Sustainable Housing :- Dome House

Exordium

There is a growing need for green construction in today’s world due to the environmental, social, and economic benefits it offers. By adopting sustainable building practices, we can reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry, preserve natural resources, promote health and well-being, and create new business opportunities.

Green construction is a leading step towards a sustainable future, as it greatly tackles the issues/disadvantages caused by construction such as climate change, resource scarcity, health and well-being, economy etc. Here I’m going to discuss some benefits of one of the projects/techniques of green construction, i.e. dome house.

Key Concept

Green Building

A ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life.

Goals of green building include;

Green Roofs

Insulated Walls

Pants integrated into architecture and design for buildings

Renewable energy

Proper Ventilation system (improve air quality in the natural way)

Rain Water Harvesting etc.

Dome House Design (Geodesic Domes)

The geodesic dome is a structure comprised of geodesics, a series of straight lines on a curved space that intersect to form triangles. The structural stress is distributed evenly throughout, making buildings extremely strong despite using very few materials. The Dome House is a unique and innovative housing concept that can be seen as a road towards sustainability.

Dome homes provide a large amount of living space, while taking up very little surface area. And due to their lower area-to-volume ratio, they require less energy for heating and cooling.

Dome Homes & Sustainability

Here are some ways in which the ‘Dome House’ can promote sustainability:

Low Carbon Footprint

Dome houses can potentially reduce carbon footprint in a number of ways. Here are some examples:

Energy Efficiency: Dome houses are often designed with energy efficiency in mind. Due to their dome shape, these houses require less energy to heat or cool, as the shape helps to maintain a consistent temperature inside the home. This can help reduce energy usage and carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling.

Solar Panels: Dome houses are also often designed with the ability to incorporate solar panels on the roof, which can provide renewable energy and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. This can help reduce carbon emissions associated with electricity usage.

Reduced Maintenance: Due to their sturdy and durable construction, dome houses often require less maintenance and repairs compared to traditional homes. This can help reduce the carbon emissions associated with maintenance and repair activities.

Building Materials: The materials used to construct dome houses can also play a role in reducing carbon footprint. Some dome houses are made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic, and other low-impact materials. This can help reduce carbon emissions associated with the manufacturing and transportation of building materials.

Durability

The Dome House is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions like earthquakes and hurricanes, making it a more sustainable housing option.

The geodesic shape is incredibly strong. The triangles forming the growing dome create a geometric pattern of strength not replicated in a simple rectangular design. By building homes that are durable and long-lasting, we can reduce the need for constant rebuilding and the associated waste and carbon emissions.

Insulation and Heat Retention

The Growing Dome is well insulated and its passive solar design excels at retaining energy and heat. Heat from the sun is strategically captured and stored during the day and slowly released at night.

Shape

The geodesic shape allows for even light penetration throughout the day. In contrast, the curved surface of the Growing Dome allows for even light and heat input throughout the day.

Affordability

The Dome House is an affordable housing solution that can be easily assembled on site. This makes it an attractive option for low-income families and individuals who are seeking sustainable housing options.

Ideal Environment for Gardening

The ample natural light provided by the dome structure allows plants to photosynthesize and grow at a steady rate. This is especially important for plants that require consistent amounts of light and warmth, such as vegetables and fruit trees. The insulation provided by the dome also helps regulate the temperature and humidity levels, providing an ideal environment for indoor gardening.

Versatility

The Dome House can be used for a wide range of applications, including as a residential home, vacation rental, or emergency shelter. Its versatility makes it a sustainable solution that can adapt to different needs and situations.

Case Study

One notable example of a Monolithic Dome home is the Dome of a Home, located in Pensacola Beach, Florida. This unique dome house was designed and built by a couple Mr. & Mrs. Bill Magenheimer in 2007. They wanted a hurricane-resistant and energy-efficient home that could withstand the harsh weather conditions of the Gulf Coast.

The Dome of a Home was constructed using reinforced concrete and insulated with polyurethane foam, which provides excellent insulation and helps to regulate the temperature inside the home. The dome shape also helps to reduce wind drag, making it more resistant to hurricanes and other high wind events.

In addition to its energy efficiency and durability, the Dome of a Home also features unique design elements such as a curved staircase, circular rooms, and a rooftop observatory. The home is equipped with solar panels that provide renewable energy, further reducing its carbon footprint.

The Dome of a Home has been featured in numerous publications and has received several awards for its innovative design and sustainability features. It is a prime example of how dome houses can provide a unique and sustainable living experience while reducing their carbon footprint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dome House design offers many benefits, including energy efficiency, sustainability, durability, affordability, and flexibility. As we face pressing global challenges such as climate change and an increasing demand for affordable housing, the Dome House design offers a solution that can help us build a more sustainable and resilient future.