Aviation Storage

AGP16.0m wide x 25.0m long x 3.0m side height

What is a hangar structure?

A hangar is an enclosed structure designed to hold aircraft. The word comes from the Middle French hanghart, meaning ‘enclosure near a house’. They are particularly wide-spanning structures which feature an equally wide opening on one side, allowing one or more aircraft to easily move in and out.

Hangars can be built of wood, metal, concrete and/or fabric. They are tasked with protecting their contents from sun, weather and potential intruders, while also offering a space to comfortably manufacture, maintain, repair and store an aircraft.

Ever since the Wright brothers stored their flying machine in a purpose-built wooden barn, specially constructed structures have been tasked with keeping aircraft covered. Whether you’re the proud owner of an autogyro, a helicopter, a light aircraft or a private jet, you can trust SmartShelters to construct a hangar that will comfortably fit your machine, keep it safe and protected, and look good doing it.

How are hangars built?

The design and construction of hangars has changed a lot over the years. The first hangar, built by the Wright brothers in 1902, was nothing more than a wooden barn with a particularly wide opening. The use of concrete and metal became more and more common in the decades that followed, and remain the most popular materials in hangar construction.

But in recent times a new combination or materials has shown itself to be perfectly suited to the construction of aircraft hangars. A steel frame covered in strong, lightweight fabric provides all the protection of a traditional concrete and metal structure, but in a package that can be made permanent or temporary, is quick to construct and deconstruct, can be easily transported, and can be made surprisingly large.

Block Mounted hangar shelter

Aircraft hangar design and construction

At SmartShelters we can design and construct a container- or pole-mounted fabric aircraft hangar that offers your aircraft security and protection. With the ability to construct spans of up to 35m and lengths of any measure, our shelters are able store almost all types of private aircraft, from small autogyros to the Gulfstream G700, the world’s largest private jet.

SmartShelters aircraft hangars feature a supergal steel frame and super strength membrane structure fabric. They are built to last, offering high wind and snow ratings and a 12 year warranty, while also being simple to install and easy to move should you need to.

Because each SmartShelters hangar is designed and constructed to your specifications, you can choose the exact size that you’ll need, as well as selecting from a wealth of features, including end walls, doors, side eaves, guttering, and internal stalls.

WHY SMARTSHELTERS ARE THE SMART CHOICE

100+ YEARS OF EXPERTISE

As New Zealand’s first shelter manufacturer, we bring over a century of experience. Our in-depth industry knowledge ensures you receive personalised support and the perfect shelter tailored to your needs.

PROUDLY NEW ZEALAND MADE

Built in Auckland to withstand New Zealand’s extreme weather conditions, our canopy shelters deliver trusted performance with local support and a fast turnaround. We’re here for the long term—offering quick repairs, expert service, and quality that can’t be beaten.

INDUSTRY-LEADING 12-YEAR WARRANTY

Our 12-year warranty is the longest in the market and covers both the container cover and frame against manufacturing defects. We use only premium materials to ensure durability and reliability under New Zealand conditions, giving you peace of mind that our container shade structures deliver long-term value.

ENGINEERED TO AUS/NZ 1170:2:2021

SmartShelters meet the latest engineering and industry standards, ensuring compliance with building codes and health and safety requirements. Designed for your exact location, whether in the far north or the deep south, our roofs for shipping container buildings provide quality shelter that you can depend on.

DURASTEEL - HIGH STRENGTH STEEL FRAMEWORK

We don’t cut corners on strength. Our main canopy hoop arches are built with premium C450-grade structural galvanised steel—square or rectangular profile—with a wall thickness of no less than 4mm. It’s engineered for maximum durability, with quality assurance that outperforms imported alternatives.

SMARTSHIELD® – THE WORLD’S BEST STRUCTURAL FABRIC

Exclusively available through SmartShelters, our SMARTSHIELD® structural fabric is the strongest and most robust shelter fabric on the New Zealand market. It’s 100% PVC-free and built for long-term performance in New Zealand’s toughest conditions. Don’t be misled by thickness alone—this premium-grade ripstop membrane is engineered for real strength, not just weight.

SMART RANGE – FLEXIBLE SIZES & CUSTOMISATION

SmartShelters offers the widest range of container shelters and canopies in New Zealand — with spans from 6m to 45m wide, any length, and multiple height options. As the only NZ manufacturer offering this level of quality and customisation for container domes, we make it easy to tailor your shelter to your exact requirements. Choose from an unmatched range of add-ons and upgrades to create a structure that grows with your needs.
Why SS Commercial LR crop

Make the Smart Choice by Choosing SmartShelters

Protect what matters with New Zealand-made shelters built on 100 years of trusted expertise. Contact us today!

Ag Q2A2309 adjusted LR