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The Basic Dome Structure

Our Dome uses an innovative process to produce a MONOLITHIC Dome, a single piece, seamless structure. This method of construction results in a much greater building strength which is totally sealed against water leakage. The Dome's shell is composed of steel reinforced concrete with an outer layer of Polyurethane foam, covered with a heavy PVC skin.

Attributes of the dome shape

A dome is simply a round arch, and that is certainly not new. An arch or dome principle distributes the stress of forces imposed on it to achieve greater strength. Domes and arches have been used in architecture for centuries, and they are everywhere in nature. Some uses are our skull, turtle shells and eggs. Eggs are actually very strong considering their thin shell made of very little material. Eskimo igloos use the dome shape and other cultures have used dome or round construction styles for thousands of years for resistance to natural forces.

History of the Monolithic Dome

The Monolithic Dome was inspired by the Geodesic dome in the mid 1970's by David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute, and brothers Barry and Randy South. The first Monolithic Dome was built in 1976 in Shelley, Idaho, and the process received a patent in 1979. Since then, Monolithic Domes have been built in more than 45 states.

The Value and Advantages of a Monolithic Dome

A Monolithic Dome is highly energy efficient, disaster resistant, cost effective, relatively low maintenance and attractive. They withstand the forces of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and even exterior fires such as brush fires.

Future cost savings are realized with much lower energy bills, both heating and cooling, reduced insurance rates, and immunity to rot and termites. The structure life is rated in centuries rather than years. Many owners calculate savings enough to recover the cost of construction within 20 years or less, but whatever the time period, a Monolithic Dome will eventually pay for itself via its efficiency.

Initial building costs are about the same as for a typical home. However, larger structures typically realize lower construction costs when compared to conventional construction.

Uses of Monolithic Domes

In addition to providing superior protection and security as a residence, Monolithic Domes are an advantage for virtually any building need you can think of. Some of the uses are schools, sports arenas, civic centers, retail stores, warehousing, manufacturing, aircraft hangers, and various types of utility, food and grain storage.

Moving on

This page is intended as a brief introduction, a summary, to Monolithic Dome construction. For more detailed information, please take our Grand Tour. If a Monolithic Dome feels right to you, we have information to assist you with that as well. We welcome your inquiry.