panels can be removed, replaced, or upgraded easily
• Affordable entry point without compromising structural strength
• Holds up beautifully across a range of climates (wind, rain, snow) when built on a proper foundation
Thermal behavior
The Original Series is not a high-performance insulated envelope.
You can heat or cool it, and people use them in winter and summer, but it will not retain energy the way a PRO Dome does. Think of it as a durable, secure, solid-panel structure rather than an architectural shell.
2. The Ekodome® PRO Series
(Used in: PRO Domes and Glass Houses & Skylights)
The PRO Series frame is a heavy-duty architectural-grade system built for year-round living, commercial hospitality, and fully conditioned environments.
Advanced frame features
• Larger, heavier aluminum profiles
• Integrated polyamide thermal-break bridging
• Significantly reduced condensation
• Stronger overall loading capacity
• Designed to pair with thicker insulated systems
The PRO frame is the backbone that supports our SIP insulated panels and double-pane glass. Together, they create a true building envelope.
What it’s engineered for
• Permanent domed homes
• Hospitality units (hotels, resorts)
• Commercial spaces
• Offices, studios, meeting rooms
• Transparent architectural conservatories (full-glass builds)
Thermal performance
The combination of insulated SIP walls, sealed glass, and thermal-break framing achieves a stable interior climate with a fraction of the energy loss seen in typical metal structures.
For example:
• When it’s ~90°F / 32°C outside, interiors can hold ~70°F / 21°C with proper AC.
• When it’s around 0°C / 32°F, interiors stay around ~20°C / 68°F with proper heating.
Each glass panel weighs roughly 35 kg, and a dome contains dozens of them. This alone tells you the level of structural seriousness.
Quick Comparison
Original Series
Lightweight. Modular. Easy. Ideal for DIY, seasonal, greenhouse, glamping, creative spaces, and projects needing flexibility.
PRO Series
Architectural-grade. Insulated. High-performance. Ideal for residential, hospitality, and conditioned commercial spaces.
Which one should you choose?
If your project demands comfort, long-term climate control, and building-grade insulation, go with the PRO.
If your priority is simplicity, mobility, or lightweight handling, the Original Series is perfect.
Both are strong. Both are durable. The difference is simply the intended use case and level of building performance you need.