You’re Going to Want to Live in One of These 12 Dome Homes
If you’re in the process of house hunting or designing your dream home, maybe you should think outside the box. No, really — stop thinking of your house as a box. Dome homes and geodesic domes are on the rise all over the world, and we’re not talking about hobbit holes or Epcot globes. The combination of concrete and dome shape can make them highly resistant to earthquakes and tornadoes and because there are no load-bearing walls, you can design the interior pretty much however you want. Even better, geodesic homes tend to be extremely energy efficient. And while some dome homes can look like they belong on Tatooine, many are stunning both inside and out.
1. Wooden Domespaces: Leave it to the French to design something so beautifully unique. Nous adorons the minimalistic exterior contrasted with the spiral detailing of the floors and ceilings. And for our hardcore DIYers, you can even opt to assemble it yourself.
2. Inflatable Concrete Survival Homes: If these colorful mockups strike you as a little bit retro, you’re not wrong — the Binishell system of blowing up concrete like a balloon was actually developed in the ‘60s. The idea is making a comeback, but this time for disaster relief and low-cost housing, in a more environmentally-friendly way. (via Fast Company)
3. Arty, Geodesic Dome Home: The owners of this Californian home describe it as a mix of modern meets contemporary meets folk. After looking through all of the inspired ways they’ve chosen to display their art collection, we have to agree. (via Ventana)
4. Rotating Dome Home: Never seem to get any sun on the porch when you want it? Looking for a change of scenery for a new season? You can actually build your dome home to rotate. We know, it’s hard to believe, but you can see it in action here!
5. Cheap and Cheerful Dome: Building a home on an organic mango farm in Thailand already sounds like paradise. But make that a dome home that takes only about $9,000 and six weeks to construct and well, that’s basically heaven on earth. This minimalistic structure packs a big punch in color and life.
6. Lots of Light and Space: They weren’t kidding when they said everything’s bigger in Texas. Dome homes definitely don’t have to be small, as this 6,331 sq. ft. home proves. Geometric ceiling windows give the place tons of light. Plus, THAT FIREPLACE — we’re swooning. (via The Decoist)
7. Spiral Staircases: Your dreams of having a spiral staircase for making a spectacular entrance will finally come true in a dome home. Stairs that start in the middle of the home and sweep up and out, like a nautilus shell, make the most of the space and provide amazing views of the whole house. (via Monolithic)
8. Prefab Geodesic DOM(E): Looking to plant yourself out in the wild with a prefab house? This igloo-inspired, all-weather dome ticks plenty of eco-friendly boxes. It features a self-supporting structure, low-cost construction, natural air flow, solar panels and a rainwater collection tank. Plus, you still get plumbing and a fireplace on top of everything else.
9. Rock Covered Dome: Blend into your surroundings by covering your dome in stones, like this beauty out in Utah. Prepare to be really impressed: The homeowner DIYed the exterior herself, and even added a climbing wall so she can watch the sunset from atop the dome. How dreamy is that?
10. Joshua Tree Rental: Ready to check out this dome home business for yourself? Try staying in this huge Joshua Tree Airbnb rental. It starts at $642/night for up to 12 people, which breaks down to a reasonable price if you round up a big group. (via jasonEscapist)
11. Oregon Dome Cabin Rental: Here’s another stunning stay to add to our cozy cabin rental list. You’re close to Mt. Hood for winter skiing and a creek for summer hiking. The house itself comes outfited with a full kitchen, wood stove and a pool table, perfect for winding down over a weekend. (via Cabin Porn)
12. EcoCamp Patagonia: Glamping and outdoor adventure enthusiasts, get thee to the Chilean Patagonia. EcoCamp has set up a fabulous campsite in the conservational spirit of the ancient inhabitants’ huts, leaving low impact on the national park. Sign up for multi sports, wildlife safaris and treks and you may never want to leave your little dome village. (via EcoCamp)
Could you abandon your four walls in favor of a dome home? Let us know in the comments below!