ddgreat_scottredwood geodesic dome
I completed the framework for a geodesic dome several weeks ago, made out of commonly available 2×6 redwood. The structure is roughly 25 feet across and 16 feet high at the center point. I have also covered the structure with 7/16 inch chip board. The structure includes 2 doors, 3 skylights and 6 windows. I ve begun applying elastomeric roof paint to the exteriour. I expect to be completed with the painting in about 2 weeks. I have incorporated a variety of post-consumer items in the construction of this dome, including: windows made from old refrigerator shelves, drip edging made from old appliance metals, redwood from an old dismantled deck to make the frame, and old pallets were also used for the frame.
The structure has proved to be quite sturdy despite the lack of a concrete foundation. The structure sits on 15 tires that have been rammed with soil from the building site. A piece of appliance metal covers the tire to reduce erosion of the soil inside the tire. The structure is quite heavy, however, and despite even 40 mph winds up on the hill where is located has not shown movement or shifting.
The dome is based on a conduit dome that I had put together some time ago.
I also did some figuring a while back about the 24v icosahedron structure, it would be quite large, something like 200,000 square feet on the ground level, if 5 foot (and under) pieces where used. It would be quite economical, per square foot, to build however. The cost would be about $5 per square foot, much cheaper than any house I’ve ever seen. The structure would be some 130 feet high, and could easily accomidate some 15
floors. The cost of the materials would be about that of a standard house, excluding cost of the land. It would be worth doing though, because no one has yet built a dome of that magnitude. If one could get enough pallets, one could likely build it almost entirely out of the pallets. think thousands of pallets and you’ll be able to get started. My structure required about 70 pieces of lumber for the frame. most pallets have three pieces of lumber.
I decided not to complete the dome using scavenged metals because it is difficult to cut the metal to the exact sizes needed. I found the wooded dome much easier produce.
I also am planning to build two more domes at this location. One will be a combination workshop and garage. IT will be 40 feet across and roughtly 25 feet high. It will contain 3 levels inside. The other dome will be roughly 25 feet across and 16 feet high, and will contain a solar collector for water heating, and a water collection device, both of which will be integral to the dome structure. I expect them to be completed by fall, 2008. The smaller of the two I plan to complete next year (2007). 6 years ago
