Dome houses are becoming increasingly popular among property owners looking for distinctive buildings that can withstand harsh weather and natural disasters. People choose these constructions because they are more energy-efficient and cost-effective than standard square houses. Because of its dome shape, it’s very effective in shedding high winds and snow.

There are also researches that state that this type of house can endure hurricane-force winds. There are lots of information that you need to know if you ever consider buying or constructing your own dome houses. We will provide you with all the information you need below, including its benefits, other dome houses ideas, and the two types of dome houses.

What is a Dome House

A dome house is a house with doors and windows much like any other traditional home, but it’s in the shape of a spherical or rounded ellipsoid with a shell framework. Geodome homes and “circular” homes are just a few of the names given to dome homes. There are two types of Dome homes, the Geodesic Dome Homes, and Monolithic Dome Homes.

Dome homes give a huge amount of living space while taking up relatively little surface area due to their spherical form. A fun fact, concrete domes have been reported to withstand flying debris the size of vehicles as well as direct bomb impacts. Unbelievable, right? If you’re still not convinced, you can continue reading the benefits of a dome home below.

Benefits of a Dome House

Dome home has always had a few advantages above traditional homes that are still appealing to clients today. This type of home is also known to be more economical, building one doesn’t cost a lot of money, they’re disaster-proof, and most of all, they’re unique. We provided an explanation and additional pieces of information below. We hope you’ll have fun reading more.

Energy efficient

Geodesic domes provide better air circulation and consistent temperature distribution throughout the structure. A dome home can be two to four times more energy-saving than traditional homes. Because of their unusual design, the dome home insulates exceptionally well.

These structures can use solar gain since light refracts and stays inside the dome, reducing the requirement for artificial lighting. Geodesic domes make much sense for younger customers who desire more energy-saving houses and aren’t put off by the domed style. Because it requires no interior support, a monolithic dome structure, however, allows for a wide range of floor plan configurations.

This will enable you to take advantage of your building’s large open spaces. They save a lot of energy because of the structure’s tightness, making them less expensive to run and heat. The Monolithic Dome is so well insulated and sealed that the airflow is equivalent to two pencil openings.

There was also a study conducted in 2016 by the dome-home maker, Monolithic Constructors. They discovered the utility savings of a 50-foot elliptical house in Virginia were more than $2,500 over five years, compared to the average house in the state, despite powering a two-car garage and pump-house. That house was also three connected domes over 3,200 square feet, but it was efficiently powered by a small array of solar panels.

Disaster Proof

Domes are highly sturdy and long-lasting. Hurricanes, tornadoes, flames, and other dangerous natural disasters have little effect on dome homes since they are fire, wind, and water-resistant. Did you know what happened after Hurricane Frances hit the Florida coast? Well, a dome located right on the beach was one of the only structures left standing.

The owners simply closed their hurricane shutters and waited for the storm to pass, resulting in minimal damage to their property. Dome homes can withstand severe winds and can also endure strong earthquakes. The absence of supports and beams in construction and its extremely low weight make dome homes earthquake-resistant. According to FEMA standards, the entire structure of dome homes qualifies as a safe room with “near-absolute protection.”

Low Cost

Dome homes, as previously said, are excellent for minimizing your utility bills. They do, however, save money on materials. The dome home design implies it has a much less surface area than a traditional home and can be built with half the materials.

In other words, cost savings begin during construction and continue throughout the home’s lifetime. Domes are also easier to maintain than traditional houses. Roof repairs, wood rot, termite infestation, and other bothersome upkeep that would be necessary for a standard house are not an issue.

Unique and Artistic

If you want to make a statement with your designer bag, why not make a statement with your entire home? Dome homes are unique, allowing the homeowner to stand out from the rest of the box houses in their neighborhood. Having a dome home also shows the world that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Your home is your home, and no one can make you feel bad about it. Dome homes are a popular contemporary architectural design style. They are perfectly suited to a new construction and sustainability paradigm. They also provide a new way of living, traveling, and even working, sweeping the world.

Types of Dome House

There are two types of Dome Homes, the Geodesic Dome House, and the Monolithic Dome House. The difference between these two is, Monolithic domes are concrete and polyurethane foam fortifications sprayed over circular formations, while interconnected triangular panels make up Geodesic domes. The Geodesic and Monolithic Dome are more durable than traditional structures, but Monolithic Domes are much more durable and will survive longer.

Here’s everything you need to know about each of them.

Geodesic Dome Homes

The geodesic dome home is simple and convenient, and it’s also the most simple model that you can also create yourself. However, acquiring appliances without the help of a geodesic home builder may need more work. It can also be tough to make divisions and rooms within dome structures, especially if you don’t have much expertise doing so; therefore, it’s best to seek the advice of a geodesic home builder first.

