How To Plan Your Ultimate Dream Dome Structures

Just Domes - Holiday home Dome Structures

Custom Geodesic Dome structures by Just Domes! Geodesic Dome Structures are cost-effective and versatile options to many business and home requirements.

Our Dome structures can be used as Eco-Resort dwelling places,environmentally conscious developers looking for sustainablehousing solutions can surely investigate this option.

Dome Structures For Many Purposes

These dome structures lend themselves to many different uses:

  • Cost-effective homes,
  • Holiday homes,
  • That extra bedroom/guest room,
  • A workshop, greenhouse,
  • Pool cover for all season swimming,
  • chicken coupes and more

Geodesic Dome Homes

Up Market Dome Structures for Homes

Builders and homebuyers are starting to keep up to date with emerging trends and, while we do not yet see the neighbourhoods filled with domed structures, some experts believe that Geodesic dome structures are the homes of choice in the not-too-distant future.

Glamping Dome Structures

Just Domes - Geodesic Glamping Dome structures

The Tourism industry has certainly recognised the versatility of the Dome for Glamping Resorts.

Just Domes-Versatile Glamping Domes

In more ways than one.

That Extra Bedroom/Guest Room

Dome Structures - Extra Bedroom Come Office

That extra guest bedroom /office that you always dreamed of.

A Workshop Or Greenhouse

Just Domes - Green house
Study/workshop

Dome Structures For Outdoor Activities

Geodesic Dome - Pool Cover

Need year-round cover?

Dome Structures for Agri Uses

Geodesic Henhouse

The uses are only limited by your imagination.

Building Materials for Dome Structures

Geodesic Domes can be built out of many different materials. Each material has its pro and cons.

FrameProsCons
PVC PipeLight and easy to transport
Easy to erect.
20 – 50mm Pipe can be used to build the frame
Suitable for fairly large Size domes
Mo painting or treatment needed
Can be covered with Canvas, Shadecloth or Plastic.
Cost-Effective
Not as rigid as Steel.
All interior cupboards, walls and mezzanine floor must be Freestanding
No other interior furniture or structure can be supported by the PVC frame.
Steel PipeStrong and rigid frame
Can be covered with canvas, glass fibre, wood panelling, wood, aircrete and more.
Longer lasting than PVC.
Heavy
Difficult to transport in a small vehicle.
More difficult to erect
Takes longer to Erect
Must be Powder coated or Galvanised to prevent rust.
Expensive
AluminiumStrong and rigid frame
Lighter than Steel Pipe
Can be covered with canvas, glass fibre, wood panelling, wood, aircrete and more.
Longer lasting than PVC.
Heavier than PVC
Difficult to transport in a small vehicle.
More difficult to erect
Takes longer to Erect
Expensive
Wood FrameStrong and rigid frame
Can be covered with canvas, glass fibre, wood panelling, wood, aircrete and more.
Longer lasting than PVC.
Heavier than PVC
Difficult to transport in a small vehicle.
Must be Treated or painted.
More difficult to erect
Takes longer to Erect
Expensive
Cover
CanvasCost-effective
Lightweight
Durable if UV resistant and tear-proof canvas is used
Ea Must be Powder coated or Galvanised to prevent rust. easy to install
Can have windows and vents
Suitable for all weather conditions
Can be painted with UV resistant paint
Not as long-lasting as glass, steel, glass fibre or wood
UV Resistant & Tearresistant canvas can be less cost-effective but lasts longer
Can be torn and damaged if not properly cared for.
PolyurithaneA Non-UV resistant cheaper msterial can be used and painted with Polyurethane, but any savings will be countered by the cost of the PolyurethaneNeeds to be done by a professional with the right equipment.
PlasticVery Cheap
Easy to transport
Easy to install
Does not last very long and must be replaced
Easily torn and damaged
Can be damaged by hail or wind-born objects
ShadeclothSuitable for creating a shaded areaNot suitable as a weatherproof shelter
Needs to be covered with UV resistant shade cloth
Plastic & ShadeclothCan be cost-effective for a short to medium-term shelter
Cost-effective
Lightweight
Durable if UV resistant shade cloth is used
Easy to install
Suitable for Some weather conditions
This combination makes a cost-effective shelter
Not Suitable for a long term shelter
Needs to be covered with UV resistant shade cloth

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All Weather Dome Structures

Geodesic Domes make wonderful homes and other structures and are suitable for most weather conditions experienced in South Africa.  We have domes erected for Performance in Northern Cape conditions.

Although dome structures have performed well in the windy desert conditions in the USA, we thought it appropriate to test them in South Africa’s conditions. we will keep you updated as the years go by.

Domes Are Multi Purpose Structures

Geodesic Dome structures are such versatile structures that they can be used for almost any purpose. Here are a few ideas:-

Domes For Camping or Glamping

Glamping Domes

If you are considering a B & B or a lodge type business on your farm or smallholding, then the dome is something that you can consider. It is a cost-effective building technique that will provide you with a 5 Star guest room at about 30% less than traditional building materials.

These dome structures can also be covered with high-quality canvas or polyurethane and can include a bathroom, toilet, kitchenette and more. The finish is entirely up to you, and you are limited only by your imagination.

Long Term Shelter

There are many scenarios to consider here:

  • You need a long term shelterfor your family for an emergency situation? A PVC Dome with a canvas cover is light and Faily easy to transport
    • This type of dome is cost effective and can be expanded as and when needed.
    • They can be designed to the size you need for your family
    • They can be erected by two people in most cases
  • You have a tent, but it is now older and possibly smaller than you now require.
    • Buy or build a dome that covers your tent. This will extend the life of your tent by protecting it from the sun, wind and rain.
    • Ensure that you dome is large enough to house your extra requirements, e.g. sleeping area, kitchen, recreation area.
  • You need to source a long term shelter for your family .
    • Design and source a Dome that suites your families needs.
    • Make sure that you are able to transport it or store it in the area that you consider to be your destination.

Disaster Management Shelters & Alternative Housing

Domes lend themselves to be great temporary Kitchens, Clinics, Security offices, Community shelters and Family shelters in cases of emergencies. They can be covered with plastic or cheaper woven plastic fabric. for more permanent situations, they can be covered with polyurethane for durability

Your Own Design

You can design a Geodesic dome to meet your needs to build:-

  • Double Story Homes
  • Multi-Room Structures
  • Pool Room
  • Home Gym
  • Workshops
  • Store Rooms
  • Agriculture
    • Green Houses
    • Chicken Or Rabbit Houses

Conclusion

The geodesic dome is a great alternative, cost-effective and energy-efficient building method that lends itself to a variety of uses. From Permanent homes to SHTF long-term shelters, the dome does it all. Although it is yet to catch on in South Africa, it is a tried and tested design that can be used in most circumstances.

If you would like to know more about our Geodesic Domes, feel free to contact us here.

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