Geodesic Dome Design and Construction
Steel, Glass and Concrete Geodesic Domes
Custom Geodesic dome homes
We’re a team of architects, builders and artists that are passionate about creating the best domes in the world!
We design and build custom geodesic domes that bring together beauty, strength, and sustainability. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy dome home, a sleek glass structure, or a durable steel and concrete design, we’re here to make it happen!
Why Geodesic Domes?
Geodesic domes are more than just eye-catching; they're incredibly strong, energy-efficient, and perfect for those who love unique living spaces. With their distinctive design, they offer natural light, open spaces, and great insulation, making them a fantastic choice for eco-conscious living.
Advantages of dome homes
Strength and Durability: Geodesic domes are incredibly strong and can withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow, high winds, and earthquakes. Energy Efficiency: The unique shape promotes natural airflow and even heat distribution, reducing energy costs for heating and cooling. Open and Spacious Feel: The dome's design allows for high ceilings and open floor plans, creating a bright and airy living space.
Pollux glass dome
Completed dome
With a diameter of 5 meters and a height of 3 meters above ground and a total height of 5.5 meters due to its below ground interior. All features are custom made, done to customer specifications, starting from the round door that provides excelent ventilation during summer, the stone walls that act as thermal mass during winter and the round grass steps that provide a very comfortable and green entrance.
Partially glazed hexagonal panel geodesic dome
We can combine and merge domes in many different ways
Geodesic domes - The Sustainable House of the Future
The patented technology that we use enables us to offer the highest quality dome homes, from both the structural and aesthetic point of view. The materials we use are the most modern steel and aluminum alloys, toughened laminated security glass that can be single, double or triple glazed, with various options for transparency or mirror finish, low-E and different types of coatings and we can even use Smart Glass technology. Our unique green roof earth sheltered geodesic dome homes can be insulated to the highest passive house standards and we can merge and combine different types and sizes of domes in order to create truly unique and futuristic looking dome homes. The geodesic dome homes that we build require a foundation and are non-movable structures that can't be assembled from a kit. Our company handles every aspect of the construction process and the end result is far superior to any other dome house on the market.
Aside from their natural beauty, dome homes also have many structural advantages. Geodesic dome homes have been built around the world in varied climates and have proven to be the strongest and most efficient human shelter ever conceived. Geodesic domes are the strongest, lightest and most efficient means of enclosing space known to man, they are extremely strong for their weight due to their omnitriangulated surface that provides an inherently stable structure, with a natural resistance to external factors like earthquakes up to 8.5 on the Richter scale , winds up to 320 km/h due to the aerodynamic shape and loads up to 20 tones per point of structure.
Geodesic Dome Tunnels
Geodesic dome homes
Earth sheltered, green roof geodesic domes that can be insulated to passive house standards.
Our goal is to create structures whose function is as important as their form, buildings that are beautiful and functional at the same time. Earth sheltered, glass geodesic domes represent the ultimate sustainable passive eco homes of the future and the timeless design and alluring aesthetics of geodesic domes offer unsurpassed versatility, they can be designed as ultra modern passive eco-homes, recreational spaces, indoor pools, glamping and luxury resorts, greenhouses, stellar observatories - the possibilities are endless.
Ceti Dome Project
Partially glazed domes are ideal for a residence, as the structurally insulated panels can be used instead of glass panels.
Top 10 facts about domes
1.Dome homes are the strongest human shelter ever conceived. The spherical and symetrical shape allows domes to evenly and efficiently distribute the weight and stress along the entire structure.
2.Dome homes are the world's highest earthquake resistant structures. And they dont require any interior load bearing walls.Shake Table Test Shows the Dome Shape is Virtually Earthquake-Proof
3.Dome homes are aerodynamic. They can withstand hurricane winds in excess of 320 km/h.
4.Dome homes are the most efficient structures known to man, covering the most living area with the least amount of surface area.
5.Because of the high volume-to-surface-area ratio dome homes have at least 30% less surface area than other shaped buildings. That means it takes at least 30% less energy to heat or cool them.
6.The spherical design of a dome house results in highly efficient and effective air circulation. The ambient airflow inside the dome house is continuous, with no stagnant corners, requiring less energy to circulate air and maintain even temperatures.
7.Dome homes mirror the suns path thus maximizing solar gain all day, all year.
8.Some of the largest buildings in the world are domes; London’s millennium dome and the Eden domes were record breakers when they were built. The Miyazaki Ocean Dome in Japan is known as the world's largest indoor water park (300m-100m-38m).
9.Dome homes use less materials than conventional buildings and still outperform them in structural tests.
10.The larger the dome house, the more efficient it becomes. This is demonstrated by doubling the diameter, which encloses eight times the volume.
FAQs
Yes, our domes require a concrete foundation, so that makes them permanent structures. However in special circumstances we can use pilon foundation and the steel frame can be disassembled in order to qualify for a non-permanent structure.
Prices start from 2000 euros per square meter. For a more exact price offer, please book a 30min video call with one of our team members.
