Domed houses: examples and review of construction technologies. Dome houses Technology of construction of dome-type buildings
Domed houses or domed housing construction belongs to the category of fairly new trends in architecture. However, residential structures in the form of a dome have a long history and were used by various nationalities in Russia.
Domed houses or domed housing construction belongs to the category of fairly new trends in architecture
The special shape of domed buildings allows us to safely classify such houses as real works of art. Among other things, domed buildings are superior to traditional cubic buildings in almost all their parameters. This design assumes the complete absence of a ceiling part and load-bearing supports, which allows saving building materials and not constructing a massive base. The foundation of the building can be represented by a conventional strip or pile foundation. Dome construction is used based on a modern pneumatic frame or permanent formwork.
The design promotes perfectly uniform load distribution. In the presence of mechanical impact on any section of the erected structure, the most efficient distribution of it throughout the entire massif is ensured. This unusual property is especially pronounced in buildings based on a triangular frame. It is the structural features of domed or so-called hemispherical buildings that make them the best option for installation in regions with consistently unstable soil and climatic conditions.
Features of domed houses (video)
Dome shaped house shapes
Hemispherical buildings are made of concrete or brick, and a wooden domed, easily erected house is also popular. The buildings differ not only in material, but also in form.
Popular form
An original, reliable and beautiful building, which is erected using several tetrahedral polyhedra. Regular four-dimensional polyhedra They are four-dimensional analogues of regular polyhedra, which allows you to get a beautiful, reliable and easy-to-use residential building with an original appearance.
Icosahedron shape
The building is an almost ideal option for dividing space into several separate vectors. All twelve vertices of the structure are located three in four parallel planes, forming a regular triangle in each of them. Ten vertices are located in two parallel planes, where they form a pair of regular pentagons, and the other two are opposite to each other and run perpendicular to the direction.
Hemispherical buildings are made of concrete or brick Pros and cons of domed houses
The main advantages are presented:- increased resistance to wind loads, which is due to the aerodynamic shape of the structure;
- increased seismic resistance with a very uniform distribution of loads over the entire frame plane;
- no need to build an expensive foundation;
- free layout, without restrictions in the form of columns and struts;
- external aesthetics and futuristic appearance;
- energy efficiency and improved natural convection ventilation, allowing you to save on heating or ventilation;
- optimal acoustic characteristics and the absence of penetration of external noise into the living space;
- affordable cost for self-construction.
All currently known shortcomings are most often psychological, as well as informational in nature. The interior features combined with round walls and an unusual layout are not always familiar to people.
Design options for domed houses - external part of houses
Depending on the design features, domed houses can have several options for the external part of the building. Domed structures can be represented by:
- buildings of a convex type;
- belt type buildings;
- buildings with an oval dome;
- polygonal buildings based on polyhedra;
- semicircular structures.
The useful area of a hemispherical structure is approximately one third less than a rectangular building.
Internal layout of domed houses
When planning a domed structure, it is necessary to take into account several quite significant differences from the usual interior. The unusual, original shape of the house does not impose any restrictions or prohibitions on the owner. Thanks to the unusual shape, it becomes possible to create the most unusual and original interiors, attractive and easy to use. When developing a design, you should follow a few simple recommendations:
- It is advisable to order furniture and decorative interior elements in accordance with individual sizes;
- custom-made paintings with a semicircular shape, which are placed on the walls of a hemispherical room, look very original;
- when choosing the furnishings of an office, wooden furniture with elements that accurately replicate the shape and texture of the walls can be used;
- It is advisable to place the fireplace in the central part of the room, making such a heating device the main element of the composition;
- It is best to replace a traditional ceiling chandelier with a significant number of spotlights.
Particular attention will be required to the installation of various engineering networks and communications, which are located depending on the shape of the internal walls and the main characteristics of the materials used in the finishing.
When planning a domed structure, it is necessary to take into account several quite significant differences from the usual interior Windows and doors of domed houses
The design of domed buildings itself allows, absolutely without compromising strength indicators, to replace half of the elements with entrance and window groups, as well as to allocate the maximum amount of surface for the glazing procedure. In this case, the building takes on a light and airy appearance.
