Disaster Resistant Hemispheric Dome

Disaster-resistant hemispheric dome made with double ferrocement shells with insulating fill (click to enlarge)

This 20′ interior diameter, 314 sq. ft. design is my proposed solution for houses that need to withstand repeat hurricanes. See How to Build the Strongest Buildings That Can Last Centuries for more details. Features include: lexan windows with removable window and door shutters, monolithic geopolymer slab floor that’s integrated with the walls, build on high ground, plastic mesh that won’t rust, geopolymer plaster both sides, geopolymer pumicecrete or geopolymer perlite fill. Integrating the slab and dome and building on a rubble trench is ideal for seismic zones. In an earthquake, the building would slide back and forth somewhat like an upside down cereal bowl on a kitchen table (meaning the whole house remains intact as one shell).

The design will have to be tweaked for individual homeowner needs, and some details worked out with the engineer. Note how a woodstove is shown to reach a wider audience, even though it’s probably not needed in Florida. The woodstove could be replaced with an emergency water storage and filtration system, etc. A fold-out bed saves space. Please email me and we’ll work out the details to fit your needs.

Disaster-resistant hemispheric dome made with double ferrocement shells with insulating fill (click to enlarge)

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Earthbag Peace Dome

Earthbag Peace Dome (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 19’ interior diameter, 283 sq. ft. interior main floor, 169 sq. ft. (16’ diameter) bedroom loft, total = 452 sq. ft. interior, 1 bath, Footprint: 22′ diameter

Description: How do you bring about the change you want to see? Live in harmony with earth and contribute to world peace.

Here is a simple dome anyone can build. This single dome contains all of the necessities for habitation. In addition to the basics, you could incorporate solar hot water, greywater recycling, composting toilet (shown, although a flush toilet can be used) to further reduce your ecological footprint. There are hot/cold, wet/dry climate design options available.

Earthbag Peace Dome (click to enlarge)

Peace Dome with optional thatched roof (click to enlarge)

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Tinyville Earthbag Domes

Tinyville Earthbag Domes (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 133 sq. ft. interior main dome, 38 sq. ft. loft, 78 sq. ft. small dome, plus 8 sq. ft. vault, 257 sq. ft. interior total, Footprint: 16′ x 29′ plus benches

Description: Like other tiny houses, Tinyville provides just the basics in a compact space. It is intended as a starter house for those with little or no building experience and very little money. This design joins a 13′ interior diameter main dome with loft and a 10′ interior diameter small dome, with a vaulted passageway.

Tinyville Earthbag Domes (click to enlarge)

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Enviro Earthbag Dome

Enviro Earthbag Dome (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 20’ interior DIA main dome = 314 sq. ft., 16’ interior DIA bedroom = 201 sq. ft., 44 sq. ft. bath, plus 223 sq. ft. loft space, total = 782 sq. ft., Footprint: 23′ x 42′ plus buttresses

Description: An ideal starter home, this plan is easy to extend or even create large dome clusters. Compact, but highly livable, the Enviro Dome has everything you need. Two lofts add 235 sq. ft. extra space for sleeping, home office, living or storage. Additional storage options include space inside benches, a cedar chest at the foot of the bed, and an armoire north of the bed. A larger dome behind the bedroom could include a walk-in closet, larger bath and laundry. The Enviro Dome is perfect for the beginner do-it-yourselfer who wants to build their eco-friendly home at the lowest possible cost.

Enviro Earthbag Dome (click to enlarge)

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