Geodesic Domes: Single-Family Home
We do not intend to use readily available dome-kits (frequency 2-3), but develop our own, allowing for custom-engineering for insulation and acoustics. For frequency 3–4 domes, usable area typically increases to 75–85% of floor area at standard standing height.
Higher frequency domes (3–4):
- Steeper side walls: more vertical usable space.
- More regular interior geometry (easier for furniture, doors, partitions).
- Better insulation potential (smaller panels, fewer thermal bridges).
Dome Sizes & Areas:
| Function | Diameter (width x length for corridor) | Floor Area (πr²) | Usable (80%) |
| Kitchen + Living Room | 10 m | 78.5 m² | ~63 m² |
| Master Bedroom | 6.5 m | 33.2 m² | ~26.5 m² |
| Bedrooms (x3) | 6 m | 28.3 m² each | ~22.6 m² each |
| Bathroom | 5 m | 19.6 m² | ~15.7 m² |
| Storage / Tech | 5 m | 19.6 m² | ~15.7 m² |
| Corridor spine (linear, arched) | 2 m × 30 m | 60 m² | ~50 m² usable |
Total Usable Living Area Per Home (3 children):
| Area Type | Usable m² |
| Living & Kitchen | 63 |
| Master Bedroom | 26.5 |
| Bedrooms (x3) | 67.8 |
| Bathroom | 15.7 |
| Storage / Tech | 15.7 |
| Corridor | 50 |
| Total Optional reduction for 2-child families | 238.7 m² ~216 m² |
Possible Materials:
Material stack suited for the North-East German climate.
- Cold winters (−10 °C common, sometimes lower)
- Hotter summers (up to 35 °C)
- Moisture & wind exposure (Baltic influence, humid, storms)
- Desire for sustainability + energy efficiency
1. Frame (Structural Skeleton)
The frame is the core load-bearing element. Needs strength, longevity, ease of assembly.
Galvanized or stainless steel
- High strength, thinner struts → less thermal bridging.
- Long life, corrosion resistant (important in humid North German air).
- Higher CO₂ footprint in production.
Glulam (glued laminated timber)
- Renewable, beautiful aesthetics, warm interior feel.
- Good thermal properties (less bridging than steel).
- Requires weather protection and maintenance.
Hybrid (steel connectors + wooden beams): wood for most struts, steel hubs for precision and durability. Glulam beams with steel connectors for sustainability + insulation performance.
2. Outer Plates (Exterior Shell)
These take the weather beating. Needs to be waterproof, durable, and UV resistant.
Structural plywood + breathable membrane + cladding
- Plywood triangles → covered with breathable membrane (e.g. Pro Clima, Tyvek).
- External cladding: wood siding, metal sheets (zinc/aluminum), or fiber cement panels.
Bio-based composites (e.g. hemp-lime panels, cork, wood fiber boards with lime render)
- Best ecological footprint.
- Diffusion open → reduces condensation risk.
- Heavier, more manual work.
Plywood + breathable membrane + wood cladding (treated larch, cedar, or thermowood). Optional: metal shingles for extra durability.
3. Inner Plates (Interior Finish)
Defines comfort & acoustics. Needs to be breathable and pleasant.
Fermacell (gypsum fiber boards)
- Fire safety, sound insulation, breathable.
- Robust for hanging shelves, kitchen, etc.
Wood-based boards (OSB, plywood, or CLT finish)
- Warm look, natural feel.
- Needs sealing for fire safety.
Clay plaster on reed mats
- Top-notch for humidity regulation, natural aesthetics, acoustic dampening.
- More labor-intensive.
Gypsum fiber boards (Fermacell) for durability + clay plaster finish in living areas for natural humidity control.
4. Insulation (Thermal + Acoustic)
North-East Germany = needs high U-value performance (~0.12–0.15 W/m²K).
Wood fiber insulation boards + cellulose
- Renewable, good heat storage → keeps cool in summer.
- Open diffusion system (healthy indoor climate).
Hemp, flax, sheep wool
- Ecological, very good humidity handling.
- Price and availability vary.
Mineral wool (rockwool)
- Cheap, fire resistant, widely available.
- Higher embodied energy, less eco-friendly.
Cellulose blown-in insulation between the struts + outer wood fiber boards for summer heat protection + inner air barrier.
Design considerations:
- Moisture safety: absolutely critical in dome structures → must use a breathable but airtight membrane system (e.g. Pro Clima Intello for vapor control).
- Thermal bridges: minimize steel exposure, use wood where possible.
- Sound insulation: clay plaster + cellulose already do a great job.
- Green option: outer cladding could be living green roof shingles (sedum mats), but maintenance is higher.
Summary Stack (outside → inside):
- Durable cladding (wood, metal, or fiber cement)
- Breathable weather membrane
- Plywood sheathing
- Wood fiber board (continuous insulation)
- Dome frame (glulam + steel connectors) filled with blown-in cellulose/hemp
- Vapor control membrane (smart membrane)
- Fermacell or clay plaster on reed mats