One of the most significant advantages of this design is that structural stress is distributed evenly throughout the structure, resulting in exceptionally durable buildings despite the use of few materials. The geodesic design combines the strength of the arch with the rigidity of the triangle, resulting in incredibly strong dome homes. Although according to Monolithic Dome Institute, geodesics domes are typically constructed from common building materials such as wood and are prone to termites and rot, they also require continual care.

They aren’t as energy-saving as a Monolithic Dome, and they won’t withstand storms, earthquakes, or fires as effectively. This architectural design has been established since the mid-nineteenth century, and it is still the most well-known kind of modern dome building in the world. Because they still provide a method to have robust roofs and walls, the geodesic dome home is known for being closer to regular homes.

They do, however, run the risk of leaking through their seams. There’s also a greater likelihood that one of its many joints will wear out. While they aren’t the most durable dome homes, they are rather prevalent.

Monolithic Dome Homes

Monolithic dome homes, often known as concrete dome homes, are considered “real” domes. Except for a door and probably some windows, they’re a single-piece dome that’s precisely circular. Because these domes are made entirely of one piece, they are exceptionally resistant to natural disasters.

Even the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) classifies monolithic dome home as an official “safe space” for natural disasters such as Category 5 storms. Monolithic Domes are long-lasting, energy-saving, cost-effective, disaster-resistant, and unique. They are really strong.

They can survive tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Their concrete exterior also makes them resistant to insects and decay. Compared to a similar-size, similarly outfitted traditional structure, they can save up to 50% or more on heating and cooling costs.

From the outside, monolithic dome homes have the appearance of being monotonous. However, there are few notable exceptions, and the interior can be decorated and personalized in practically any way. The Monolithic Dome excels in a variety of ways, making it the finest option for construction. The Monolithic Dome can be measured in centuries, whereas the usual building life is calculated in decades.

11 Cool Dome House Ideas

Now that you’re familiar with the two types of Dome Homes and their benefits, let’s talk about the 11 Cool Dome House Ideas worldwide. I’m sure you’ll get inspired and might build your own dome house.

Natural Spaces Domes

natural spaces dome house

Take the concept a step farther into the realm of science fiction, and you’ll find these cutting-edge structures. Dennis Odin Johnson and the Natural Spaces Domes team designed it. Since the 1970s, he has been a leader in the field of sustainable construction. They are already being utilized as greenhouses, research centers, and even residences in various world regions in various sizes.

They are gaining popularity as the new generation learns about the benefits of low-CO2 structures. Furthermore, they can be clad in various materials to achieve a variety of architectural appearances and finishes. They’re simple to keep at a comfortable temperature inside and can be built on a variety of scales.

Natural Spaces Domes is a company that specializes in building economical, environmentally friendly homes that are also quite pleasant and appealing.

Whitepod Eco-Luxury Dome

whitepod dome house

The Whitepod Hotel is located in Valais, Switzerland, in a magnificent alpine environment. It’s an excellent example of dome buildings being used as luxury lodging. The pods are arranged in such a way that they create a highly private and large sort of independent suite housing.

The Whitepod Hotel’s pods and eco-chalets provide a highly environmentally friendly way to experience luxury while taking in stunning views in prime hiking areas. They demonstrate how high-tech, comfy, and elegant such a construction can be. In this situation, private suites with complete amenities that are not tied to the main hotel structure are available.

It’s a novel tourism concept. One that is appropriate for natural settings while also straddling the border between glamping and traditional hotel lodging.

The Bitcoin Dome House

the bitcoin dome house

Circular houses have mostly been focused on a tiny level up to now. However, the Bitcoin House, designed by Jean-Pierre D’Zahr, a US entrepreneur and owner of NextGen, an architectural studio, is a unique offering. He comes from a financial and technical background, having worked as a developer and designer for Microsoft and Boeing.

He uses his expertise to create beautiful modern villas throughout the United States. He’s now showing them around Europe and the Middle East. The Bitcoin House idea enables privacy and multiuse due to its unique design and self-sustainability. It can be used as a therapeutic retreat, a resort, a medical clinic, or a high-end vacation rental. Owners pay only 20% of the purchase price and obtain an accelerated mortgage for the remainder.

This isn’t an uncommon aspect; the fact that the property is self-sufficient makes the Bitcoin villa stand out. Each building has a Bitcoin mining facility in a low-tax jurisdiction as part of the price. It comprises the massive computational power that underpins Bitcoin mining, for which miners are compensated in Bitcoin.

Japanese Custom Dome

japanese dome house

The Japanese Custom Dome is the most recent micro home creation to emerge from Japan. It optimizes construction costs, time, and space. It provides comfort and homeliness in modest residences, vacation rentals, and even commercial locations. The novel technology allows round-shaped buildings to be created from prefabricated ‘expanded’ polystyrene components. They can form a variety of shapes when combined, ranging from circular to arch and extended dome structures.

