Earthbag/Geodesic Dome (click to enlarge)
Specifications: 24′-6″ diameter with 471 sq. ft. interior, one bedroom, one bath, Footprint: 28′-6″ x 28′-6″
Description: Many readers prefer rounded domes. However, rounded domes cannot be built by earthbags alone. This solution — inspired by Richard Laurens — uses a 24′ diameter geodesic frame set on 42″ high earthbag walls. Metal and wood geodesic frames are available as kits through various suppliers, or you could build your own. Lightweight bags of insulation cover the entire dome. A key feature is the expansive window wall that provides a sunny, pleasant home. Most dome homes, in contrast, have insufficient or poorly protected windows.
Earthbag/Geodesic Dome (click to enlarge)
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This one looks so odd but it’s unique and simplistic. I hope to look into the interior design if I have a chance to do so.
Yeah, it’s unusual. I aim to give readers lots of choices.
I was amusing myself with the idea of a tea shop built with this design. Maybe with a hanging sign shaped like the handle of a tea cup.
That’s a pretty good idea actually. Many shops look for ways to stand out from the competition and create a fun environment.
I live in Missouri. Would this type of roof be less resilient against a tornado than a traditional dome structure?
I love the way it looks! It reminds me of a little smurf house!
: D
It’s more vulnerable to uplift — wind will put enormous forces on the overhang. You’re better off with a traditional dome shape or a roofed dome that has less overhang.
I’d really be curious to see some plans of this design. Keep us updated.
All plans are available through Dream Green Homes: http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/materials/earth/earthbags.htm
Email Kelly if this plan hasn’t been posted yet and he’ll add it right away. Plans are finished and ready to send.
sure want to know how the roof was made. Is it shaped, filled, covered, and then plastered? I sure prefer this over timber roofing.
The key here is the geodesic dome kit. Everything else is pretty straightforward.
We’ve built a couple of geodesic greenhouse domes, and I’ve wanted to build a dome to live in and have thought about putting it on an earthbag wall. I just haven’t decided how to cover the dome. You say to use lightweight insulated bags. How does that work? Do you have plans for this design? I also live in a tornado prone area and wonder if you’ve developed a roof that isn’t so vulnerable to uplift.
See Kelly Hart’s house that was made with scoria. http://earthbagbuilding.com/projects/hart.htm