Geodesic Domes

What is a Geodesic Dome?

Geodesic domes are commonly used for buildings because their specific shape provides a sturdy base for the building. For example, you can find many dome-shaped buildings that are based on a geodesic design. The idea of the geodesic dome is that it balances the stress of the structure evenly on itself so that no one part of the building has to handle more weight and, therefore, stress than another part.

Learn how to build a Geodesic Dome

While the two are not directly connected, an example of similar functionality would be cylinders, because of their shape they can also withstand immense loads under which other structural designs might cave in.

Examples of geodesic dome architecture can be found all over the world. Here are some examples of such buildings:

The Spaceship Earth building in the Walt Disney World Resort is made of geodesic tiles. There should be (theoretically) 11,520 total isosceles on the entire building

The Biosphere in Montreal serving as an icon of dedication to the environment is also a geodesic dome.

Geodesic domes also have some remote appearances in popular culture. A geodesic dome appeared in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, and is also popularly remembered as the base of Dr. Evil in The Spy Who Shagged Me, the Austin Powers film.

Geodesic domes are also used in the construction of buildings like stadiums where stability is very important and a vast area has to be covered (the roof). For structures like that, it is essential that the building can handle stress well and not only the weight of the building but also added pressure from natural forces like wind and snow.

So while the geodesic dome isn't the most well-known kind of architectural design, it certainly is important and has its place not only in the world of architecture but in other fields as well.

PROJECTS WE COMPLETED

Project Scope

We have become China's largest Geodesic Dome manufacturer. At the request of a European Events company, we were asked to produce 250 domes in 45 days. Rising to the challenge, these glamping (glamorous camping) pods were manufactured so that our client could set up a high-end temporary retreat in the Spanish mountains. We supplied the complete domes, as well as several of the interior fittings/decoration (shower, faucets, shower trays, LED lighting. etc)

• Client: Events Company

• Type: Geodesic Dome Glamping pods

• Location: Sierra Nevada, Spain

• Date: July-Sept 2015

• Value: 600K Euro

• Surface Built: 4,900 m2

• # of Units: 250 complete domes

Challenges

The client needed 250 domes, with a high-tech look, to be delivered in 45 days on a budget. They required an Outer-Space look and feel, and the ability for guests to see the stars through a transparent skylight while lying in bed. A full bathroom, fittings, and furniture were needed to deliver on the high-end, glamping experience.

Solution

Building on its experience in supplying high-end insulated Geodesic Domes, we developed a cost-effective 5-meter diameter Geodesic dome that was successfully manufactured in record time. We designed and added a tunnel entrance to the standard Geodesic Dome shape to give the user the feeling of entering a spaceship through a chamber. Using high-quality materials, these Domes last much longer than the 3 weeks of their initial deployment in Spain. The Domes use a portable AC unit to regulate temperature and airflow.

Contact us if you are interested in offering such an event experience