With an initial swell of popularity in the 1960s, dome homes have been increasing in popularity over the years due to a number of benefits for home owners, including protection from extreme weather and rising energy costs. Generally there are two major types of domes in construction. Monolithic domes are made of one solid piece of one material in a dome shaped form (usually reinforced concrete or shotcrete). Geodesic domes are made of triangle panels joined together, and the structures become stronger as they get larger.
Although both are popular and said to be energy efficient, because of the nature of their design, monolithic domes may be less prone to some of the difficulties that can accompany poorly built geodesic homes, although modern construction techniques can address many of the design issues of the earlier dome homes.
Because of their concrete construction, monolithic have a high thermal mass making them up to 50 percent more energy efficient than traditional homes. With a reduced exterior surface area, there is reduced heat loss (or gain).
The nature of the arch structure is very strong. Steel reinforced concrete is built to withstand hurricanes, tornado's and earthquakes. In fact, FEMA gives these structures a "near-absolute protection" rating from the strongest category of hurricanes and tornado's. You may remember seeing a monolithic dome home in the news in 2004 when it withstood a direct hit from hurricane Ivan. Several reporters had weathered the storm inside the dome. Without angles, corners and flat surfaces for the wind to catch, lift and push against, the house survived the hurricane with minimal exterior injuries, but no structural damage. Several domes also survived Hurricane Katrina.
Fans tout the lower building costs, saying that owners can save up to 30 percent over conventional post and beam homes. However, depending on your location and your choice of finishing, saving money on construction may not be a reality. Saving money on your insurance is likely.
There are drawbacks, of course. Dehumidifying can become an issue with the air-tight nature of the building and some type of weather-proofing is usually needed to protect the roof. That said, dome homes offer many benefits: concrete does not rot, is termite and fire resistant. It can last for hundreds of years without cracking or requiring much maintenance at all.
For the sophisticated designer, the green-builder or those just looking for something a little different, the dome home offers a unique opportunity to increase your family's safety while decreasing your energy bills. And you're sure to stand out in the crowd. After all, there's no place like dome.
Latest Real Estate Articles
Investment in Dubai
By: Editor-123 | 11/10/2008
Now, even the foreigners can easily invest and can take active participation in the capital investment in this ever-growing market of the Dubai properties. Amidst the glasslike towers along the vast sea, Dubai promises increasing returns for its investors.
Profit From the Foreclosure Boom Through Powerful Foreclosure Training
By: DCFawcett | 11/10/2008
When real estate investors evaluate their options for what types of properties to invest in, some of the first things that come to mind are preforeclosure, real estate short sales, and other types of foreclosure properties. This tendency is a natural one. After all, sellers facing foreclosures are naturally going to be more motivated and that is what most investors are looking for.
Historical City of Apulia
By: Priya Singh | 11/10/2008
Apulia is "mare e terra", sea and land, a world of rich contrasts. The varied coastline and the hinterland with its cultivated farmland; the tranquil small towns and its cultural treasures.
Hawaii Homes and Volcanoes for Sale
By: Hedin Johan | 11/10/2008
Volcanoes can be found it most parts of the world and Hawaii is no exception-the beauty and lush landscape that comes with volcanoes is literally out of this world. When I suggested a few friends of mine to go visit the islands, I didn’t realize they’d come back with more than they’d bargained for.
Find Hawaii Homes for Closure and Profit
By: Hedin Johan | 11/10/2008
When we talk about the homes that are up for foreclosure, it really does seem like these homes and their families are closing down for good.
Find Great Investments From a Professional Real Estate Company in Hawaii
By: Hedin Johan | 11/10/2008
Real estate in Hawaii is what dreams are made of. Some would love to live there, some would just simply invest there but for others, it’s a place to die for.
Tips to be a Property Buyer
By: Editor-123 | 11/10/2008
Are you planning to buy a retail property? You can own your dream property by following some simple steps. Don’t worry about the long period for the planning and preparation. Usually it may take many months or even a few years. Don’t worry or get discouraged. The time taken is worthy of pursuing your goals.
Using an Agency to List Your Orem Real Estate
By: Art Gib | 10/10/2008
When people decide to sell their home, they often turn to an agency or a brokerage for help.
More from Louise Scoggins
Make Your Small Space Shine
By: Louise Scoggins | 28/05/2008 | Interior Design
When planning the space, the furniture is very important. Furniture with a lighter footprint won't suck up as much space from the floor, so choose items with lighter frames. The space around the furniture is also important - this is referred to negative space.
Smart Homes = Smart Choice
By: Louise Scoggins | 28/05/2008 | Real Estate
Imagine a heating system linked to intelligent sensors, programmed to heat or cool based on occupancy instead of scheduled hours; or pushing just one button before bed to turn off the lights, arm the security system, reduce the temperature and turn off the radiant floor heating.
Put in a Pool Party
By: Louise Scoggins | 21/05/2008 | Real Estate
Spring has begun to show its fair weather; with summer just around the corner, visions of swimming pools are making their way into our collective consciousness. If you've ever considered building a pool, this could be the year.
A Fine Cellar
By: Louise Scoggins | 21/05/2008 | Remodeling
Aging a fine wine is an art, a passion that yields either rich results or sour grapes. You may already have an electric wine-cooling unit, but if you're looking to build a larger collection or plan to have bottles aging over a period of time, you may consider building a wine cellar. The five main elements in properly storing your wine are light, vibration, temperature, humidity and the angle of storage.By attending to these needs you can nurture a full harvest.
Moving Your Outdoors to Your Indoors
By: Louise Scoggins | 02/04/2008 | Landscaping
There are several companies showing photo examples on the Internet, including companies in B.C., Canada and California, U.S.A. Typing in the words 'exterior folding doors' on the Internet will show you some choices.
Great Idea - Kitchen Great Room!
By: Louise Scoggins | 02/04/2008 | Kitchens
The latest idea of great rooms is really catching on and if a home is going to keep up with the latest and newest on the market - its living room is extinct!
Home Owners - Collect $$s From the Government!
By: Louise Scoggins | 28/03/2008 | Real Estate
First time home owners may not realize all the tax breaks that are possible options for them - just by paying a mortgage instead of rent! In fact, there are so many tax breaks available, it seems as if the government should owe us home owners money!
First-time Buyers Choose Your Atlanta, Ga., Home
By: Louise Scoggins | 27/03/2008 | Real Estate
Things could be a lot worse in Atlanta, Georgia, compared to the national realty market this area has been strong, but the pace has slowed. This slower pace of the realty market does mean that prospective buyers can take their time in choosing a home. The cut and thrust of the realty bubble days has well and truly burst, but this can only be good news for the buyer.
Finance 
