Dome Basics
What is a Dome?
A dome is a hemispherical housing structure. In modern times, it is typically used to host events, as a greenhouse or storage structure, and for dome camping.
What is a Geodesic Dome?
If you’re wondering, what is the geodesic dome, it is a hemispherical structure comprised of a network of interconnected triangles. It provides strong, lightweight support. The even weight distribution ensures it can handle heavy loads.
Who Invented the Geodesic Dome?
People wondering who invented the geodesic dome may credit Dr. Walter Bauersfied who installed projector lights in a stationary dome for planetarium purposes. However, when thinking of who created geodesic domes, it was Richard Buckminster Fuller who further developed the mathematics. He created the Buckminster Fuller home that doubled as an affordable housing structure.
Dome Features & Options
What is Frequency?
Geodesic dome homes for sale consist of triangles. Frequency is the number of triangles the base figure is divided into. It is commonly abbreviated as ‘v’ so a 2-frequency dome is a v2 geodesic dome, a 3-frequency dome is 3v, and so on. High-frequency domes are more curved than their low-frequency counterparts.
What Frame Type Do I Need?
The required frame type varies depending on your snow and wind loads. Check with your County Building Department to find out about snow load and wind requirements in your area. Our engineers will provide a tubing diameter.
What are Dome Frames Made Of?
Our dome framing is made of extremely durable galvanized steel. It can be further reinforced to suit your needs.
What Type of Cover Do I Need?
If you live in a desert-like climate, we recommend SunLite with Thermoshield which reflects light and heat to keep the dome cool. We also recommend adding SunShield which protects against UV rays. If you live in a damp client, SunLite and SunShield are good choices because they are easy to clean and mold and mildew-resistant.
How Does the Frame Attach to the Flooring?
Each dome comes with heavy-duty anchors that attach the frame to the flooring.
Can I Apply the Thermoshield to Sunlight or Sunshield Materials?
Yes, the Thermoshield will adhere to our Sunlite and Sunshield fabrics offering an additional layer of weather protection.
How are the Joints Constructed?
Joints are constructed by flattening each end of the strut and punching a hole through the flattened area. The struts meet at the joint and are fastened together with a bolt, nut, and washer.
Do You Offer Insulation Options?
Yes, you can purchase our liner with Thinsulate for the roof or the entire dome. We also offer Thermoshield which is painted on the inside of the dome.
Can I Purchase a Replacement Cover for My Domes?
Yes, we provide reskins for custom and standard domes.
Can I Use One of Your Covers on a Hand-Made Domes?
We will need to know your dome measurements. Depending on the size, we may have a dome cover that will fit.
How is the Dome Ventilated?
You can place screens on the door, roof, windows, and some areas of your sidewalls to ventilate your home. If screens aren’t possible due to heavy rainfall, consider adding a solar fan.
Does the Full Dome Kit Include Flooring?
Yes, we have various geodesic dome plans available for flooring.
Can I Install a Wood Stove in My Dome?
If you are using wood flooring plans, consider creating a rock or sand hearth to install your stove on top of. Then follow the manufacturer’s directions and building codes to complete your installation.
How Should I Heat My Dome?
A wood stove is the most popular dome heating solution. However, radiant, solar, electric, and gas systems can also be integrated.
How Can I Cool My Dome?
You can use screens to ventilate your dome and promote airflow. Domes can also be cooled with a solar fan that helps exhaust hot air. Traditional air conditioning is another option.
Can I Install a Locking Door?
Yes, we provide various dome accessories including locking doors.
Can You Run Electricity and Utilities Inside My Dome?
Yes, if you have access to utilities, you can run electricity and plumbing through your home. Piping and electric lines can run through the floors. You can install outlets and fixtures throughout the dome.
What are Geodesic Dome Greenhouses?
So, what is a geodesic dome house? Geodesic domes are often used for greenhouse purposes as the spherical shape offers even distribution of the sun. It eliminates shading issues that are common in flat-roofed greenhouses. If you are wondering what are the disadvantages of a geodesic dome green house, construction complexity, and leakage concerns are common issues.
Dome Home Care
What are Some Good Dome Maintenance Tips?
Clean your dome cover every 180 days using a power sprayer or scrub brush and a gentle soap solution. Clean both sides, then rinse with water. Brush out window pockets that are likely to collect dirt and debris. Never use harsh brushes, heavy solvents, or steam cleaners that can damage the dome.
How Do I Prevent Mildew?
You can prevent mildew by keeping your dome dry and well-ventilated. You should also store it in a dry area. If mildew occurs, you can clean it with a bleach solution. Wear gloves and keep the area ventilated when using bleach. When the mildew turns pale, it indicates that it is no longer active. You may spray it off with water.
Shipping and Pricing
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Dome Once It’s Ordered?
Our representatives will tell you what our lead time is. However, most of our domes are ready to ship reducing manufacturing delays.
What If I Need My Dome Quickly?
We have rush shipping options.
What is the Weight and Shipping Size of Your Domes?
Our domes range in shipping size and weight. Each product offers these metrics in the dome specifications. If you order additional components, it will increase the weight and shipping size.
What are Dome Home Kit Prices?
Check our website to learn about geodesic dome house costs and our affordable pricing.
Dome Building and Installation
How to Build a Geodesic Dome?
How to build a geodesic dome is a complicated process that involves choosing a style, picking a shape that offers structural integrity, adding struts to support the structure, cutting and installing interlocking hubs, covering the structure with canvas, and erecting the finished product. People wondering how to make a geodesic dome can also use a geometric kit to simplify the process.
What Zoning Constraints Should I Be Concerned About?
Zoning constraints vary depending on the location. We can provide documents showing our domes meet seismic, snow load, and wind load county requirements to gain approval from rural building departments. If you are erecting small dome homes in a backyard, you shouldn’t have an issue. A large dome in an urban area will require Building Department approval.
Can I Put the Dome Together Myself?
You may be able to construct smaller domes using our geodesic home kit with the help of some friends. Larger dome construction will require a professional.
Do You Provide Installation Services?
Yes, if you are erecting a larger dome, we can send out a professional to provide installation services.
Is It Possible to Create Separate Rooms in My Dome?
Yes, you can create lofts in larger domes when building a geodesic dome. You may also consider erecting traditional walls which should be free-standing and self-supporting. Many dome dwellers use temporary partitions to divide spaces.