However, The larger the total glazing area, the higher the likelihood of heat loss. This issue can be completely resolved by installing bags, for the manufacture of which special glass is used, which has an effective heat-protective coating or film. Also, high results can be achieved by replacing double-glazed windows with conventional window units with triple glazing.
Glazing of a one-story domed house is performed with standard wooden or plastic rectangular or triangular windows. The design combination of triangular, pentagonal or hexagonal window blocks with double glazing looks very harmonious and economical, as well as looking original. The doorway most often involves the integration of a special vestibule into the dome structure.
Gallery: domed houses (50 photos)
Materials used for the construction of domed houses
Spherical houses of a semicircular shape are usually represented by a frame base made of wood or metals. The most common type is frames, made using a large number of parts that differ in length. In the process of combining, such elements form a sphere. To build a sphere house, various building materials can be used, presented by:
- wood;
- foam concrete blocks;
- metal elements;
- brick;
- polystyrene foam boards;
- polystyrene foam;
- concretes;
- clay.
Brick-type domed houses, as well as spherical monolithic structures built using foam concrete or wood, are practically in no way inferior in their basic characteristics and durability to buildings built in the traditional way.
Presentation of a domed house (video)
The main stages of building a domed house with your own hands
There are several ways to create a domed hemisphere house with your own hands. A unique structure, formed in a hemispherical or cone-shaped shape, due to its structural features, will not require the purchase of a large amount of construction and finishing materials. In appearance, such a house looks modern and aesthetically pleasing, as well as natural, like nature itself. It is quite possible to build buildings of this type not only in the southern regions, but also in the north.
With proper arrangement of such a house, thermal efficiency can exceed even the wildest expectations.
Drawing up a project for a domed house
The most important condition for building a beautiful, reliable and durable structure is the need to correctly complete the design drawings, as well as to carry out the calculations of all building materials used as correctly as possible. The design of the dome structure is required, and without such documentation it is almost impossible to build a structure in a spherical shape with your own hands.
When drawing up a project, you should decide on the shape of the spherical house, which can be represented by the shape of an icosahedron or simple polyhedra. The first option, currently, is the most rational and allows you to correctly divide the entire space into several specific vectors, which has a positive effect on the strength of the structure.
It is quite possible to build domed houses not only in the southern regions, but also in the north Making the foundation
There are no specific requirements for the foundation of a domed house. Ready-made hemispherical structures are lightweight, so a building of this type can be placed on almost any type of foundation. However, according to experts in the construction industry, the optimal option is to use a standard shallow foundation of a strip type.
Strip foundations are represented by reinforced concrete structures, which are located along the perimeter of the dome structure being built. The structure is represented by reinforcing mesh or lathing, as well as concrete mass. The reinforcing sheathing is made from reinforcement with a diameter of 1.2-1.4 cm, tied with wire.
After the pit is ready, the sheathing is laid in it and the concrete mass is poured. A waterproofing layer, represented by roofing felt, is applied to the finished foundation base, which will prevent the negative impact of moisture on the structure.
Ready-made hemispherical structures are lightweight, so a building of this type can be placed on almost any type of foundation Construction of the frame
Hemispherical structures are usually constructed using wood. Taking into account the expected loads, a beam with the required cross-section is selected. Low buildings can be erected from timber with a non-increased cross-section. For independent construction of large-area domes, it is mandatory to use standard connectors. It is with the help of five-beam or six-beam connectors that all the wooden elements of the structure under construction are combined. To protect against corrosion, connectors for domed houses are coated with primer and paint.
For arranging domes that are not too voluminous, the use of connectors is inappropriate. If you have sufficient skills when building a house with your own hands and in woodworking, then a complete refusal to use connectors in the design is allowed. However, in this case, it will be necessary to prepare special stiffeners, which guarantees that the formation of seams will be minimized when connecting all the components of the spherical structure used.
Hemispherical structures are usually constructed using wood Dome skin
A prerequisite for obtaining the most reliable and durable hemispherical building is the use of an insulating layer, which is usually used as mineral wool or polyurethane foam. The second option is quite easy to install and is moisture resistant.
OSB boards based on compressed wood chips bonded with synthetic resins are most often used as roofing substrate. Such slabs are characterized by sufficient strength and resistance to significant loads. External design can be made with flexible tiles, which can easily take any shape. This finishing material is very easy to work with and can be installed as quickly as possible with your own hands.
