Located in the mountain community of Windermere, British Columbia, Winderdome Resort offers immersive dome stays designed to keep guests close to nature, without sacrificing year-round comfort. Owners Debra and David Kotowski had already built a strong foundation with three existing 9m domes. Over time, however, one component consistently held the experience back: the original plastic panorama windows.
Note: Phoenix Domes did not sell Winderdome Resort their domes. Our role in this project was providing a glass upgrade service, specifically, the installation of our Hybrid Glass Panorama Window system to retrofit existing domes and dramatically improve performance. Their original domes are not geodesic, and no design records were available, which presented quite a challenge. To do this, we had to reverse engineer the dome geometry from measurements and 3D model the new windows. Any installation challenges mentioned below were due to the fact that the domes were not originally Phoenix Domes - but together we made it work!
The Challenge: Comfort, Condensation & Durability
As their domes aged, recurring issues began affecting both operations and guest comfort:
Condensation buildup that created ongoing moisture concerns
Interior temperature swings that made heating and cooling more demanding
UV-damaged plastic windows that reduced clarity and longevity
For a hospitality business, these issues don’t just impact maintenance—they affect reviews, repeat bookings, and the overall premium feel guests expect from a dome stay.
Why Upgrade Instead of Replace?
Replacing three entire domes wasn’t necessary. Debra and David wanted a solution that would:
Protect the value of their existing dome structures
Improve the guest experience immediately
Reduce the ongoing headache of plastic window limitations
After researching options, they identified Phoenix Domes’ Hybrid Glass Panorama Window—a glass panorama system engineered specifically for dome geometry and real-world glamping demands.
Just as importantly, they valued the clarity and support Phoenix Domes could provide throughout a retrofit—because upgrades succeed or fail based on details: fit, sealing, flashing, and installation technique.
The Upgrade: Hybrid Glass Panorama Windows for Existing Domes
Phoenix Domes supplied and supported the retrofit with our Hybrid Glass Panorama Window system, designed to deliver:
Cleaner, sharper views through glass
Stronger resistance to UV wear than typical plastic windows
Improved sealing potential to help manage moisture and condensation
A premium visual upgrade that matches modern glamping expectations
This is the kind of targeted improvement that can extend the usable lifespan of domes and modernize the guest experience—without rebuilding from scratch.
The Installation Journey: Lessons Learned
Like many real-world renovations, the process came with unexpected challenges. During installation, a failed seal during an overnight rainstorm resulted in flooding across all three domes. The team had to regroup, add custom flashing and RV tape to create a positive overlap all around the windows and ensure a proper, long-term solution.
While the experience was demanding, it ultimately reinforced the importance of careful planning and precise installation practices—valuable insights the owners now share with other dome operators considering similar upgrades.
The Transformation: Light, Comfort & Peace of Mind
Once installed, the impact of the Hybrid Glass Panorama Windows was immediate:
Dramatically improved views and overall aesthetics
Significant reduction in condensation—by approximately 90%
Greater interior comfort and temperature stability
Reduced stress around heating, cooling, and ongoing maintenance
Guests who experienced both versions of the domes have been especially enthusiastic about the transformation, noting the enhanced visual appeal and overall comfort.
Business & Lifestyle Benefits
Beyond visual upgrades, the owners report increased confidence in daily operations and potential energy savings from improved performance. For Debra and David personally, the most meaningful change has been peace of mind—no longer worrying about temperature control or moisture issues inside the domes.
Advice to Other Dome Owners
Reflecting on their journey, the owners share a clear takeaway for others considering upgrades: investing in glass panorama windows early can prevent years of challenges related to plastic windows and environmental wear. For operators working with domes from other manufacturers, targeted upgrades can be a practical way to extend lifespan and elevate guest experience without starting from scratch.
Website: https://winderdome.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winderdome
