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10 Answers

janbb's avatar

Well those domes are designed as greenhouses but visionary architect Buckminster Fuller designed geodesic domes for habitation:

https://www.bfi.org/about-fuller/big-ideas/geodesic-domes.

Zaku's avatar

A real estate site keyword search for “dome” will usually turn up a few geodesic dome homes per state, at least on the West Coast.

elbanditoroso's avatar

How many doors are there? I am always worried about any dwelling where there is only one way out, whether it’s an apartment, hotel room, condo, or whatever. What if that is blocked?

Two worries about this, but otherwise it looks interesting:

1) egress (mentioned above)

2) temperature control. Keeping warm in winter and keeping cool in summer.

seawulf575's avatar

If you look at the link in the original question, under the 26’ dome description they say it is enough space to live in and is great for lodging.

Inspired_2write's avatar

@elbanditoroso
It mentioned that its used in harshest conditions…cold .
I suppose it could be created with two or more entrances/exits? ( my concern too as trailers don’t have two doors).
Wonder if it could help the homeless as its better than a tent.

Inspired_2write's avatar

@janbb
Interesting link. I checked out “Explore our domes” category and it shows very positive reason , affordability, environmentally safe, made of ceramic , hurricane, proof etc
A lot of pluses .But says small domes..wonder if it could be made bigger .

kritiper's avatar

Many years ago, it was not uncommon for people to live within the same structure as their cows and horses. So, why not??

Tropical_Willie's avatar

Air handling for heating and cooling can be a problem with the heated air rising

LuckyGuy's avatar

It looks like it would be a great greenhouse but might not keep you warm in the winter.
I worried about heat loss and contacted the company to get some more info.

Here are some excerpts:
The polycarbonate panels have an r-value of 2.8. (Note: Where you live walls have an R- value in the r-38 to r-50 range.)

The greenhouse is heated with a self-regulated system that uses the sun’s natural heat, focusing it through special insulated panels in order to heat up a central water tank that helps maintain ideal growing conditions. An insulated north-facing wall helps trap warm air, and an insulated foundation ring keeps out frost and prevents the ground from cooling the dome.

These two components allow the dome to heat itself about 20–25º warmer than outside temperatures. For very cold temperatures in the winter, owners usually opt for an additional heating system, such as an electric or propane heating unit.”

If you lived in Tennessee, these would be perfect!

Inspired_2write's avatar

@LuckyGuy
Thanks for doing that , the information is well received.
Just wondered if it could help homeless people if the cities purchased a lot and built these too.

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