Frame of a domed house (video)
Final work
At the final stage, planning and interior arrangement are carried out, as well as windows and doors are installed. The layout of a residential building of a dome or hemispherical type can be absolutely any. Experts advise dividing the existing internal space with plasterboard sheets, depending on the intended decor.
In interior decoration, designers use a wide variety of construction and finishing materials, which can be combined and combined at your discretion. It is advisable to involve specialists in the arrangement of engineering networks and communication nodes. A properly designed bathing structure can be easily dismantled and installed in another location.
Attention, TODAY only!
Nowadays, few people can be surprised by a new residential building, but this rule does not apply to the popular spherical or domed houses, the designs and prices of which are so varied that they cannot leave any buyer indifferent. Spherical buildings are unique in themselves; their design looks unusual in any area. Moreover, the incredible appearance of the domed house is not its only advantage.
Due to its unique design, each house project can differ significantly from another, since it is possible to use radically different parts. Such construction projects are highly functional. Every day they become more and more popular in the Russian construction market.
Source krovmart.ru
What is a domed house: features and history
A domed house is usually understood as a construction project with a spherical, rounded roof. However, this is only a general description of this type of building. Many people note that the domed house looks like an Eskimo dwelling (like an igloo).
Modern spherical buildings look simply incredible, the designs are amazing. For designers, a special task is the competent combination of one main sphere with five side ones. The finished result of the project largely depends on the designer’s imagination and your personal preferences.
Source greenadaptability.wordpress.com
The first spherical buildings appeared in Byzantium, and the Eskimos began to create their homes in conditions of extremely low temperatures many years ago. From this we can draw a simple conclusion - in ancient times, round-shaped houses were no less popular than today, but then a more durable material was used for their construction - natural stone.
The northern peoples were the first to notice that spherical buildings have high wind resistance and earthquake resistance.
In 1951, American architect Richard Buckminster Fuller proposed using a spherical structure as a basis for the construction of residential buildings.
Source pinterest.com
Basic technologies for constructing domed houses
Today, there are several construction technologies by which domed houses are built; designs and prices, accordingly, also “play” in one direction or another, depending on the construction method. They can be made of materials such as brick, monolith, foam concrete, polystyrene foam and even clay. Moreover, buildings made of brick, monolith and foam concrete are not much different from standard structures of residential buildings. Technologies for the construction of domed houses are classified into construction:
based on geodetic sphere;
based on a pneumatic frame;
based on permanent formwork.
One of the most common technologies for constructing a spherical house is the combined use of polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene - while the construction of the building is carried out using the Japanese method. However, such houses require additional manipulations to ensure year-round living.
Source novate.ru
The most budget-friendly and closest to standard conditions is the technology for constructing domed houses, based on the frame method of construction. As experts note, for this kind of buildings you can use a frame made of almost any material (with sufficient strength and service life). To connect parts, connectors of various modifications and sizes are used.
Source aquagroup.ru
What foundation is suitable for a domed house?
You have decided on a site for the construction of a construction project, have decided that it will be a dome house, have drawn up a layout plan with established dimensions, which means it’s time to move on to building the foundation.
Its construction requires preliminary preparation - it is necessary to mark the site, determine the zero mark and other parameters (for these purposes we recommend using a level - a geodetic device for determining the difference in heights). You should not neglect the help of professionals in the field of geodetic work.
The very essence of domed housing construction implies the absence of ceilings and load-bearing supports. This not only provides up to 30% savings on wall and ceiling materials: the structure becomes lightweight and does not require a massive foundation.
After all the preparatory work has been completed, you should proceed to digging a trench for a strip foundation (this is the best option for creating a domed house).
Source rmnt.ru
Also, a pile type of foundation is often used for a domed house.
Source: seattlehelpers.org
A strip foundation is a reinforced concrete structure installed around the perimeter of the entire construction site. As a rule, such an installation consists of sheathing (reinforcing mesh) and hardened concrete mixture. To create the sheathing, reinforcement with a diameter of 12 mm with wire binding is suitable. Next, the cement-sand mortar is poured.
