Dome Structure Construction

Monolithic Dome Homes

The monolithic dome comes in many different  forms.

Come see the monolithic dome homes that DCS / Darrell Henderson has constructed.

  •  Homes

Do you have Allergies?

Poor indoor air quality and health issues correlate with the demographic and geographic distribution of allergies and asthma. Conventional homes has a tendency to incubate mold, bacteria, viruses and mycobacterium. The Monolithic Domes provide the platform for a comprehensive indoor air quality solution as well as dramatic energy efficiency.

Multigenerational home, special needs, wheel-chair, kid friendly?

When designing a home like this, it's important to equip the home with pre-wiring and plumbing ready for adaptation. Generational housing is built to be accessible with features to accommodate young children, the disabled and the elderly. A generational home allows space to be used differently with minimal changes and cost. A generational home is usually designed to permit surplus space to be rented out to either a non-related tenant or a family member and thereby reduce the costs of ownership. As the family size increases or its needs change, the dwelling can be reconfigured.

Energy efficiency, safe from hurricanes or tornados, and insurance advantages?

 

STRONG? A bullet was fired from a 30-06 was a 180 grain hunting bullet with a full copper jacket. This is the type of shell that was used in World War II in the Garland Rifle. It is far more powerful than today's modern M-16 bullets, the bullet did not penetrate the dome. The fact that the urethane is applied over the concrete and the concrete of a Monolithic Dome is stronger than normal concrete, the chances of penetration of anything become extremely small. Now, add that to the fact that the dome is curved. A curved surface, especially curved in two dimensions as the dome is, changes the dynamics of a force impinging on the dome dramatically. The force immediately is directed around the dome rather than concentrated at point of impact.


ENERGY? R-value excess of 80 has been the norm but we use 60 as an evaluation tool for all situations. Very efficient homes.


PROTECTION? Deaths, injuries and property damage caused by tornadoes and hurricanes can be prevented. That's the primary and most important conclusion FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) reaches in its manual, Design and Construction Guidance for Community Shelters. One of those assessment tools is a "Design Wind Speed Map For Community Shelters." This map presents four wind zones showing which U.S. areas are most prone to tornadoes and hurricanes. With this information, an engineer or architect can select the right design for a particular community. For example, Wichita, Kansas in Zone IV is in the likeliest area for winds of 250 mph, while Rocky Mount, North Carolina in Zone III could have winds of 200 mph. So, each needs shelters that can withstand those velocities. A monolithic dome has no problem withstanding those wind speeds.

Where can I find out even more about monolithic dome constructions, see examples of things talked about, or talk to people who own these homes? Call or email us or from the Monolithic Dome Institute.
 

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  •  School
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  •  Movies
  •  Gym
  •  Water park
  •  Fitness
  • Aircraft hanger
  •  Apartments
  •  And much more

      

                     

What is a Monolithic Dome Home?

 The Monolithic Dome is a super-insulated, steel reinforced concrete structure used for homes, schools, gymnasiums, bulk storage facilities, churches, offices, and many other uses.

David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute, and his brothers - Barry and Randy South - developed an efficient method for building a strong dome using a continuous spray-in-place process. In 1976, after years of planning and development they built the first Monolithic Dome in Shelley, Idaho.

The Monolithic Dome is a permanent structure which is energy efficient, cost effective, disaster resistant and attractive.

A Monolithic Dome starts as a concrete ring foundation, reinforced with steel rebar. For smaller domes, an integrated floor and ring foundation may be used. Vertical steel bars embedded in the ring beam footing are later attached to the steel reinforcing of the dome itself.

The Airform, fabricated to a proper shape and size, is attached to the concrete base. Using fans, the Airform is inflated - creating the shape of the dome. The Airform is both the form for construction of the dome and the outer roof membrane of the shell when it is finished. The inflator fans run throughout the construction of the dome shell.

Approximately three inches of polyurethane foam insulation is applied to the interior surface of the Airform.

Steel reinforcing bars, or rebar, is attached to the foam using special "hooks" embedded in the foam. The rebar is placed in a specially engineered layout of hoop (horizontal) and vertical steel rebar.

Shotcrete, a special spray mix of concrete, is sprayed onto the interior surface of the polyurethane foam, embedding the rebar. After three inches of shotcrete is applied, the Monolithic Dome is a steel reinforced, concrete structure.

Monolithic Domes have real strength. They can withstand the force of a tornado, hurricane or earthquake. They cannot burn, rot or be eaten by bugs.

The Monolithic Dome is energy efficient. It will usually save fifty percent on heating and cooling costs compared to a comparable conventional building.

 

      

Contact DSC  or Monolithic Dome Institute for listing of  homes registered for show

Kansas Area Builder of Monolithic Dome Homes
Darrell Henderson
5009 West 85th Street North
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-755-3759
dsc@fly2me.com