Geodesic Tiny Houses are Strong and Efficient

Geodesic domes are the strongest, lightest, and most efficient means of enclosing a space. A dome encloses a large volume of interior space with the minimum supporting structure, thus saving on materials and cost. Since a dome is freestanding, air and energy circulate without obstruction, enabling natural heating and cooling.

The high ceilings give an expansive feel to your tiny home.

The geodesic dome is a little different than a dome home made of AirCrete or other materials because the structure is made of triangles. Dome strength is measured in “frequency.” The frequency indicates how many times the “base” triangle is subdivided. The higher the number the stronger (and rounder) the dome will be. 3V is usually good for a green house while you would want 5V or 6V for a home.

Buying a Kit Makes Construction Easier

Pacific Domes has several tiny house geodesic dome home kits you can buy. Pacific Domes is a family-owned and operated company based out of Ashland, Oregon. Click the photo above to see more interior shots.

A Geodesic Dwell Dome can hold up under snow, wind, and rain with the best designs in architecture. Their insulation, wood stove, and climate control options make them a shelter for all seasons.

This Pacific Dome 24′ diameter model offers 426 sq. ft. of floor space. The roof is 14′ high. The base package includes six 2′ round windows. There are many more options available. Options include a solar vent fan, stove cap and flashing, and a screen package to add cross ventilation.

You will have to create a solid foundation, as mentioned before, but the dome itself can be assembled in just a few hours with minimal tools and a tall ladder.

The base price is $9,549.00* for this durable 24′ kit. It arrives on two pallets. You’ll need to add a pre-hung door and design the interior however you like.

Dome Insulation

Pacific Domes can be coated with a Thermoshield insulative paint that is a non-toxic, cost effective insulation solution. It is an elastomeric paint containing ceramic borosilicate micro-spheres, a technology used on the space shuttles to prevent heat damage as they leave or re-enter the atmosphere. We recommend Thermoshield in areas with extreme UV exposure. Coating the outside of your dome with Thermoshield will keep it cool inside, while protecting the fabric from UV exposure, thus extending the life of your dome cover.

Winter Liners

Pacific Domes insulative liner is made of water resistant, easy to clean, fire retardant oxford nylon backed with a thinsulate liner that is naturally mildew and mold resistant. Easy to install and to attach on the inside of your frame, keeping your dome home cozy and comfortable.

Another Good Source of Dome Kits is EKODOME

100% recyclable aluminum profiles, along with the precision extruded frame elements, combined with biodegradable EPDM, TPE and SEBS seals, provide superior resistance to heat, water, ozone, UV, and weather conditions. According to the manufacturer, their domes are also strong enough to withstand up to Category 5 hurricanes when covered with right material. This makes it a unique product to use in all weather conditions, in all geographical regions around the world.

Ekodome offers 5 sizes of full-kits that include everything you need to build a safe tiny home. They also offer a wide range of accessories and allow almost infinite customization when ordering a kit.

The complete 29′ Ekodome Cosmos, shown here is under $43K*, but there’s no limit to how big they can go.

Geodesic Dome Kits Available on eBay®

The dome shown here is a 6V from ALLEVENTS. It measures 50′ in diameter. You can buy it as a kit from E-Bay for $17,308.00*.

It comes in 20 different colors and has two entrances. It’s very customizable. You can pick the amount of doors, vents and size of windows.

Items can be included:

Wood Stoves
Curtain Systems
Pre-hung doors –
Solar Exhaust Fans
Sky Light Curtains
Leveled Deck
Insulation.

It takes about two months to receive once ordered.

Pros and Cons of Geodesic Dome Houses

Pros

Very strong with comparatively few structural components. According to many manufacturers, they are strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Less expensive to build because of the need for fewer materials.
Energy efficient. Easy to heat and cool.

Cons

Voices and other noises echo everywhere. Even a whisper can be heard clearly throughout the structure, making privacy an issue.
It’s hard to mount pictures and other art on a curved wall.
Installing standard cabinets leaves a lot of unused space. Curved cabinets are tricky to make.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a HOA that accepts the design.
Financing and appraisals will be hard to get as there are no similar homes to compare to.
You’ll need a substantial foundation, usually concrete with a concrete pad.
They are somewhat susceptible to water incursion through the many seams.

Building Geodesic Tiny Houses with Conventional Building Materials

$Geodesic Math$
Geodesic tiny houses can be built out of standard building materials, but there’s a lot of math involved.

This book, Geodesic Math And How To Use It, was out of print for many years, but they had so many requests for it that it was republished.

Geodesic Math and How to Use It presents a systematic method of design and provides a step-by-step method for producing mathematical specifications for orthodox geodesic domes. This edition is fully illustrated with complete original appendices.

Note: As many as half of the triangles in the dome’s lowest row can be removed without weakening the structure, so door and window openings can be plentiful.

This Simpson Strong Gazebo Tie is a great product to help create the strong joints required. One galvanized bracket is used on top and one below the rafter to create a secure joint. Check with your local building code enforcement officer about what size lumber you will will need for the size dome you are constructing.

Good YouTube video showing Geodesic Tiny Houses

This YouTube® video shows 15 cool geodesic dome homes so you can see what can be done. There are links to detailed information about the build of each home.