Temporary Buildings vs Mounted Shelters: What’s the Right Fit for Your Business?

On one end of the spectrum are mounted shelters or “instant” structures that promise fast installation at a lower cost. On the other, fully engineered temporary and semi-permanent buildings like those provided by Spaciotempo offer a more robust and future-proof solution.

While both approaches serve a purpose, it’s essential to understand the differences—especially if your operation depends on safety, durability, scalability, and long-term value.

Mounted shelters—often fixed to shipping containers or anchored with concrete blocks—are typically lightweight and non-load bearing. They may suffice for basic, low-risk applications but are not designed to withstand the UK’s varied weather conditions long-term.

Container canopies in particular present structural challenges. Shipping containers aren’t engineered to bear lateral loads from large shelter frameworks, and without deep ground anchoring, the entire structure may be vulnerable to movement, uplift, or collapse in adverse weather. Over time, this can create safety risks and increased maintenance costs.

Freestanding PVC shelters are another common alternative, marketed as “instant” or “portable” structures. While visually similar to more robust buildings, these options often lack the load-bearing capacity, weather resilience, and regulatory compliance necessary for commercial or industrial use—especially when used long term.

Spaciotempo buildings, in contrast, are engineered using precision-manufactured aluminium frames and durable tensioned PVC or insulated composite panels. Our structures are fully compliant with UK Building Regulations, including snow and wind loadings, to give you absolute confidence in their safety and reliability.

Many mounted or racking-based shelter systems are restricted to a maximum width of just 20 metres. For businesses needing clear, unobstructed internal spans for bulk storage, logistics operations, or machinery movement, this can be a major limitation—forcing them to compromise on layout or efficiency.

Spaciotempo’s buildings can be manufactured up to 40 metres in clear-span width—double that of most quick-cover systems. And if you need even more expansive space, our buildings can be gutter-linked side by side with internal support columns, creating continuous covered widths of up to 80 metres.

That means whether you’re storing large items, housing racking systems, or operating multiple lines under one roof, you’ll have the flexibility and capacity to scale without compromise.

Mounted shelters are typically open-sided and lack the specification required for more demanding environments. Without insulation, secure access, or lighting, they may fall short when conditions get cold, security becomes a concern, or operations scale up.

Spaciotempo buildings are designed to be fully enclosed, with the option to include insulated walls, secure roller shutter doors, pedestrian access, heating, lighting, and more. Whether your building is used for warehousing, production, retail, education, or sport, we tailor it to fit your operational needs—not the other way around.

Mounted shelters are generally suitable for basic storage, vehicle cover, or minimal weather protection. They often lack secure sides, insulation, or the environmental controls necessary for more complex applications.

Spaciotempo buildings are fully enclosed, except our robust industrial canopies, and can be fitted with insulated walls, secure roller shutters, pedestrian doors, heating, lighting, and more. That makes them ideal not just for storage, but for manufacturing, logistics, sports facilities, retail showrooms, and education.

Mounted shelter providers often advertise that their products fall outside planning requirements due to their temporary nature. However, this can be a grey area—especially if the structure is in place for several months or years.

Spaciotempo takes planning seriously. We support customers with detailed structural drawings, snow and wind load calculations, and planning guidance to ensure peace of mind and full compliance. We’ll help you make informed decisions and avoid issues further down the line.

Mounted canopies are often advertised as self-install kits or “rapid-deploy” shelters, with minimal professional input. While this can be appealing on paper, it may leave you exposed to safety risks, structural instability, or installation delays.

Spaciotempo’s turnkey service includes everything—from free site surveys to professional project management, installation by experienced teams, and ongoing aftercare support. We’re a trusted UK provider with ISO certifications and a 50-year track record delivering temporary and semi-permanent buildings across every sector.

Mounted shelters may appear cheaper up front—but over time, businesses often find they outgrow these basic solutions or face additional costs to upgrade, replace, or maintain them.

Spaciotempo buildings are designed with long-term flexibility in mind. Our modular structures can remain in place for 30+ years, be relocated as your needs change, or be expanded to accommodate business growth. With finance, hire, and outright purchase options, we provide a smart, scalable solution that grows with your business.

If all you need is a basic roof, there are plenty of short-term options available. But if your operation requires strength, scalability, compliance, and a partner you can rely on—Spaciotempo’s engineered temporary buildings offer more than cover. They offer certainty.