Dome builder

Oddly enough, I've been looking at some land in STX suitable for building a dome "farm".

I've been looking into the dome thing too. This web page has some kits for concrete domes that aren"t too bad looking.

http://www.aidomes.com/

I don't like the look of the domes which are prefab. The sprayed domes have a more natural look to them. monolithic.com has a forum and they do talk about the balloon kit beeing send to the building site easily. You just need a contractor who does the the concreate (sp) spraying. An architect or designer to help with the floor plan and placement of windows. Domes are great for open space homes. I love the idea that they are so storm and earthquake resistant.

Iris

We looked into the domes- the prefab. They don't really seem all that expensive- for a basic, very small one. When you start getting into the huge, special order ones, it can get quite expensive (from our research), even more so that a space-comparable "regular" home. Does any else have any price ranges?

Hello all,
Just a word about the construction of the dome homes. At my place of work, (we are building a coke plant from the ground up), just yesterday, an outside company was constructing a dome, and must not have been experienced in the process. They eviedently sprayed the concrete on too thick to begin with. They sprayed eight foot high sections starting at the base, working up, and while they were working on the back of the dome, the front started caving in. They had a real mess on their hands by the time they were done for the day. It ended up with them tearing down. We will see what they do next. Anyway, make sure your construction company knows what they are doing.
Ray

From what I have read the domes are suppose to be sprayed from the inside. I have to go back to the website to confirm I read this right. There is a dome building calculator on the sites URL http://www.monolithic.com/plan_design/evaluation/index.html I listed in my other post. It is not all about cost but the strengst of the structure and how it fairs in a bad storm. Off course as someone here said add to the cost so you will not get a surprise. I like the dome idea because you can build the shell first and then compleate the construction inside not exposed to the enviorment. As with ever building project you have to do your research hire the right people. That means interview them and call the people they give as reference and if possible visit site they have build.

Iris

http://www.zdomes.com/Articles/article-ivan.html

Article on how dome did in IVAN

Iris,

I have researched the monolithic domes as well. They are both hurricane resistant and termite / dry rot proof which is a very good thing in a caribbean island environment. They are also very energy efficient.

I am considering putting together a deal to buy some property on STX and possibily building what might be considered a "dome" home subdivision. Say around 2400 square feet each with covered parking. I'd leave the inside unfinished for the buyer to complete upon purchase.

Anybody else have an interest in something like this? Some "domes" might even be 'earth bermed" to increase energy efficiency.

The addition of a solar panel or wind farm area for the entire subdivision would increase self sufficiency.

We are currendly in the process of buying land. Our dome would be at least that big. The Homeowners association requires us to build 1800 squarefeet and bigger. Cars have to be unvisible from the street either via car port or garage. I like the idea of solar panels. I see them used a lot on public housing on STX.

Iris

Hi Iris,
Where are you looking at land on STX? We purchased a lot in Teagues Bay up the hill to Villa Madeline. We also have a 2BR condo at Reef but plan to build a house for when we move there in about 3 1/2 years. I was just talking to someone the other day and they were saying build round so the hurricanes won't destroy the house!! Then I saw your post about the dome homes and the link to their website and found it most interesting.

I wonder how these houses will do with cisterns? Have you gotten any info on that?

Keep me posted!
Thanks

We are buying in Estate Little Princess which is near Christianstead. We have chooses that location for several reason. It is not very developed yet but has paved streets. It also has utilities in place. The neighbors who live there seem to keep their propperties in shape. From what the realtor told me it is a diversed neighborhood. It was very important for us to buy land which we can garden as well. So we wanted to be on the part of the island where it rained more and the soil is good. Most everyone around had fruit trees. The land prices where also still ok.

I like the dome building for their unique strong quality and energy efficiantcy (sp). They also have a very interesting look inside. I love open space which everyone recommends for the tropical clima anyhow.

As all houses on the Island have to have cistern I think we would not have a choice in the matter. However, I know that astronaut who build his dome did have one as it was not cost effective to bring in water and electricity. His dome has solar power and I believe an inside greenhouse as well. Also cistern are most often below the house and would not effect the building of the dome much difference as any other square structure.

Iris

I think the question with a dome is -- How are you going to collect the water from the "roof" to put into the cistern?

Iris and Ric,
First, Ric,
You hit it on the head!! That is what I was trying to ask-LOL. I assumed the cistern would be under the house as part of foundation but was wondering what type of system on the roof would be used to collect the water. I have visions of the rain water shooting out sporadically when it hits the roof!!

And Iris,
The site with the house that was designed by that architect, Zimmerman, that just made it thru the hurricane's was great. He makes them so much more attractive and they are open which is what you want to capture the breezes. Also the insulation will keep them cool another plus for a house in the Islands.According to his site, they can withstand winds up to 300 mph and earthquakes that are up to 8 on the Richter scale. The part of the East end where my lot is located does show it being in a potential earthquake zone-great, huh!! So I really think this is the house for me especially since the prediction is that there is going to be another hurricane season similar to this for the next decade!!
I plan to contact this Mr. Zimmerman because I think he has offices in my area in addition to California. It mentions his home in Fairfax, VA which is about 30 minutes from me. So I will let everyone know what I find out.

Wonder if this house would get a cheaper rate on insurance!! Probably should but won't as these insurance companies are going to be hurting after all the hurricane damage claims this year!!
Take care all!

There is one design of a dome which apeals to me. It looks like a wavi clam shell. I think a lip around the rim of such design would look very natural and aid as a way to collect the water. I did post on the dome web forum to see if there are other option. I agree Zimmerman makes the domes look so much more attractive. In my eye that is the only way to go. I want neighbors to like looking at my house not hating me for choosing an alternative building style. So it has to be eye candy to your eyes. We are tinkering on our computer to try and figure out layouts we like. Then I will make a freehand sketch and let the architect go from there. I will have to do some research on architects.

Oh on the dome website is a link to how to deal with insurance. How to answer their questions in their language.

http://www.monolithic.com/gallery/homes/insurance_tips/

But the real cost saving with a dome are really in maintanance and energy savings. With the average living cost on the island beeing 30% higher than on the mainland, but income not really keeping up with that number saving money is good.

Iris

Iris,
That is the same one that I like-I thought it looked like a clam too!!
And you are right, it has to be appealing to the neighborhood or everyone will be talking about "the hated Dome Home" ruining their neighborhood.
Well keep me up to date on any info you find and I will do the same!
Thanks!

Sounds great. After just going trough our garage and basement to get rid off junk I feel amost ready for STX lol. Now we just have to find a good job for my husband.

Thanks
Iris

On a lighter note, does anyone else think the Dilbert Ultimate House looks like something you'd see in the VI? 😉

http://www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/duh/tour.html

That almost looks like the layout my husband made for our house lol. He is a computer geek so there could be a connection. ;))
We don't have a cat room nor an open center so. Something to think about. Now I know where we will put the cars.
Iris

hey guys!
Really enjoyed your conversation...
I'm a real estate investor in Miami looking to make a move dn to st croix by may 2005 .
I share your vision and passion..
Can I help you in any way make your dream come true ?
Sebastien D.

Oh, build me a dome,
Where the mongooses roam,
Where the beer, and the Cruzan are fine;
Where the water's so blue,
And the heavens are too,
That it just blows your peapickin' mind...

Sorry... sometimes there's a song and it's just gotta get out.

Sebastien,

I'd be interested to hear what you have in mind.

Jay

I asked this question in another section so I will try again. Does anyone know if Dome homes are allowed in R-1 zonings ? There is no association to deal with.