By Michael Goines of Domespaces®
Geodesic domes or monolithic domes or geometric domes structures (kits) generally means a spherical structure made from interconnected lines. Buckminster Fuller is the one who is most known for the popularization of the geodesic dome. He would say the advantages of a dome is that they are lightweight, resistant to weather, can be built in any size, and are easy to construct.
Domes have many applications as they can be used as dome homes, a geodesic greenhouse, or even a glamping dome. A dome home can range anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 based on size and amenities, while the average house cost is around $420,400 according to The Motley Fool. In this post, we’ll be covering 6 of the most asked questions about Geodesic Domes to understand more about their utility and why they may be a great alternative to a traditional home.
Table of Contents
What Are the Disadvantages of Geodesic Domes?
Geodesic Domes are a great option for anyone wanting to have a new home, a greenhouse, or use it as a glamping dome. As with anything, there are some disadvantages you could see when looking for a geodome. First, geodesic domes can be hard to construct. Many domes are very complex to build and require some specialized materials and labor to construct.
Secondly, maintenance is a big issue due to the difficulty to clean one. The unique shape of a dome can prove difficult to clean. Not only cleaning but the maintenance costs can be costly depending on the size of the dome home and what facilities you may have in yours.
Lastly, leaks are a big issue for a lot of geodesic dome houses. Since there are so many seams in the design, it causes an increased chance of a leak. Also, the materials that most domes come with are durable, but may not be the best to have an airtight or watertight seal. Over time they may degrade and lead to leaks. Of course, I mentioned “most” geodesic domes. We at Domespaces® are not “most.”
We take pride in knowing we offer high quality domes that don’t have the issues I mentioned above. Our domes are specifically designed for easy assembly, with no technical skill required and little maintenance to be done. Our PVC dome covering is made to be cleaned with very minimal effort. While leaks are a big issue for a dome house, we use high quality materials that are made to minimize leaks.
What Is the Average Cost of a Geodesic Dome?
According to Shelter Structures, they estimate the average cost of a geodesic dome to be anywhere from $30,000 to $200,000. The cost of a dome house is a broad range.
They also mention the price per square foot can range from $130 to $200. There are also a lot of factors that can impact the cost of a geodesic dome including location, materials, supplier, and the design.
We offer a wide range of prices for a geodesic dome, but our goal is to give you the best quality dome for the lowest cost possible. Our cheapest domes are around the $5,000 range with around 136 square feet for that specific model. Some of our most costly domes are around $160,000 or more. For the domes that are higher in price you will expect to have the most space, best quality materials, many amenities, and even modular bathrooms or kitchens. We have so many customization options such as our windows, solar fans, skylights, bathrooms, kitchens, woodburning stove, and so many other features. You can build your dream space that is less than your average house.
The dome on the cheaper side I mentioned is apart of the DS PC series domes we offer. The cheapest model being $4,600 for 136 sq ft. That could be a very good option for anyone looking for an affordable tiny living space, or to use it as a glamping dome. This dome is built with a galvanized steel frame and is treated with anti-rust protection. The cover is a PVC material with tempered glass windows. This makes it waterproof, wind resistant, snow resistant, and quake resistant. It really is a good budget option for anyone trying to get into the world of geodesic domes.
What Is the Purpose of The Geodesic Dome?
The purpose of a Geodesic Dome is up for you to decide. In its most basic form, it is a structure that can be used for living in, storage, planting, or a wide range of other uses. Its versatile nature makes it a great option for any kind of person, whether you want to go glamping or climb Moun Everest, geodesic domes can be built in any environment and configuration. Domes are regarded as environmentally resistant so being able to build them anywhere and move it with ease is such a great feature these domes offer. One of the biggest reasons we love geodesic domes so much is because of all the benefits they provide.
They are cost effective, sustainable/eco-friendly, energy efficient, can be built and used almost anywhere, and many other reasons. Glamping is a growing trend now and people are looking for a geodesic dome to meet their needs that a traditional tent or hotel wouldn’t be able to. Since domes offer a place to live anywhere, as we mentioned, you can have it in any setup you want. If you want to build a dome deep in the woods or even on a residential plot of land, you can do that with ease.
Not only are they cost effective and very versatile, but they are also highly resistant to natural disasters. Because of the shape and materials typically used, they can minimize damage from events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and even earthquakes. Triangles are considered the strongest shape, and the average dome is built using triangles because of its ability to distribute stress and provide structural stability.
Generally, the purpose of a dome is to be an efficient and resilient architectural design. Domes provide so many benefits and uses that a traditional home or tent could never attempt to. It gives you the luxury of a home with the added benefits of being able to move it anywhere and easily build it again wherever you want.