When choosing the depth of the trench, keep in mind that the foundation should be located in a place where the soil freezes (this is 1500 mm below the zero level).
When constructing a pile foundation for the construction of a domed house, as a rule, screw, driven or concrete piles are used, depending on the quality of the soil.
Source designdachi.ru
Frame technology for a domed house
During construction, round house projects most often involve the use of frame technology - it ensures ease of construction. The frame is assembled from special metal pipes or timber, after which the resulting structure is sheathed with sheet building material (OSB board or plywood). An insulating element (mineral wool, jute, expanded polystyrene) is placed in the layers between the sheets.
Monolithic reinforced concrete can also be used to construct the frame of a domed house. However, this method is used very rarely in our country, due to the lower price of lumber. And don’t forget about the need for good thermal insulation of the dome, which wood copes with much better than concrete.
Today, there are two options for the frame scheme of domed houses: creating a stratodesic or geodesic dome. Each of them has both advantages and disadvantages. In the process of creating a construction project, a more suitable frame model is selected.
Source pinterest.com
Source kapus.ru
Source sk-amigo.ru
On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer house design services. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.
The technology based on the construction of a frame in the form of a triangular hemisphere is the most popular in the construction of domed houses. The frame is constructed from wooden triangular blocks of the same size.
Video description
For an overview of the domed house, watch the video:
For exterior finishing, pressed cellulose impregnated with bitumen is used, but other materials can be used, as long as they are waterproof. The inside of the frame is covered with boards, and mineral wool is used as insulation. During construction, some triangles are left open, after which similar-shaped frames with double-glazed windows are installed in them.
Source domasfera.ru
Technology for constructing a domed house based on a pneumatic frame
The method of constructing a spherical house based on a pneumatic frame is distinguished by an unusual and rather complex technology, and requires the use of special machinery and equipment, due to which the time for building a house is reduced to a minimum.
The foundation for such a house is made of strip or slab. The frame is a dome made of metal rods connected to each other by welding.
This technology must involve a prefabricated pneumatic frame. It is made individually and, when inflated, completely follows the contours of the inner surface of the dome. In those places where windows and doors should be, the frame has protrusions of a given shape and size. Manufacturing a pneumatic frame is the most expensive and complex stage of construction, but since the technology cuts construction costs in half, its price is fully recouped.
Source gr.pinterest.com
The pneumatic frame is inflated from the inside of the metal sheathing, after which a cement-polymer mortar, shotcrete or polystyrene foam is sprayed on the outside using special equipment. The main material of the dome is applied in layers, with breaks for each layer to harden. I do the same on the inside of the dome, and after the walls have completely hardened, they begin finishing.
Source remoo.ru
Features of the planning and interior design of a spherical residential building
The layout of a domed house has a number of differences from the rectangular structure we are used to. However, this does not at all limit home owners in choosing the design of the room. On the contrary, the unusual appearance of the room allows you to implement the most extraordinary interior solutions.
Source argo-project.ru
It is better to make some decorative elements and furniture to order, since most products are designed to be placed against standard walls. An excellent solution would be semicircular paintings and upholstered frameless furniture.
For a living room or office, wooden furniture will be suitable, which will exactly follow the curves of the walls, which will give the room an even more unusual ambiance.
When installing communication systems, you should take into account the shape of the internal walls, as well as the technical and operational properties of the finishing materials used.
A fireplace is an integral attribute of the living room. In spherical houses, it is best to place the fireplace in the center of the room - if you want to retain all the incoming heat and solve the problem of the lack of a flat wall for mounting this interior element.
Source mypensia.ru
Photo examples of interior design in domed houses
Interior of a domed house with three bedrooms, one of which is on the second floor Source mediarenet.ro
The semicircular shapes of the stairs and kitchen furniture fit perfectly into the interior of a domed house Source pinterest.com
Source mydomplus.ru
Source pinterest.com
Source stroygram.ru
Source sk-amigo.ru
Source pinterest.ru
Examples of domed house layouts
The photo below is an example of the layout of a small domed house. There is a fairly spacious living room where you can spend family evenings and welcome guests. The kitchen is small, combined with a dining room, and the border between the place for preparing and eating food and the living room is represented by a bar counter - a modern piece of furniture that will undoubtedly appeal to a young family.
