The Unique Benefits of Building a Geodesic Dome Home
Ask anyone about geodesic domes and you’re likely to get one of two responses: they either think they’re something from a sci-fi movie, or they have some recollection of being in an outdoor education center that had one as its main feature. A geodesic dome is a spherical structure made with triangle-shaped panels that are all connected at their edges. They appear to be similar to the half-domes seen on putt-putt golf greens, but the similarity ends there. In fact, unless you live in a small town with a reputation for eccentric characters, you may not ever see another place that has this type of structure again! Whether it’s because of their unusual appearance or their association with the New Age movement in the 1990s, geodesic domes don’t seem to be widely known as potential homes for average people. But if you take away the layers of public perceptions about them and look only at their practical benefits, it becomes clear why so many people are choosing to build them as their new home. Here are just some of the reasons why you might want to do the same!
Geodesic domes are incredibly durable.
When geodesic domes first became known to the public in the 1950s, the main reason for the interest was their strength. They had been around for a few decades before then and most people knew them as a military communications device. These heavy-duty structures were built to withstand just about any kind of natural or man-made disaster, including extreme weather and nuclear fallout. The fact that they’re also built with an inherent stability that prevents swaying in high winds makes them that much more desirable. They don’t require posts or masts to keep them standing upright, which gives them a huge advantage over other structures in times of extreme weather. They’re also very sturdy when it comes to earthquakes. A geodesic dome is like a “floating floor”, meaning it will practically slide along the ground as the earth shakes. This allows it to remain upright even when the surrounding land is being violently pushed down by the tremors.
Geodesic domes are extremely energy efficient.
Geodesic domes are naturally insulated, making them more energy efficient than just about any other type of home. The triangle-shaped panels that comprise them create a pocket of air that traps solar heat in the winter and keeps it from escaping in the summer. This means that you may not even need a central heating system or a cooling system. And you can even use the sun’s energy to power your home! The triangular panels make it possible to install photovoltaic solar panels on your roof. These are connected to a system that generates electricity from the sun. You can store that energy in batteries that can be used during the night or on a cloudy day. This high level of efficiency makes building a geodesic dome home a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious and want to live in a “green” home.
Geodesic domes are natural light magnets.
People who live in geodesic domes report that they spend much less time indoors than those who live in conventional homes. This is in large part due to the fact that these domes are naturally flooded with light. The large spherical shape and abundance of windows create a feeling of lightness and openness that is hard to find in other types of homes. This abundance of natural light can be used in creative ways. For example, it can be used to grow food. Plants can be put in vertical pots, which can be placed on window sills where they receive the same amount of light as they would outdoors. This abundance of natural light can also be used in artistic ways. It has been said that a room with lots of light has “an energy that lifts you up and makes you want to do something”. If you’re an artist or a creative person, a geodesic dome may be the perfect place for you to live.
Geodesic domes are great for desert living.
If you live in a desert area, you know that extreme heat is just part of the deal. It can be difficult to find the right home that will suit your lifestyle and your needs. But when it comes to extreme temperatures, geodesic domes are extremely well-equipped. This type of structure is naturally well-insulated, making it great for those dry, hot desert climates. Not only will it keep the heat out during the summer, but it will also keep the cold out during the winter. Although desert climates are challenging for most homes, geodesic domes are specially designed to withstand them. They have been used as military surveillance stations throughout the world for decades. So if you live in a place where extreme heat is a factor, geodesic domes are a great option for you. And if you build your geodesic dome home with a shade covering, you can make it even more ideal for desert living!
Building a geodesic dome home is affordable for most people.
One of the first things people may associate with geodesic domes is that they are not affordable. This is a misconception based on the fact that they became popular in the 1990s when they were associated with New Age “hippie culture”. However, these structures have been around for many decades. It’s just that they weren’t very popular until recently. And the truth is that they are affordable for pretty much anyone. The fact that they are constructed with triangles makes the design simple and easy to understand. Anyone can figure out how they work and how they’re built. This makes them a great option for home builders of any level, including beginners. Modern technology has also made it much easier to build a geodesic dome. You can now use computer-assisted design software to create your dome from the convenience of your computer. CAD software makes it simple to add windows and doors to your design and even to create floor plans for inside your geodesic dome home.
Conclusion
For all of these reasons and more, geodesic domes are the perfect choice for people who want a unique home that is both beautiful and practical. They are incredibly durable, extremely energy efficient, natural light magnets, and great for desert living. And building a geodesic dome home is affordable for most people. You might not ever be able to fully explain to someone why you chose to build a geodesic dome home. And that’s okay! All you need to know is that they’re a great choice for you.