This free evaluation is intended to give a general idea of the scope and cost for a potential Monolithic Dome church project. It will be based on the extensive files and experience of our staff and associated professionals. Of course, it is just a ballpark estimate to help start the process. This is a free service and you are under no obligation. … read more
The famous domes of antiquity are structures of worship — the Pantheon in Rome, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, to name a few. The vaulted, curved shape creates a tranquil, contemplative, respectful atmosphere. Where the domes of history took decades and even a century to complete, we can now build these remarkable structures quickly, affordably, and beautifully as Monolithic Domes. … read more
A dream sparked by a talk about geodesic domes, life in Chicago running a computer center, founding a polyurethane foam insulation business, and the path that led to the invention of the Monolithic Dome — read the personal story and history of the Monolithic Dome as told by David B. South. … read more
A rare and exceptional Monolithic Dome home sits on nearly an acre of land, close to Cherry Creek State Park in Centennial, Colorado. Nearly 50 mature trees shade the dome and provide privacy. Designed for energy-efficiency and durability by Chris Barnes, a former aeronautical engineer who worked with Howard Hughes, the dome was built in 1982. … read more
Directory of companies that build, manufacture, design, and support the Monolithic Dome, related structures, and other curved architecture. … read more
Interior construction is underway for Dave & Mary Spellings’ Monolithic Dome home — the Palapa Pineapple — in Belize. Dave Spellings said he got the idea about 25 years ago when he visited Ivan Sheinbaum’s Xanadu Resort on Ambergris Caye in Belize. “I wanted a smaller, more unique shape, with one room on top of the other. I squeezed the dome into the shape it’s in.” … read more
The easiest way to reach us is via this contact form. It only emails a person with your questions and doesn’t put you in an automated system of any kind. It’s just an email form. … read more
A cut-and-cover underground tunnel is built by excavating a trench, building the tunnel structure, and backfilling soil around and over the tunnel. Using a tube-like Airform and spray-in-place concrete, a tunnel can be formed with less labor and overall cost. … read more
Dave South is the publisher of the Monolithic Dome Institute. … read more
Located in Wilmington, Delaware, the Delaware Military Academy is home to the first Monolithic Dome of its kind in the Mid Atlantic United States. With over 500 young cadets attending the school, the dome has opened up new opportunities for the cadets. The administration of the academy has expressed gratitude for the many benefits of a Monolithic Dome, and the cooperation and generosity of those involved to make the project completion possible. … read more
The Delaware State Park Tornado Shelter is a FEMA P-361 rated Monolithic Dome safe room. It provides near-absolute protection during tornadoes and other severe weather events at the park. When warning sirens sound, a wireless signal unlocks the door. Up to 856 campers and park-goers can shelter inside. … read more
Directory of companies and people involved in designing, producing, constructing, and supporting the Monolithic Dome, curved architecture, and related industries. … read more
Shell construction is almost complete for a large gypsum storage east of Las Vegas, Nevada. Pabco Gypsum is a vertically integrated mining and manufacturing facility that produces 110 million square meters of drywall per year. The new dome replaces a 50-year-old steel dome. … read more
There is a 29-foot (8.8 m) salt-water swimming pool and a three-person hot tub in the living room of this incredible monolithic dome home. Chris Barnes, a former aeronautical engineer who had worked for Howard Hughes, originally constructed the home in 1982 as his own residence. The swimming pool and hot tub use salt-water and a premium, non-chlorine, filtration system to avoid the swimming pool “smell” in the house. … read more
Dome Living is a comprehensive planning guide. It includes invaluable know-how for anyone planning a Monolithic Dome home — no matter what style, size, or location.
Ordering your very own copy of Dome Living is easy and fast! In just minutes, you can download this practical, informative ebook to your iPad, iPhone, Android Smartphone, Kindle Fire, any computer, or any device capable of displaying a PDF. … read more
A tornado outbreak, Sunday evening, wreaked havoc throughout the south. Residents in Starkville, Mississippi, took refuge in a Monolithic Dome safe room. … read more
I’m often asked if there’s a trick to installing fireplaces in a Monolithic Dome. It’s pretty straightforward. The real question is, “Do you need the fireplace?” I see the romantic appeal of visiting around a glowing fire or the desire to reduce your heating bill. However, the energy efficiency of the dome typically changes a need for a fireplace into a want. If you decide you really want a fireplace, here are some tips on installing one in a Monolithic Dome. … read more
Greg Miller submitted this great HD aerial video of the Catoosa Public Schools safe room under construction. You can see that work continues on the exterior while Monolithic construction crews work inside. The Monolithic Dome concrete shell is expected to be finished before Christmas. … read more
Ammonium nitrate is a high-nitrogen fertilizer. … read more
Knowing that a Monolithic Dome would make an ideal fertilizer storage, in 1978 I sent information to a fertilizer magazine. They wrote an article, featuring the Monolithic Dome as a new product, and I received a call from Bill Matthews in Chandler, Oklahoma. Bill wanted a fertilizer storage dome on a site just off America’s famous highway — Route 66. … read more
Forecasts predicted Hurricane Michael would land in Panama City as a strong, but still manageable, Category 3 hurricane. Employees of the Humane Society of Bay County — along with their families, friends, cats, and dogs — spent the day preparing to ride out the hurricane under the protection of their Monolithic Dome. As everyone settled in for the night, no one expected anything too severe. Then Hurricane Michael intensified into the strongest hurricane to ever hit the Florida panhandle. … read more