Video description
Watch the video for the experience of people living in a domed house:
The house also has a bathroom and a large bedroom on the first floor. The staircase to the second floor is located to the right of the entrance to the house, which is also very convenient. If there are living rooms on the second floor, the owners will not have to walk through the entire house to get to the second floor.
It is noteworthy that there is a fireplace in the center of the house, where you can spend long winter evenings with your family. This house is suitable for a family of three.
Source izhevsk.ru
In the next photo, the living room, located immediately at the entrance from the hallway, has been allocated less space, but the bedroom here is simply huge. It is located on the right side of the house, and one of its walls borders the bathroom, which is combined with a bathroom.
On the left side of the house there is a kitchen-dining room with access to a technical room or storage room. The staircase here is also located in the living room to the right of the entrance. If you arrange two more bedrooms on the second floor, then such a house will be perfect for a family of four.
Source krsk.au.ru
The layout of the house in the next photo is perfect for a family of two or three people. The entrance to the house is equipped with a porch from which you can enter a small hallway, and then into the living room, located on the left side of the house. On the same side there is a kitchen combined with a dining room and a bathroom. A large fireplace borders the kitchen and living room.
On the right side of the house there are two bedrooms, one of which is larger and intended for a married couple. A small bedroom can be equipped for a child. The staircase to the second floor, leading to a cozy office, is located to the right of the entrance to the living room.
Source sk-amigo.ru
Advantages and disadvantages of domed houses
In addition to the unique external characteristics, the dome house has a number of undeniable advantages:
affordable price;
no massive concrete platform required;
savings on assembly speed;
minimum construction waste;
not a lot of building materials are required for a dome house;
The outer surface area of domed buildings is smaller, and the internal volume of space is larger (corners are cut), thereby reducing heat loss in winter and heat absorption in summer;
Video description
Watch the video for the construction of a domed house:
strength, increased seismic resistance, excellent aerodynamics;
the dome can withstand high snow loads;
good sound insulation and ventilation;
originality and aesthetics at the highest level;
excellent light characteristics.
Source pinterest.ru
Experts include the following disadvantages of domed houses:
there are very few professional companies on the Russian market, the topic is quite new, enthusiastic dome builders are just trying to conquer our country;
experience in calculations and absolute accuracy in the manufacture of parts is required;
suppliers of high-quality raw materials are “worth their weight in gold”; good lumber is difficult to find;
the period of useful use of the house is inferior to stone and block buildings;
non-standard windows, made to special order, certain difficulties during installation.
But these disadvantages quickly disappear if you do not try to build a house yourself, but immediately turn to a construction company that has proven itself well in the construction market. This way you will save a lot of time and effort, and in the end you will get a high-quality domed house in which you will live cozy and comfortable. And the specialists will definitely take into account all your wishes regarding the layout.
Source kapus.ru
Photo examples of spherical houses
Two-level house based on a stratodesic dome with shingle cladding Source proteh.org
Domed house with wood elements in exterior decoration Source pinterest.com
Source lenta.ru
Source kapus.ru
Original solution: a domed house in the shape of a flying saucer Source stroygram.ru
Source stroygram.ru
Source stroygram.ru
Source svoya-izba.ru
Complex, but beautiful and original dome design Source pinterest.com
Conclusion
Considering domed houses as permanent housing, the projects and prices for them can be sorted out endlessly, because, despite the fact that such buildings appeared on the construction market relatively recently, there is no limit to the variety of projects. You can choose the simplest domed house for yourself; projects of such buildings are inexpensive, or create a special one, according to your own wishes and preferences. For example, you can take Dobrosfera domed houses, projects and prices; photos of each of them can be viewed in more detail on the website. And professional architects and designers will be happy to help you with this.
In the minds of most people, a residential building is a rectangular box under a pitched roof.
The attitude towards structures of spherical and dome shape is twofold. Attracting the attention of many with their unusual “space” appearance, they raise doubts about the reliability and convenience of living.
This article will help you overcome the existing “cubic” stereotype, objectively study the advantages and disadvantages of domed houses, and assess the possibility of building them yourself.
House sphere - an architect's whim or a hint from nature?
