Happy Faces & Curved Spaces: 2025 Dome Tour Recap
Guests kicked off this year’s tour at the main office at the Monolithic Dome Research Park, grabbing maps, chatting with staff, and learning a bit of dome history before heading out to explore.
Discovering Dome Living
The Annual Monolithic Dome Research Park Tour welcomed a steady flow of visitors this year in Italy, Texas. Homeowners, builders, architects, and first-time guests came from across the region and beyond to discover what it truly feels like to live and work in domes.
The day began at Monolithic’s main office, where visitors were greeted by the Monolithic team, picked up maps, and talked with staff before heading out on the self-guided tour. From there, guests explored domes across the campus and adjacent neighborhood. Each stop offered something unique, showing how innovative design, craftsmanship, and creativity come together to make every Monolithic Dome one-of-a-kind.
[Left] The self-guided tour begins inside the lobby of the main office. [Center] A lobby display shows some of Monolithic’s projects around the world. [Right] Potential dome home buyers met with our design team to explore custom floor plans and talk through construction options.
Inside the Caterpillar
At Monolithic’s caterpillar-shaped Airform and Fabric Structures Manufacturing Plant, teams demonstrated the precision and care that goes into every project. Plant Manager, Don Garrison, explained how each custom Airform depends on high-tech tools and requires focused attention to detail.
[Left] Inside Monolithic’s caterpillar-shaped Airform manufacturing plant. [Right] Don Garrison guides a guest through some Airform fabrication software.
Touring Five Monolithic Dome Homes
Visitors toured several dome homes. The Triton, the largest home on the tour, showcased classic design and coastal-inspired décor, a reminder that domes can reflect any style while maintaining their distinctive strength.
The Europa, a dome home for a family of four, featured warm touches of art, photos, and texture that made the space feel inviting and personal.
The Calisto, an ever-evolving homestead with five domes on the property, blended modern finishes and open layouts that filled the curved spaces with light and comfort.
Also available to tour were Charca Casa, a large dual dome house originally built by Monolithic’s founder for his family and Due Sorelle, a small, 32-foot-diameter two-bedroom home.
[Left] Europa’s home office drew a lot of attention during the tour. [Center] The Triton’s living room blends coastal décor, natural light, and cozy seating. [Right] Callisto’s loft and living area showcase warm lighting, wood finishes, and tall curved ceilings.
Conversations and Takeaways
Throughout the day, Monolithic President Mike South spoke with guests about the company’s mission and the long-term value of building for the future.
Other team members added their insight and experience. Gary Clark, VP, shared how dome construction combines engineering and artistry. Dome owners and Monolithic staff guided visitors through the homes, pointing out details that make each dome unique and answering questions both general and specific.
Dome home owners fielded questions from new dome owners who have attended the tour multiple times, newbies who were learning about Monolithic Domes for the first time, and every variation in between.
[Left] Guests walk through the Europa’s art-filled hallway. [Center] Guests gather im the living room of the Callisto to talk with its owner, Mike South. [Right] The Europa’s open kitchen, living and dining areas.
I filmed throughout the day and was reminded why these tours matter. I was reminded that all Monolithic Dome houses are by their very nature custom and an expression of their owners. Every dome has its own personality. You see how families adapt these spaces to their lives. The combination of creativity and durability makes each Monolithic Dome home special and peaceful.
Built to Last
By the end of the tour, one message resonated clearly.
Monolithic Domes are more than a building method. They represent a way of thinking about strength, sustainability, and long-term value. Most of the visitors who came to the tour told me that seeing the homes firsthand, and talking to the owners, was the highlight for them. Many people already had plans in the works for their own dome homes, but wanted to tour the homes at the research park in order to better visualize their plans.
Of the 2025 Tour, Gary Clark said, “The part of the tour that I really enjoy is the positive energy that comes with all these people who are here because they are interested in what we do for a living and love our product. They see we are doing something that can solve problems.”
Tour Day Highlights
Scenes from the 2025 Monolithic Dome Research Park Tour capture the spirit of exploration and connection. From factory demonstrations to cozy living spaces, every stop offered a glimpse into the strength, efficiency, and creativity behind every Monolithic Dome.
[Left] The back entrance to Callisto opens onto a quiet path framed by trees and native plants. [Center] The kitchen inside the Callisto features deep blue cabinets, warm wood shelving, and stainless appliances. [Right] In Callisto’s main living area, guests explore the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
[Left] The Callisto’s breakfast nook. [Right] Charca Casa sits beside the small pond at the Research Park and welcomed guests with its soft curves and arched entryway.
[Left] One of four bedrooms inside Charca Casa. [Center] The Europa’s front door decked out with flowers and pumpkins to welcome visitors. [Right] A cheerful bedroom in the Europa, filled with toys, books, and bright colors.
[Left] Many guests took photographs of their favorite rooms and details on the tour. From the kitchen, a visitor gets snapshots of one of two offices in the Europa. [Center] Europa’s hallway becomes a personal gallery filled with family photos, artwork, and cherished memories. [Right] The Triton is the largest Monolithic Dome home that opened its doors for the 2025 tour.
[Left] The Triton’s entryway blends classic and modern design, with an arched doorway and striped accents. [Center] Guests listen as the homeowner shares insights about dome construction and daily life in his family’s triple dome home [Right] The Triton’s bright kitchen pairs warm wood cabinetry with the soft curve of the dome,
[Left] The main office sits under an oak tree planted by the founder of Monolithic, David B. South almost two decades ago. [Right] At the Monolithic Dome Research and Industrial Park, we invite guests to tour our facilities once a year. It’s always fun to share the Dome Park Way of life with others.