Monolithic Dome Institute: A year ago, we discussed a special type of dome home that survived Hurricane Ivan quite handily. A commentor to that post points us to this site, which is the manufacturer of that home.
The site is filled with content about the “monolithic” style of dome — monolithic meaning “formed of one large block of stone.” There are tons of pictures, case studies, etc.
The homes themselves are an acquired taste, visually speaking, but in the middle of Hurricane Country, it’s a taste that might be worth getting used to. (But don’t ask me, because I’m a big fan of the “original” geodesic dome homes as well. There are two of these in Sioux Falls. I’d buy one of them in a second if my wife would let me.)
The original home we discussed last year now has a site of its own, and it survived Katrina with the same aplomb with which it survived Ivan.
Home built to withstand the winds: I saw a report on this house on CNN this morning. From its 6-inch-thick concrete walls to its shatterproof windows to its elevated foundation, everything about Jim Minardi and Teresa Fogolini's canal-front house is cutting-edge and designed with a singular purpose: to keep…
Dome Home - Pensacola Beach: Here's a site about a "dome home" in Pensacola Beach, Florida. No, not the geodesic dome houses which never really caught on (but which I still love). This is an actually smooth circular dome house built to withstand hurricanes. After several years of repetitive…
Having attended the Oct. 2001 course for certification in Italy, TX I can honestly say that these types of structures offer up whole new levels of flexibility in regards to design & long term cost savings, not to mention a faster build time than most regular homes. However, thanks to the current rates of concrete (about $90 a cubic yard here) / lack of supply being a considerable pain in the arse one might go with either not locating in severe storm prone areas or focusing on a single above ground shelter/room. If money weren't that big of an issue I'd take one of those over any other conventional (& many non-conventional) structure ANY day!
Thanks so much for including our hurricane resistant home - the Dome of a Home - on your site. In its short life, it has weathered 5 storms - all without structural damage. Our goal was to build a disaster resistant, energy efficient home that would last longer than our mortgage. We have friends who are literally still paying the mortgage on a house that has been swept away by the storms. My husband continually researches new products and has now discovered a way to make a dome fire resistant as well, We hope to use this knowledge to build a structure in the forest that does not use trees in its construction, is fire resistant and avalanche safe. We call it the Skybird Lodge. It was featured on HGTV's Extreme Buildings show along with the Dome of a Home. Due to popular demand and numerous requests, we have organized a design group to create and build structures that are specifically engineered for the elements that the building will be exposed to. More information can be found at www.domeofahome.com and www.dragonspeeddesigngroup.com
When the tornado sirens sound out their warning, I roll over and go back to sleep in my dome. It will be nice to not worry about lightening starting a forest fire while I sleep. I am always concerned I will be awakened in the night with fire all around me and no way to survive. What I love most about living in the dome is the peace of mind I have knowing my family and I are safely inside.
Thanks again for offering this site for the communities' comments!