Let's start with the fact that man borrowed many outstanding inventions from nature, observing the life of animals. Let's pay attention to the “technologies” used by birds in the construction of their homes. It is easy to notice that there are no right angles anywhere here. Hemispheres, balls, circles - these are the only forms nature recognizes. It turns out that our beloved living “box” is not at all the crown of creation.
Paying attention to this natural phenomenon, engineers studied the mechanical properties of spherical and dome structures. It turned out that they not only have excellent aerodynamics, but are also much stronger than rectangular ones.
The energetically spherical surface is flawless. With a maximum internal volume, it has a minimum area. Therefore, in a domed structure, heat loss to the external environment is several times less than in a regular house. It’s not for nothing that the Eskimos, inhabitants of the Arctic, have been building spherical “igloos” out of snow for centuries. Practical experience told them what a wind-resistant and energy-efficient design should be.
Nowadays, spherical houses have moved from the realm of theory to the category of practical technologies for environmental construction. Thousands of people around the world have managed to appreciate their advantages and do not regret their choice.
Examples and varieties of dome structures
A spherical structure can be built in two ways:
- In the form of a geodesic dome (assembled from triangular frame cells joined together using nodal elements - connectors).
- Made of bent pillars or arched segments connected at the tops (stratodesic dome).
Geodesic dome
Stratodesic dome
Bent-laminated wooden posts for assembling a stratodesic dome
Using the technology of the stratodesic dome, the “domes” of Orthodox churches are assembled. The geodesic dome came to us from America. Its inventor is considered to be engineer Fuller.
Despite the differences in appearance, these structures are characterized by minimal weight, high rigidity and stability.
Houses in the shape of a sphere can be built from any material, from foam plastic to concrete. The choice of a specific option depends on the technical equipment of the performer. For the construction of residential buildings, structures with a wooden frame are most often used.
There are several reasons for this. Wood is an environmentally friendly and durable material with high elasticity. Geodesic domes are assembled from wooden beams, connecting them with steel connectors.
Frame of a house based on a geodesic dome
Stratodesic residential structures are built from bent-laminated beams.
Building frame based on a stratodesic dome
Japanese spherical building technology is based on the use of bent foam blocks with locks. Small one-story buildings are assembled from them. Polystyrene foam in such a house performs two functions at once: structural material and insulation.
A modern “igloo” house is built not from snow, but from a foam “shell”
The minimum weight of the sphere house allows it to be erected on a shallow strip or pile foundation. To insulate sections, use mineral wool, straw, ecowool or polystyrene foam.
The most common type of roofing is soft bitumen shingles. This material fits perfectly on curved surfaces.
Sphere house covered with bitumen shingles
Supporters of green construction opt for wooden shingles - thin planks that form an original scaly coating.
Wooden shingles look natural on a spherical building
Two-level house based on a stratodesic dome with shingle cladding
Recently, new materials have appeared on the market that are ideally suited for creating a seamless roofing carpet. These are “liquid cork” (balsa wood particles in an acrylic polymer) and liquid rubber.
As we have already said, the material for building a spherical house can be varied. If you prefer concrete, no problem.
Using spray technology, it is possible to build domed buildings from lightweight concrete
Modern technologies make it possible to build such houses using PVC pneumatic formwork, onto which foam insulation is applied. Then a reinforcement frame is placed over the insulation and a concrete mixture is applied to it using the shotcrete method.
You cannot build a sphere house from straw blocks alone. This material is used as insulation. Straw is densely stuffed into cells made of boards and a dome is assembled from them.
The spatial frame is made of wooden cells filled with straw
Construction Features
Just recently, a dome house was an exotic construction item. Its construction was undertaken by enthusiasts of the environmental movement and lovers of original designs. Today the Internet is filled with factory kits of spherical houses. An unusual dwelling based on a geodesic dome and a stratodesic structure can be purchased without leaving your city apartment.
For those who prefer to do everything with their own hands, we recommend choosing a geodesic dome. It is a little more complicated to assemble than a sphere house made of semi-arches, but it does not require complex equipment for bending and gluing wood.
The most important structural unit is the connector. The spatial joining of all elements depends on the accuracy of its manufacture. Therefore, for work it is better to buy a ready-made factory kit.
