Domes are nature's perfect structure and provide unique and functional living spaces. These synergetic structures are perfect for family dwellings, guesthouses, workshops, yoga spaces or art studios. Created from the perfection of Buckminster Fuller's geodesic designs, domes are engineered to withstand heavy snow and hurricane winds.

From an engineering perspective, geodesic domes are far superior to traditional right-angle post-and-beam constructions. Traditional constructions are a far less efficient use of materials, are far heavier, are less stable, and rely on gravity to stand up.

Geodesic domes provide an enclosed space free of structural supports. Domes are very strong, actually getting stronger as they get larger. The basic structure can be erected very quickly from lightweight pieces by a small crew. Domes as large as fifty meters have been constructed in the wilderness from rough materials without a crane. The dome is also aerodynamic, so it withstands considerable wind loads, such as those created by hurricanes. Solar heating is possible by placing an arc of windows across the dome: the more heating needed, the wider the arc should be, to encompass more of the year.

Dome Construction

Wooden domes have a hole drilled in the width of a strut. A stainless steel band locks the strut's hole to a steel pipe. With this method, the struts may be cut to the exact length needed. Triangles of exterior plywood are then nailed to the struts. The dome is wrapped from the bottom to the top with several stapled layers of tar paper, in order to shed water, and finished with shingles.

Temporary greenhouse domes have been constructed by stapling plastic sheeting onto a dome constructed from one-inch square beams. The result is warm, movable by hand in sizes less than 20 feet, and cheap. It should be staked to the ground to prevent it being moved by wind.

Steel-framework domes can be easily constructed of electrical conduit. One flattens the end of a strut and drills bolt holes at the needed length. A single bolt secures a vertex of struts. The nuts are usually set with removable locking compound, or if the dome is portable, have a castle nut with a cotter pin. This is the standard way to construct domes for jungle-gyms.

Concrete and foam plastic domes generally start with a steel framework dome, wrapped with chicken wire and wire screen for reinforcement. The chicken wire and screen is tied to the framework with wire ties. A coat of material is then sprayed or molded onto the frame. Tests should be performed with small squares to achieve the correct consistency of concrete or plastic. Generally, several coats are necessary on the inside and outside. The last step is to saturate concrete or polyester domes with a thin layer of epoxy compound to shed water.

Some concrete domes have been constructed from prefabricated, prestressed, steel-reinforced concrete panels that can be bolted into place. The bolts are within raised receptacles covered with little concrete caps to shed water. The triangles overlap to shed water. The triangles in this method can be molded in forms patterned in sand with wooden patterns, but the concrete triangles are usually so heavy that they must be placed with a crane. This construction is well-suited to domes because there is no place for water to pool on the concrete and leak through. The metal fasteners, joints and internal steel frames remain dry, preventing frost and corrosion damage. The concrete resists sun and weathering. Some form of internal flashing or caulking must be placed over the joints to prevent drafts. (excerpted from www.wikipedia.com)

From Michigan winters to Arizona summers, people are living comfortably in these spacious spaces.

GEODESIC DOMES: HOMES

Energy Structures, Inc. / http://www.intlist.com/esi.htm
Super-insulated dome homes and cabins.

Natural Spaces Domes / http://www.naturalspacesdomes.com/
Super-insulated wood framed domes. This company also offers dome building classes, a plan library, and lists of attendable dome raisings.

Oregon Dome, Inc. / http://www.domes.com/
Very informative website. Sample plans, PDF brochures, books, videos, tons of links.

Pacific Domes, Inc. / http://www.pacificdomes.com/
Portable canvas-covered domes ranging from 12 to 44 ft. in diameter. Winter insulating options available.

Timberline Geodesics / http://www.domehome.com/
Wood construction kits, also sells connector kits if you want to use your own lumber.

GEODESIC DOMES: GREENHOUSES

Growing Spaces, Inc. / http://www.geodesic-greenhouse-kits.com/

Greenhouses for sale, also have a program where you can start your own geodesic greenhouse franchise.

Shelter Systems / http://www.shelter-systems.com/
Large dome tents, portable domes, greenhouses, emergency housing.

BUCKMASTER FULLER: LINKS

Buckminster Fuller Virtual Institute Home Page / http://www.buckminster.info/
This website will give you a pretty good idea of the types of ideas that Buckminster Fuller was working on.

Buckminster Fuller Institute / http://www.bfi.org/
The official Buckminster Fuller website.

Synergistics on The Web / http://www.grunch.net/synergetics/index.html
This website is an excellent resource, with lots of information about Buckminster Fuller's work.

ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION LINKS
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