Geodesic domes are enjoying a resurgence as more people seek out eco-friendly building options . Architect Buckminster Fuller invented the geodesic dome. The American Institute of Architects calls it “the strongest, lightest and most efficient means of enclosing space known to man.”
No doubt you’ve seen geodesic domes before. Some as public structures, some as private homes, but it’s safe to say that they make a statement regardless of their function. Geodesic domes stand out in a crowd because of their unique shape and their futuristic quality.
“Futuristic” is perhaps the exact right way to classify a geodesic dome. One of Fuller’s intentions when creating it was to address a housing crisis that he foresaw. Building a geodesic dome is less expensive than traditional building because it uses far less material. It’s also more structurally sound than any other style of home.
Geodesic domes are built out of individual triangles, able to withstand Mother Nature’s assaults while simultaneously using all that nature has to offer to heat and cool the dome. This is all without the loss of energy and at a significantly lower energy cost than traditional homes.
If you’re considering a geodesic dome of your own, dome builders can help. You may also consider building one of your own, in which case, there are several companies crafting dome building kits you’ll want to check out.
To get a better idea of the different ways geodesic domes are being used, let’s explore some public, business, and private structures.
Greenhouse Dome
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeCZHKKHqBC/?hl=en&tagged=geodesicdome
Imagine growing veggies year-round in this 30-foot geodesic greenhouse dome. Tomatoes in January, anyone?
The Geodesic Dome House
Built in the ’70s by a graduate student at University of California, Santa Barbara, this geodesic dome has a place in architecture history!
The Gold Dome
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhUsiFcAnrD/?taken-by=douglasprc
Built after Buckminster Fuller’s original prototype, The Gold Dome in Shreveport, LA is used as a 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena.
National Bowling Stadium
Located in Reno, NV, the National Bowling Stadium was built to resemble a bowling ball. The structure cost over $47 million dollars to complete and is referred to as the “Taj Mahal of tenpins”.
The Climatron At The Missouri Botanical Garden
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgMASqYn_S4/?hl=en&tagged=climatron
The Climatron Greenhouse at the Missouri Botanical Garden, made of a geodesic dome, simulates the climate of a rain forest and is used for conservational and educational purposes.
The Biosphere
Designed by Buckminster Fuller himself, the Biosphere is a museum in Montreal dedicated to the environment.
Russell Township ASM Headquarters And Geodesic Dome
Located in Geauga County, Ohio, this geodesic dome is the headquarters for ASM International, a professional organization for materials scientists and engineers. The structure was built in 1958.
Lakeside Geodesic Dome
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhTW3bXF_RB/?hl=en&tagged=geodesicdome
An eco-friendly alternative to a lakeside home, check out this geodesic structure right on the water.
Chabot Space And Science Center
https://www.instagram.com/p/BghoxNQHeb2/?hl=en&taken-at=555718
The Chabot Space and Science Center, located in Oakland, CA, is one of northern California’s leading centers for informal science education.
The Omaha Zoo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNZyG6mlmEH/?hl=en&taken-by=theomahazoo
This geodesic dome encapsulates a desert climate at the Omaha Zoo, while housing nocturnal animals underneath.
The Barbican Gallery
Located in London, the Barbican Art Gallery claims twin geodesic domes built as a pavilion by the waterside as part of their Radical Nature summer show.
EcoPod
Minimalist Dome Home
Just as cozy and inviting as a traditional home but with all the benefits of a geodesic structure.
Custom Dome Home
Who says a geodesic dome home can’t be luxurious? No doubt this home gets noticed!
Traditional Geodesic Home
This home perfectly blends the traditional exterior of modern homes with the architecture of a geodesic dome.
Geodesic Home Master Bath
The interior of a geodesic home offers unique design opportunities. Notice how this home captures the natural light pouring in through the windows.
Wooden Geodesic Dome
Create your own ecosystem with a wooden geodesic dome like this. Wooden domes are also popular builds for children to play in.
Geodesic Dome Skylight
Imagine a skylight of this size! This structure was built over a sunken garden.
Oceanside Geodesic Dome
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhSCrL8nlBj/?hl=en&tagged=geodesicdome
Maximize the eco-friendly opportunities living by the ocean provides with a geodesic home in a tropical paradise.
Geodesic Dome Event Tent
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRS-hMAywh/?hl=en&tagged=geodesicdome
The stability of a geodesic dome make them an ideal option for an event tent. The interior of this space can easily be transformed to look magical.
Meditation Geodesic Dome
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhGNbkxHGxK/?hl=en&tagged=geodesicdome
The design elements of a geodesic dome create a tranquil space to be used for meditative purposes.
Geodesic Dome Camping
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFVyHfhX2L/?hl=en&taken-by=geodomegroup
This is a new and unique way to enjoy the Alps. May not be ideal for the faint of heart.
Craftsman Geodesic Dome
Located in Ohio, this home blends a Craftsman style into this family’s geodesic dome.
One of the things that I love about dome homes and structures is just how versatile they are. There are so many great options and plans available to create anyone’s dream for dome home living. I went with a cheaper option for my mountain property that has a great view of a lake. I found a kit on https://www.simpleterra.com/dome-homes/ that only cost me $22,000. While not as spectacular as some of these in this article I think it’s a great option for people on a budget.