Rocketship Elementary School Gym & Cafeteria
Rendering of the Rocketship charter school under construction in Fort Worth, Texas. There is a two-story conventional school building with classrooms and offices next to a Monolithic Dome gymnasium, cafeteria, and storm shelter.
Rocketship Public Schools is constructing a Monolithic Dome gymnasium, cafeteria, and storm shelter as part of their new elementary school in Fort Worth, Texas. The new charter school will serve pre-kindergarten through third-grade elementary students with a planned expansion to fifth-grade students in the future. The Monolithic Dome will be an ICC-500 rated Safe Room for students to shelter in during tornado warnings and other severe weather.
The Monolithic Dome is a combination 111-foot (33.8 m) diameter by 16-foot (4.9 m) tall dome atop an integrated 12-foot (3.7 m) stem-wall. The wall and dome are constructed using one fabric Airform membrane that forms the wall and dome shape when inflated. A steel ring—or hoop—affects the transition from the vertical wall and the arching dome shape.
The finished structure will contain a large 5,500 square foot (511 m²) gymnasium area including basketball standards, a 1,900 square foot (177 m²) cafeteria, a serving kitchen, restrooms, and various storages. The gym will be used for physical education, recess during poor weather, assemblies, performances, and shelter during severe weather.
The dome will connect to a two-story school building with classrooms, labs, and administration offices. The facility is expected to be complete in time for the 2022-2023 school year.
The elementary school will use the gym for physical education, recess, assemblies, and other school activities.