Portable Structures to Shield People & Businesses from New Challenges

Our definition of Portable Structures

They are relocatable fabric buildings. They are made of single truss steel frames that prove versatile, and cost-effective because they are easily assembled, and can be moved when needed. These structures include: hoop houses that maximize light transmission for optimal growing conditions; and tensioned fabric buildings that offer large, clear-span spaces for storage, workshops, or commerce. The key advantages include rapid deployment, lower initial investment, and exceptional adaptability to changing needs. When choosing portable structures businesses should consider steel gauge, coating type, fabric UV treatment, and engineering for local snow/wind loads. Because they will determine how well, and how long the hoop buildings will perform against regional climate conditions and intended use.

Hisoty of Portable Structures

For centuries, the ability to dismantle a shelter, transport it and rebuild it elsewhere has been essential to communities whose way of life depend on mobility.

The history of portable structures stretches back thousands of years. As early as the sixth century BCE, yurt-like dwellings were already known across Eurasia. Mongolia's centuries-old tradition of portable yurts is a living example of this heritage. Their wooden frameworks and felt coverings can be dismantled, transported and reassembled as families move with their livestock.

On the other side of the world, Indigenous communities across North America developed shelters suited to their environments and ways of life. In Alaska, 15th-century Indigenous trade fairs brought people together for commerce and cultural gatherings. These events likely involved some form of portable shelter, although the historical evidence does not establish exactly what those structures looked like.

In 19th-century Europe, travelling Romani families still relied on temporary shelters made from bent wooden rods and waterproof coverings. These freestanding tents could be dismantled and rebuilt at the next stopping point. By the 1850s, residential horse-drawn caravans were offering another way to take shelter on the road.

The materials and construction methods have changed considerably since then. Timber and animal hides have given way to engineered steel frameworks, protective coatings and technical fabrics. Modern manufacturing also makes it possible to produce standardized kits with precisely manufactured components and straightforward assembly systems.

Yet the underlying idea has barely changed.

Whether it is a traditional yurt on the Mongolian steppe or a prefabricated storage shelter on a construction site, the purpose remains the same: provide reliable shelter wherever it is needed, with the freedom to move it when circumstances change.

What is the difference between a Portable Structure, and a Fabric Building?

The terms “portable structures” and “fabric buildings” often overlap, and many buyers use them interchangeably. But when it comes to words, we, at DELITE, prefer to be precise. This is why we dedicate this short, yet important, section to laying out the core differences between these 2 kit building types.

Portable Structures key aspects

Portable structures are simply portable buildings which skeleton is made of parts and material sections that are connected together. When limited to the construction industry definition, a structure does not include roof and walls covering. It focuses on the framework. When referring to a more general definition, a structure is oftentimes assimilated to a "building", thus including covering.

Fabric Buildings key aspects

Fabric buildings key aspects are somehow more difficult to list. Apart from insisting on "fabric" covering, the term building is very general. In practice, fabric buildings are made of steel structures, both single truss, and double truss. They are almost always covered with tensioned fabric, that does not let the light in, or is at least not transparent.

The Key Differences at a Glance

The easiest way to distinguish these two terms is to look at what each one actually describes.

These are general industry distinctions. DELITE may use narrower categories to organize its own product portfolio.

How Does DELITE Distinguish Its Product Ranges?

For practical purposes, DELITE groups its portable building kits according to their intended use, structural configuration and covering materials.

Our greenhouse kits prioritize light transmission and growing conditions. Portable carports and canvas storage sheds focus on protecting vehicles, equipment and other assets from the weather.

Larger fabric building projects may require different structural systems, including double-truss frames, to accommodate the required clear span and site conditions.

The important point is that these are product and engineering choices, not universal definitions.

A fabric building can be portable. A portable structure can be fabric-covered. The right building depends on what you need it to do, where you intend to use it and whether you may need to move it later.