If you’re looking for a home that’s both unique and practical, monolithic dome homes might be just what you need. But why choose one? In this article, we’ll break down what a monolithic dome home is, its pros and cons, who it’s best for, and the building costs. Let’s explore why this innovative design stands out!
What Are Monolithic Dome Homes
Monolithic domes homes, introduced by David B. South, are constructed as single, continuous concrete structures. The building process involves inflating a large airform, spraying foam insulation, applying rebar, and finishing with concrete.
Pros and Cons of Monolithic Dome Homes
Monolithic dome homes offer many advantages, from their unique appearance to practical features. However, they also come with some drawbacks. Let’s look at four key factors that explain why people might choose or avoid these homes.
Appeal and Design Flexibility
Monolithic dome buildings have a unique, futuristic look. That’s why they often appear in sci-fi movies. For example, the homes on Tatooine in Star Wars are a great example of this style. These homes have smooth, continuous exteriors and a sleek, minimalist design.
However, their uniform structure means they lack the straight lines and angles found in traditional homes. This limits design variety. While the design flexibility is somewhat limited, the simple, clean look is perfect for those who love minimalist architecture.
Structural Strength and Durability
Monolithic dome homes are designed to withstand extreme weather like hurricanes and earthquakes. Their even surface and streamlined shape help distribute pressure evenly, making them incredibly durable.
This has been proven in real-life cases and recognized by experts. For example, during Hurricane Michael in 2018, a monolithic dome home named "Golden Eye" in Florida survived 160 mph winds, while nearby traditional homes were destroyed. FEMA also recommends dome homes as safe shelters for hurricanes and tornadoes.
Energy Efficiency
Monolithic dome homes save energy mainly through their structure and materials.
First, the spherical shape has less surface area compared to traditional buildings, which reduces heat loss. Inside, the lack of sharp corners eliminates cold spots and allows air to flow more evenly, which means less energy is needed for heating or cooling. Lastly, these homes are often built with thick concrete or spray foam insulation, which helps keep heat from transferring in or out.
Construction Process
Getting approval to build a monolithic dome home can be more challenging than for traditional homes. Not all areas are open to this unique design, and most building codes are written for conventional structures. Making a dome home meets these regulations often requires extra effort.
However, the construction process itself is simpler. It involves inflating a mold, spraying multiple layers of materials, and properly curing the concrete. At the same time, building a high-quality dome home demands skilled builders with the right expertise and experience.
How Much Does a Monolithic Dome House Cost?
The cost of building a house depends on factors like the foundation, design, size, layout, materials, and extra features. Even if we leave out the foundation and size, the cost of a monolithic dome home might not be as low as you’d expect.
Although the structure is simple, it still requires heavy materials like concrete and specialized construction techniques. Plus, since there aren’t many experienced dome builders available, you’ll need to pay for expert design and skilled labor.
On average, building a monolithic dome home costs about $100 to $200 per square foot, excluding the foundation. The dome shell itself makes up around 30% to 50% of the total cost. This portion is the minimum you’ll pay directly to the dome builder.
How to Build a Monolithic Dome House?
Building a monolithic dome home requires specialized knowledge and tools. The process starts with securing and inflating the airform to create the dome shape. Polyurethane foam is sprayed on the inside to form the base layer, followed by reinforcing it with a steel rebar mesh for added strength. Concrete is then sprayed over the mesh and foam. Once the concrete hardens, the airform is removed, and the final step is completing the interior finishes to make the home move-in ready.
Geodesic Dome vs Monolithic Dome: How to Choose?
If you dig deeper into monolithic dome homes, you might come across the term geodesic dome. The main difference between the two is their structure. A geodesic dome home is made up of multiple polygons, mostly triangles, to form the framework.
When deciding between a geodesic dome home and a monolithic dome home, it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Geodesic dome homes often emerge as the preferred choice for those seeking a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and versatile structure. Their quick assembly, portability, and unique aesthetic make them suitable for a variety of uses, from residential homes to emergency shelters. The modular design allows for scalability and adaptability, making geodesic dome houses practical for numerous applications.
While monolithic dome homes offer superior durability and insulation, their higher cost and more complex construction process may be less appealing for some. However, for those prioritizing long-term investment and disaster resistance, the monolithic dome house remains an excellent option. In most cases, for general residential or multi-use purposes, the geodesic dome home provides a compelling balance of benefits.
In conclusion, the choice between these two great designs ultimately comes down to factors such as personal preference, project requirements, and budgetary considerations. While the monolithic dome home excels in strength, energy efficiency, etc., the geodesic dome home has an extraordinary aesthetic and also excels in versatility and efficiency, thus offering a wide range of design possibilities and cost-effective construction.
If you are looking for geodesic dome home kits, you could consider purchasing them from Shelter Dome. Our company has been focusing on manufacturing geodesic domes for many years and has accumulated rich experience and technology. We not only provide standard-sized geodesic dome kits, but also support a variety of customized needs to meet customers' specific requirements and preferences.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to build a monolithic dome home takes careful consideration. After reading this article, you should have a clearer idea of whether it’s the right choice for you. The key to a successful dome home is finding an experienced builder. This is true for both monolithic and geodesic domes. Reach out to a professional today and start your dome home journey!
