A Brief Guide on How Geodesic Domes Are Made

Geodesic domes offer homeowners and campers a unique architectural space that uses relatively few materials. They bring you closer to nature and provide unique features to make it more comfortable. Here’s a brief overview of how geodesic domes are made.

Understanding Geodesic Domes

Geodesic domes are an arrangement of polygons that create a half-sphere. These polygons consist of an array of triangles that form three- or five-eighths of a geodesic sphere, creating a structure that has the maximum amount of strength, and covers the greatest amount of surface area with the least amount of materials.

This makes them excellent eco-friendly shelters that can be used as glamping units, event space, temporary hospitals, retreat centers, and much more! They are also highly customizable so owners can choose to add additional features, such as insulation, doors, windows, and skylights, to make the domes more comfortable, livable, and tailored to their particular uses. You can even add a connecting tunnel to connect them together!

The Benefits of Geodesic Domes

Their highly robust nature makes geodesic domes stand apart from traditional tents, housing, RV vehicles, and other camping accommodations. Compared to months or years for manufacturing other housing structures, our lead time is just 4-6 weeks and everything you need to set up your dome will arrive straight to your doorstep. Assembly is simplified by our instruction manual and most of our domes can be fully set up in just 6-8 hours.

Additionally, they have high corrosion resistance, and can accommodate indoor features like bathrooms and insulation.

Geodesic Dome Materials

Geodesic domes are made from economically acceptable materials that provide high-quality protection from weather ailments. Dome structures can be made up of 1- to 1.5-inch galvanized steel, wood, or aluminum struts. Our most affordable covers are made of either 20 or 24 oz. PVC blackout vinyl but for a more high-end look you can always have custom wood or concrete panels made for all the individual triangles. Our kits also include three hinged porthole-style fiberglass windows with exterior mosquito nets, and door frames that can accommodate any door from your local hardware store.

Geodesic Dome Construction

Geodesic dome construction goes through a complete design and manufacturing process. The first step for any client upon choosing to work with us is determining the configuration of their dome. This includes choosing a placement for the door frame, material for the cover, and the frequency of the structure. The higher the frequency of the dome, the higher the number of triangles used to make it and thus, the stronger the structure. Our 6 and 7 meter models are typically 3V but once you go above that size the frequency starts increasing to ensure the dome is as sturdy as possible. Regardless, the geometric design supports itself without using internal columns or load-bearing walls.

If you’d like more information about our manufacturing process and how we can make the perfect dome suitable to your needs feel free to give us a call and we will happily answer all of your questions. In the meantime, you can check out our pricing page to see our standard offerings. Remember, just because you don’t see it on the pricing page doesn’t mean we can’t make it! Our best recipes are off the menu!