A step-by-step look at how one glamping site expanded and enhanced their dome setup.
Blog 2: Building the Bubble: How Healing Grounds Installed, Upgraded, and Evolved Their Dome Experience.
Bringing a dome structure to life on the Canadian prairie is no small feat. For Healing Grounds, their geodesic dome, affectionately called the Bubble, became both a meaningful triumph and a hands-on challenge.
In this second chapter of their story, we take you behind the scenes: from installation logistics and navigating unpredictable prairie weather to what it’s like coordinating volunteers, applying for funding, and planning for year-round comfort. Whether you’re dreaming of a retreat space or considering your own glamping setup, this post offers valuable insight into what it truly takes.
Picture 1. Bubble at Healing Grounds in Redcliff, Alberta, Canada, glowing under the prairie sunset. A tranquil backdrop for equine-assisted therapy, mindfulness, and healing. Photo by Tharu (@tharuu._).
Logistical Insights: What New Dome Owners Should Know
Setting up the dome came with its fair share of learning moments. Co-founders Melisha and Deena shared their real-world experience to help others preparing for their own dome journey:
- Timing matters: Calm weather is essential for safety. “A slight breeze would shift the weight and direction the skin would go, so we employed the help of many volunteers to help direct and guide the skin on as the crane lowered it down,” Deena shared. “This probably took about 2.5 hours to have the skin completely on the structure.
- Fitting the skin is a process: “Once fitted, we still needed to shift the tight-fitting skin to line up with the door and anchors on the floor. It took many days after of pressure to pull the skin completely into place, adjusting every day as the skin began to take its shape around the structure.”
- Frame assembly is an all-day event: “The pipe structure itself took a whole day with 3–5 people helping out at various steps. A scaffolding unit was used to reach the higher levels of the structure and the final top.” (Glamping Dome Store Note: This dome structure measures 32 ft (10 m) in diameter with a center height of 19.3 ft (5.9 m), a spacious design that requires time, coordination, and elevation equipment for safe installation).
- Equipment is essential: The team used a crane, scaffolding, and a man lift to complete installation safely. (Glamping Dome Store Note: The dome cover weighs approximately 337 pounds (153 kg), making lifting equipment crucial for both safety and efficiency).
- Volunteers made a difference: A strong community of helpers made the setup not only possible but also joyful.
Picture 2. Lowering the dome skin with a crane at Healing Grounds in Redcliff, Alberta. Calm prairie weather, a dedicated team, and the right equipment, like this man lift, were essential to safely guide and secure the dome cover into place.
Year-Round Comfort: Looking Ahead
The dome is currently seasonal (used when temperatures are above 14°F / –10°C), but plans are underway to install heating and air conditioning to expand its use throughout the year. These upgrades will allow for even more programs and deeper comfort during Alberta’s colder months.
“We’re also planning therapy intensives, new retreats, and future collaborations with businesses in and outside our region.”
Picture 3. Behind the Scenes: Dome Cover Installation: from crane lifts to careful positioning, this moment captures the teamwork and precision behind Healing Grounds’ new dome cover.
Grant Support: Funding the Vision
To support their expansion, Healing Grounds successfully applied for a $200,000 Innovation Grant from Travel Alberta. The application process included multiple site visits and strong support from the local tourism office.
Their story is a powerful example for other wellness-focused businesses: when a clear vision meets strategic action, big things can happen.
Lessons from Buying Domes Overseas
Healing Grounds owns several dome tents, including a few they purchased directly from China. That experience came with challenges.
“It was a difficult process to navigate. Increased shipping and customs fees, finding a broker, and the extra time spent managing the logistics made it very challenging. We didn’t receive any post-sale support.”
“Having a local supplier to source everything would have been much easier.”
We’re proud that Glamping Dome Store could step in and provide support, clear communication, and a more streamlined experience when Healing Grounds needed to replace their original dome cover. The updated design, created in collaboration with our team, offered a more durable, visually grounded, and climate-appropriate solution for their evolving needs.
Picture 4. New dome installations at Healing Grounds, purchased from a separate overseas supplier. While visually striking, these units posed logistical challenges that shaped the team’s appreciation for local support during future upgrades.
The Result? A Space That Moves People
Healing Grounds’ persistence and vision have resulted in a space that continues to inspire visitors again and again.
What Guests Are Saying
“We had a date night in the bubble yesterday, and it was amazing! The staff was very nice and welcoming when we got there, and the dome itself was decorated beautifully. The food was great, and getting to enjoy some quality time together with a wonderful sunset was the best! We'll be back for sure!”
This heartfelt review captures everything the team hoped the Bubble would become: a space of connection, reflection, and shared beauty.
Picture 5. A cozy date night setup inside the Bubble at Healing Grounds. Warm lighting, soft textures, and thoughtful details create an intimate atmosphere where guests can unwind, reconnect, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Photo by Tharu (@tharuu._).
Want to Build a Wellness Retreat Like This One?
From outdoor yoga to grief retreats and sunset meditations, the Bubble at Healing Grounds shows what’s possible when purpose meets planning.
Whether you're dreaming of hosting events, creating a glamping retreat, or offering nature-based wellness services, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Explore customizable geodesic dome kits at www.glampingdomestore.com or contact us today to start planning your project.
Missed Blog 1? Read how Healing Grounds came to life and how their original dome became a sacred part of their healing journey. Blog 1: Healing Grounds – Where Nature, Connection, and Healing Come Together.