They are extremely popular in Japan, and they are especially popular in amusement parks. These adaptable shelters are inexpensive, simple to construct, functional, and enjoyable, with good thermal and comfort properties. Their Dome House has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions significantly. Their Dome Home structure provides great thermal insulation and airtightness, which is important as global warming progresses.

It can save a lot of energy compared to traditional ones built of wood, iron, or concrete.

Off-grid Hemp Dome

Off-grid Hemp Dome

In searching for alternative, sustainable construction materials, Monika Brümmer, a German architect, collaborated with an international team to design an ultra-efficient hemp dome house. The property is actually off-grid and totally powered by solar panels built into the architecture and construction—made using non-synthetic raw materials such as hemp fiber composites, vegetable bio-resins, hemp-concrete, and other non-synthetic materials produced locally.

The Hemp House is completely natural and renewable, as well as cost-effective and energy-independent, making it extremely cheap to operate.

Mandala Homes Dome

mandala dome home

Mandala’s custom-built residences incorporate local natural resources as well as rounded architecture. As a result, an extremely vernacular, practical, and environmentally friendly home option has been created. Mandala will also incorporate features or combinations of dome segments to create houses that are pleasant, roomy, and stylish while also complementing their surroundings.

It’s the ideal country home or vacation spot, with an appealing appearance, first-rate energy, and green credentials. They feature panoramic bay windows, double-height living rooms, and porches, all custom-built to your specifications.

Desert Dome

desert dome house

The Desert Dome, the world’s biggest indoor desert, is located beneath the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome and has become an icon for Omaha. The Desert Dome showcases plant and animal life from three different deserts across the world: the Namib Desert in southern Africa, Australia’s Red Center, and the Sonoran Desert in the southwest United States. The Desert Dome is 84,000 square feet, divided into two levels of approximately 42,000 square feet each.

The Kingdoms of the Night, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, is located beneath the Desert Dome exhibition. A separate chamber near the exit of the Desert Dome is dedicated to displaying newly hatched or juvenile reptiles and amphibians. Some of the Zoo’s reptile-related conservation and research projects are also housed in this area. The baby reptiles have access to the sun’s helpful ultraviolet rays through each window and skylight.

Futuristic Dome

futuristic dome house

The timeless architecture and enticing aesthetics of geodesic dome offer unmatched versatility; they can be created as ultra-modern passive eco-homes, leisure spaces, indoor pools, glamping and luxury resorts, greenhouses, stellar observatories – the options are unlimited. There’s a brilliant dome that is currently the cultural focus of Beijing, China’s new futuristic library, that was unveiled in November 2017. The Tianjin Binhai public library, which has curvilinear bookshelves that run the length of the walls from floor to ceiling, has over 15,000 monthly visitors.

The gigantic skyscraper was planned by MVRDV, a futuristic architecture firm located in the Netherlands, and was completed in a record-breaking 3 years.

Mountain Style Dome

mountain dome house

Because of natural cooling features, an energy-efficient wood stove, and a wide skylight, the interior of Moon Ridge Dome remains at a comfortable 70 degrees, rain or shine. The dome’s interior is filled with homely comforts, including three bedrooms, two baths, and a well-lit kitchen. At the same time, the adjacent outside deck is the ideal area to entertain guests or take in spectacular views of the mountainous five-acre plot surrounding it.

Rustic Style Dome

rustic style dome house

A geodesic home outside of New York is a remarkable architectural and engineering accomplishment, and it is decked out in wood from top to bottom. The 2,300 square-foot dome home features stacked wood planks and curved windows set into the walls, while a wooden staircase leading to a lofted library adds beauty and utility. Residents may also rotate the dome by remote control using passive solar energy as if the well-crafted construction wasn’t enough to amaze.

Industrial Dome

Industrial Dome

Sean Ballantine of Madison Heights, Michigan’s Department of Public Safety, approached South Industries with the notion of building a better salt storage facility for the city. With a salt cargo on the way, South Industries and engineer Chris Zweifel got to work immediately away, completing the dome in just ten weeks. The dome is a 92′ x 33′ spherical shell on a concrete foundation wall and a spread footing with the potential to store 4,000 tons of salt and be energy efficient and natural disaster-resistant.

The dome also includes two ventilation fans, high bay LED lighting, and a larger 18′ x 18′ aperture for easier access.

Final Thought

Domed houses may be uncommon to other people’s eyes, but to some, it’s their dream home. It is called the “homes of the future” for a reason. By the pieces of information we provided above, we hope that they helped you and inspired you in some ways.

A home is still a home; even if it’s a square-shaped or a circular-shaped house, it’s still a place where we find our comfort and peace. The most important thing is that you can live in it and provide shelter for you and your family.

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