With technology fast on the move and with our earth's natural growing demands and changes, the concept of Monolithic and Geodesic Domes replacing our traditional box-like homes is becoming widely accepted.We can thank R.Buckminster Fuller - one of our world's first global thinkers and futurists - for having introduced his scientific concept on domes. (Note: Refer to Source link: "Who Is Buckminster Fuller" ).
The advantages of having a "Home-Dome" are numerous.
Monolithic Dome
This type of dome is a permanent structure. It is energy efficient - saving up to fifty percent or more on heating and cooling costs when compared to a conventional building. Monolithic domes are also disaster resistant, cost effective and attractive. They are built for strength endurance and can withstand the force of a tornado, hurricane or earthquake. The term "Monolithic" means "one piece". In other words, the completed structure is literally a "one-piece design". They are a "thin shell" concrete structure, which is basically defined as a structure that is made using single or compound curves. The variety of materials used to create the "thin-shell" method includes - but is not limited to - metal, wood, concrete, brick, et cetera.
In general, the monolithic dome is built using structural materials such as foam and concrete and then applied in such a manner where these materials act as a single component. They are constructed by inflating a large vinyl airform in the shape of a dome, and then spraying the inside with three inches of foam insulation. Once done, then steel rebar is attached to the foam and three inches of concrete is sprayed inside.
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