Unfortunately we can not, our domes can not be sold as DIY kits. The on-site build is complex and requires our team and specialized equipment.
Yes, we can build domes anywhere in the world, however the size of the project will determine if it's feasible for us.
Between 6 and 12 months for a medium 10meter diameter dome house. But it depends on the project details.
Our architectural design services start from 10.000 euros and can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
We are located in Carei, Romania.
No, all our domes are permanent structures, but you can buy dome tents here: https://gaxtent.com/
Geodesic Dome Houses: Triangular vs. Hexagonal Panel Domes – Pros and Cons
Geodesic dome houses are gaining popularity for their unique aesthetic, energy efficiency, and structural strength. A crucial part of these domes is the panel shape, which can be triangular or hexagonal. These shapes influence the dome’s design, strength, and overall performance. This article will explore the pros and cons of triangular panel domes vs. hexagonal panel domes, helping you understand which option might be best for your geodesic dome house project.
What Is a Geodesic Dome?
A geodesic dome is a spherical structure composed of a network of interconnecting polygons, typically triangles or hexagons. These domes are known for their strength, energy efficiency, and ability to cover large areas without internal supports. Buckminster Fuller popularized geodesic domes for their structural integrity and sustainability, making them ideal for housing, greenhouses, and other applications.
Now, let’s break down the key differences between triangular panel domes and hexagonal panel domes in terms of design, strength, efficiency, and cost.
Pros and Cons of Triangular Panel Domes
Pros of Triangular Panel Domes
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Superior Structural Strength
Triangles are inherently strong shapes due to their ability to evenly distribute forces across all sides. This makes triangular panel domes extremely robust and stable, allowing them to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snow. -
Easier to Construct
Triangular panels are simpler to manufacture and assemble compared to hexagonal panels. This is because each triangle connects seamlessly with others, making the construction process more straightforward. -
Versatility in Design
Triangular domes offer a more customizable design, as the interconnected triangles allow for flexibility in the dome’s shape and size. This adaptability makes triangular geodesic domes ideal for a range of applications, from homes to greenhouses.
Cons of Triangular Panel Domes
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More Joints and Connections
Triangular domes have more joints where panels meet, which increases the complexity of sealing and insulating the dome. More connections also mean more potential points for leaks if not properly maintained. -
Limited Visual Appeal
While functional, some may find the triangular panel design less visually appealing compared to hexagonal domes, which tend to have a smoother, more natural look.
Pros and Cons of Hexagonal Panel Domes
Pros of Hexagonal Panel Domes
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Smoother, More Aesthetic Appearance
Hexagonal panel domes have a smoother, more organic appearance than their triangular counterparts. This aesthetic quality makes hexagonal domes visually striking and ideal for projects where design is a primary consideration. -
Better Interior Layout
Hexagonal panels can create more spacious, open interiors in geodesic dome houses. This allows for greater flexibility in interior design and furniture placement, making the living space more functional and comfortable. -
Fewer Joints and Connections
Hexagonal domes have fewer panel connections than triangular ones, which means fewer potential points for leaks and better insulation overall. This makes hexagonal panel domes more energy-efficient and easier to maintain. -
Strong Structural Integrity
While not as inherently strong as triangles, hexagons still offer good structural integrity. Their larger surface area means that fewer panels are needed to complete the dome, potentially simplifying the construction process.
Cons of Hexagonal Panel Domes
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More Complex Construction
Building a hexagonal dome requires greater precision during construction, as the panels need to fit together perfectly. This can increase labor costs and construction time compared to triangular domes. -
Higher Material Costs
Hexagonal panels tend to be larger than triangular ones, which may lead to higher material costs. Additionally, creating the custom panels required for a hexagonal design can be more expensive. -
Less Structural Strength Than Triangular Domes
Hexagonal panels, while strong, do not distribute forces as efficiently as triangles. This means that hexagonal geodesic domes may not be as resilient in extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or heavy snow.
Which Is Better: Triangular or Hexagonal Panel Domes?
The choice between a triangular panel dome and a hexagonal panel dome depends on several factors, including your budget, aesthetic preferences, and intended use.
- For maximum strength and durability: Triangular panel domes are the better choice, especially in regions prone to harsh weather. Their ability to evenly distribute force makes them more resilient.
- For aesthetics and spacious interiors: Hexagonal panel domes offer a more organic look and better interior layout, which may be appealing for residential projects or spaces where design and functionality are key.
- For ease of construction and cost: Triangular domes are generally more affordable and easier to build due to the simplicity of the triangular panels.
Conclusion
Both triangular and hexagonal panel domes have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Triangular domes excel in structural strength and affordability, making them ideal for those prioritizing durability. Hexagonal domes, on the other hand, offer superior aesthetics and a more open interior space, perfect for those seeking a modern, stylish home.
Choosing between these two designs comes down to your specific needs, location, and the overall look and function you want from your geodesic dome house.
By understanding the pros and cons of triangular panel geodesic domes and hexagonal panel geodesic domes, you can make a more informed decision when planning your dome house construction. Both options offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on what you value most in your future dome home.
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