Monolithic Concrete Dome

You have to have enough roof area for collecting water for the cistern -and you cannot put a bathroom above a cistern so keep that in mind for your design. Nothing intrinsically wrong with a concrete home - most of us have them -just make a plan for light and ventilation.

do a search. Was a big topic on board, perhaps 10 years ago or longer. He had issues and did not build.

There are a couple of the dome homes made of panels.
The one referred to that did not get built was due to restrictions by home owners assoc.

Did a search but came up empty. Any suggestions of how to find the thread?

There is one on STJ that was built in the 80s. You can buy it for $1.5 million, although it's crumbling with age (that value is for the 2 acres of land it's sitting on). http://www.islandiarealestate.com/details.cfm?mls=yes&mlsid=15-341&type=residential

A better exterior pic is here: http://soldonstjohn.com/listings/dome-house-private-st-john-estate/

Totally doesn't address your question, of course -- just thought you'd like to see what's been built in the past along those lines.

Did a search but came up empty. Any suggestions of how to find the thread?

It's here: https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,21596,21596#msg-21596

You have to set your search settings at the bottom to All Dates instead of Past Year.

Just remember that whatever you build, your roof will will have to be able to collect rainwater for your cistern. Make sure you can accommodate your needs. Better to have more water than less. Last year's prolonged drought took a toll on all fours islands.

So,....using my researched value of about 40 inches of rain per year in the USV and referencing the following article:

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/drinking-water/cisterns-and-springs/rainwater-cisterns-design-construction-and-water-treatment

I've calculated I'd need about 4500 square feet of catchment area. That's a lot of roof!!! I find it difficult to believe that all new construction has to be on such a grand scale. Anyone know off the top of their heads what the code requirements are for a 2 person dwelling as far as catchment sizes are concerned?

You'd be best to check with DPNR on that. There is definitely regulations about the size of cistern required for any new home construction. I don't think it has anything to do with how many people plan to live in the house after its built but may depend on total square feet of living space.

So,....using my researched value of about 40 inches of rain per year in the USV and referencing the following article:

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/drinking-water/cisterns-and-springs/rainwater-cisterns-design-construction-and-water-treatment

I've calculated I'd need about 4500 square feet of catchment area. That's a lot of roof!!! I find it difficult to believe that all new construction has to be on such a grand scale. Anyone know off the top of their heads what the code requirements are for a 2 person dwelling as far as catchment sizes are concerned?

We have a wonderful search tool. maybe this will help.

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,266180,266204#msg-266204

Thanks CruzanIron, I did see that old post. What I'm asking is, how much roof area does one need to keep the appropriately sized cistern filled. A small roof won't keep a big cistern filled.

You'd be best to check with DPNR on that. There is definitely regulations about the size of cistern required for any new home construction. I don't think it has anything to do with how many people plan to live in the house after its built but may depend on total square feet of living space.

That seems the most sensible thing to arrange once the OP actually moves here. This is a dream for way in the future.

There is a formula for determine the size of cistern needed as to house size. And a two story house is half again as much.
That said, some people say to build as big as you can afford. A few years ago it was about $1 per gallon. Some people say to build small and buy a few hundred dollars worth a year.
A lot depends on where on island you are going to build. Near rain Forrest you get a lot of rain, getting close to that 40" that you saw. In the East they get much less.

In the hills in the rainforest would be my first choice,...depending on all the usual factors. Off grid would also be a plus,...if possible.

In the hills in the rainforest would be my first choice,...depending on all the usual factors. Off grid would also be a plus,...if possible.

I'm not in the rainforrest, but out west is out west, we get lots of water here.

You could always build a covered parking area and collect that water as well plus that would be the IDEAL locatin for your solar pannels, as a dome doesn't work very well when you need them to all be south facing at 17* or so...

I'm sure it could be done. I'd love to see it, I want a dome structure on my property too.

maybe a nice 100 foot diameter...

In the hills in the rainforest would be my first choice,...depending on all the usual factors. Off grid would also be a plus,...if possible.

I'm not in the rainforrest, but out west is out west, we get lots of water here.

You could always build a covered parking area and collect that water as well plus that would be the IDEAL locatin for your solar pannels, as a dome doesn't work very well when you need them to all be south facing at 17* or so...

I'm sure it could be done. I'd love to see it, I want a dome structure on my property too.

maybe a nice 100 foot diameter...

Sounds like a plan! I'd be happy to contribute to your dome fund in return for a 99 year lease on say, 100 square feet to use as a storm shelter! 😀

What zoning and permitting nightmares might one expect with a prefab monolithic dome cabin which is constructed in Texas can can be shipped anywhere in the world? This is, of course, assuming a suitable concrete slab with intergral cistern is constructed to accept the concrete cabin. Check out the link and let me know.

Thanks,

Peter

http://www.monolithic.org/cabins/model24

Probably best to call DPNR, directly.
http://dpnr.vi.gov

Personally, I find the design claustrophobic looking and, well, ugly.
No offense intended, just my opinion.
I can see the appeal as far as pricing.

I like lots of light and windows in a home to take advantage of the breezes and our gorgeous views.

Good luck with DPNR.
If you're serious about this and call them, always get the person's name and extention so you have continuity and reference.

http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/homes/weekly-ten-best-home-deals/2014/12-9-2014/3/

Probably best to call DPNR, directly.
http://dpnr.vi.gov

Personally, I find the design claustrophobic looking and, well, ugly.
No offense intended, just my opinion.
I can see the appeal as far as pricing.

I like lots of light and windows in a home to take advantage of the breezes and our gorgeous views.

Good luck with DPNR.
If you're serious about this and call them, always get the person's name and extention so you have continuity and reference.

Not pretty, for sure. Hurricane and earthquake proof, however. I envision addition of less robust, more aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas/covered rooms to take advantage of breeze and view. Cleaverly landscaped, it would be a quick, reasonably inexpensive bunker on which to expand.

Good luck!

http://images.monolithic.org/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b88c29e068473000b81/small/2ecoshell.jp g">

You'd never know it was there! 😀

Not too horrible looking. The thatched roof if purely decorative and,....expendable.

http://images.monolithic.org/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b68c29e068473000958/large/xan02.jp g">

http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/homes/weekly-ten-best-home-deals/2014/12-9-2014/3/

YES! Exactly! But an order of magnitude,or so, more than I'm willing to spend,.....:S