What Is the Lifespan of a Geodesic Dome?
For a geodesic dome lifespan, it really depends on the materials it’s made of, how often it’s been serviced, and the weather conditions. Generally, you can expect a dome to last around 10-15 years before having to replace something. A frame made of galvanized steel could last up to 30 years, but you may have replaced a cover or window in around 8-10.
Domes can be made with a mixture of materials including galvanized steel, wood, PVC pipes, glass, fiberglass, polycarbonate, and many other materials. To maximize the potential lifespan for your dome, it’s best to choose one with high quality materials that are built to last for decades.
Servicing your geodesic dome is also a very important aspect. It’s recommended to have a thorough inspection and cleaning every 6 months to a year. This is to check for dirt buildup and any leaks that may have formed. Just like with a car, routine maintenance will help it last for years. It’s best to start with checking your frame for any cracks or corrosion, then moving to the covering to look for holes or UV damage. When cleaning a geodesic dome, it’s best to use what the manufacturer recommends but generally you can use a non-abrasive cleaner with a microfiber towel to avoid scratching. For the cover you can use a hose to take off dirt or debris then scrub with a brush if needed.
Lastly, your weather conditions will impact the lifespan of certain geodomes. However, a lot of domes are built to last in harsh conditions such as extreme wind or cold so if you are maintaining the dome, it should be able to last a while. Geodesic domes can be built in any weather condition, so it depends on the type of dome you choose for your needs.
Can You Live in a Geodesic Dome Year-Round?
Yes, you can! As mentioned before, domes are energy efficient and able to withstand extreme weather conditions. You can also customize your dome home to meet your specific size needs and any facilities you may want.
Geodesic domes are becoming popular for people looking for alternative living. There are many geodesic dome houses or geodesic dome kits that we offer to meet any of your needs. With the ability to put in a kitchen, toilet, and even a shower, you can make a dome home your permanent residence. They’re built to be weather resistant and to hold in heat, even during the winter months. So, living in one year-round is not out of the question. With so many people looking to live off-grid or to be more eco-friendly, a dome home is a great option. Domes can even be used as a glamping getaway for months at a time if you decide to have a long trip.
There’s also the ability to make a geodesic dome greenhouse. The spherical shape allows the sun to be distributed evenly making sure every plant gets their sunlight. The temperature control and efficient insulation provides an ideal space for any plant to grow in. It can be used in both the summer and the winter. Our CDS series of domes are made with clear PVC and are ideal for anyone looking to grow plants in a geodesic dome greenhouse. Starting at just $3,200 for 77 sq ft, this geodesic dome greenhouse kit is easy to assemble and will provide you with all the features when looking for a greenhouse.
Are Geodesic Domes Worth It?
It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. If you want to have an eco-friendlier living environment, reduced housing cost, energy efficiency, and a highly customizable space, then a geodesic dome is worth it.
As mentioned previously, dome houses are incredibly energy efficient, they can use up to 50% less energy than a traditional house. This means reduced heating and cooling costs, and less strain on the environment. A lot of dome homes are constructed with eco-friendly materials that can be recycled, so building one anywhere isn’t much of an issue. They are built using way less resources than a traditional house so that reduces their environmental impact.
Domes offer an open, spacious interior due to the lack of columns or walls that let you have an open floor plan. You can be more flexible with how you arrange your living space, and the curved shape of the dome promotes an expansive feel. They’re also aesthetically appealing, geodesic domes have a unique and almost futuristic type of look. A lot of people love the look as it strays away from the traditional norm of conventional structures.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget friendly alternative to a traditional house, dome homes are generally a good alternative. Even the most expensive dome houses are still a fraction of the cost of an average house. There’s also the added benefit of unlimited customization, the ability to be built anywhere, and the money saved by not having to rent or go into a 30-year mortgage. You can visit our website and contact us today to learn more about our prices and our financing options, we offer a no payment for 90 days deal for qualified customers.
Come Find Your Dream Geodesic Dome
Hopefully we were able to answer most of the most asked questions about Geodesic Domes you and others may have had. There are many things to consider when purchasing a dome such as price, location, and materials. But we believe Geodesic Domes are the future of greenhouse, residential, and entertainment spaces. There are so many uses for a geodome, and the benefits generally outweigh the costs.
If you have a question or want us to be more in depth on what was covered, please feel free to contact us. Our experts would be glad to answer any of your questions to help you with your decision. I encourage you to look around and find the Geodesic Dome that fits your needs. We offer dozens of different models with multiple sizes and customization options. You can find your dream dome at domespaces.com.
