Dome house

PASLAUGOS

Dome house

The dome is a perfect space to live, work and create. It is the most efficient form in nature, providing the largest living space using the smallest surface area of the land.

The dome is structurally superior to rectangular buildings. Compared to them, dome buildings cover a much larger area without internal supports. With no load-bearing walls, the possibilities for interior planning are almost endless. Since the dome is a perfect form, all its proportions are based on one criterion: the diameter of the lower circle. Everything else follows naturally. The diameter chosen dictates the height of the structure. But the most important and the most difficult part of the project is the design of the structure of the dome itself. Once inside the dome, you can do whatever you want: build a timber-framed house or build many internal walls out of ceramic blocks, or build one or more floors. In principle, a dome is a very strong structure, but it requires very precise and complex calculations.

The main structural elements of the dome are curved wooden trusses. They are like the spars of a ship or the ribs of a large beast, which are attached to the foundation at the bottom and come together at the top. These trusses are manufactured in the factory from the highest grade (c24) of construction timber. For example, three 45 mm thick timbers are joined together for one truss, giving a total thickness of 135 mm per 'rib'.

Conveniently, all the "ribs" of the dome structure are the same. So once one is created, the others just need to be replicated. "The 'ribs' are welded to the foundation and securely connected at the top to create a solid structure. From there, everything is simpler. As in any timber-framed house, the main structures are connected by a series of intermediate fixings, and window and door slots are made. This is a responsible and meticulous job, requiring experience and knowledge.

Austerity

The spherical shape of the dome means less material is needed to build it. Compared to a rectangular structure of a similar size, the surface area of the dome will be 30% smaller. Therefore, less wood is used to build a dome house than a similarly sized "box" house.

Strength and tightness.

A dome house is about five times stronger than a rectangular house. In Antarctica, for example, a dome has stood for decades and withstood winds of around 322 km per hour. The aerodynamic properties of the building ensure that the wind will bypass it instead of penetrating inside.

Energy efficiency

The building has no corners, where most of the heat is lost. The heat loss of a building is directly proportional to the surface area of the building. The dome transfers less heat to and from the environment due to its one-third smaller surface area.

Good atmosphere

The spherical design makes air circulation inside very efficient as there are no corners. The air inside the dome is therefore distributed efficiently and evenly throughout the house.

Plenty of natural light

It's always difficult to light the corners of the house. In the dome, light is unrestricted.

Attractive appearance

Exceptional-looking domed buildings always attract the attention of those around
them, while at the same time providing a remarkable sense of security and relaxation inside.

A sense of harmony

Of course, the dome alone will not solve all personal problems. But high ceilings, curved lines and a sense of open space allow us to experience a natural state of harmony in everyday life. The spherical form is often found in nature: many cells and cosmic bodies, such as planets or the starry sky at night, are shaped like this. A dome is exactly half a sphere. So, according to feng shui consultants, living in such a house is potentially healthier and more hormonal.