The next step is to prepare the frame ribs from wooden blocks 50 mm thick. Their width should be equal to the thickness of the insulation (minimum 10 cm). The length of the ribs is selected based on the assembly diagram of the geodome.
Required explanation: in calculations of dome frames, the term “frequency” or “section” is used, denoted by the symbol V. It determines the density of the dome surface divided into triangles. The higher the frequency, the less “angular” and more spherical the dome structure becomes.
However, an increase in frequency causes an increase in the number of ribs and connectors, significantly complicating the design. Therefore, in practice, domed houses are most often built with a frequency of 2V.
The breakdown frequency (V) of the dome surface is a basic element of calculations
In addition to the frequency, you need to decide on the diameter of the dome and its height. If you buy a ready-made set of connectors, then you will not have to use an online calculator to calculate the lengths of the ribs. The manufacturer makes connectors to assemble a frame of a given height and diameter.
As practice shows, a dome with a diameter of 8 meters and a height of 4 meters is optimal for the construction of a two-level country house with a total area of 64 m2, a winter garden or a sauna.
In order to build a domed house with your own hands, you need to perform several operations:
- Mark the foundation for the frame on the site (strip, column, Swedish slab or pile).
- At the concreting stage, place anchors in the foundation. They are needed for attaching the backing beam, to which the first row of “triangles” of the frame is fixed.
- The assembly is carried out in parallel rows, connecting the frame ribs into a spatial structure using connectors.
- Having completed the installation, the inside of the dome is sheathed with wooden clapboard or plasterboard.
- Insulation is placed into the cells of the frame, covered with a windproof membrane and sheathed on the outside with a slab or OSB.
- There is no cladding in places where windows are installed. In the area where the doors are installed, the frame is “torn”, leaving a niche of the required size in it. The stiffness of a geodesic dome is very high, so doorways cannot significantly reduce it.
Two-level house-sphere at the stage of external cladding with OSB boards
Some developers make the first floor in the form of a polyhedron, and crown the second floor with a geodome.
The doorway fits perfectly into the design of the spherical building. But triangular windows and additional elements of the door frame are more expensive than usual. They have to be ordered as non-standard products.
Advantages and interior of domed houses
In addition to the mentioned advantages - unique strength and wind resistance, spherical structures have other advantages:
- cost-effectiveness (due to a lightweight foundation, assembly without the use of cranes, and the use of effective insulation);
- the possibility of free planning of the living space due to the absence of internal walls;
- excellent soundproofing qualities;
- attractive appearance and unique interior.
Inside, the round buildings are surprisingly spacious and beautiful. The large height makes it possible to place a second floor in them without any problems.
Even under a small 4-meter dome you can place a comfortable bathhouse. The spherical shape and central location of the stove ensures heat savings and uniform heating of the rooms.
Sauna under the dome - compact and convenient
The nature of reviews about domed houses is mostly positive. The owners like the original shape, comfort and spaciousness of these buildings.
Energy savings and low construction costs of spherical buildings are also often mentioned in the comments of their owners.
Among the subjective positive emotions, one should note the peace and tranquility felt by a person in such a house.
A dome house is a unique residential building in the shape of a hemisphere (cone). To make the walls of such a house, you can use a variety of materials. Wood is most often used, but there are also technologies that allow you to build walls from concrete and stone.
The main feature of a domed house is the ability to obtain the maximum amount of usable space with a minimum occupied space.
Relatively few materials are used to construct the structure, making the weight of the finished building relatively light. This allows you to further save on the construction of the foundation.
The technology for constructing a dome building is quite complex, however, if you wish, you can handle such an event yourself, spending a minimum of time, building materials and money.
- Original appearance.
- High speed of construction and arrangement.
- Possibility of free internal layout.
- Lack of strict requirements for the foundation. The finished structure, as already noted, is lightweight, which allows it to be built even on the most basic and shallow foundations.
- Possibility of arrangement in different climatic regions. Despite its apparent simplicity, with proper arrangement, a domed house has high thermal insulation properties.
- There is no need for significant financial investments in the construction and improvement of the house.
- High resistance to wind loads.
- Resistant to ground movements and earthquakes. The design features are such that incoming loads are evenly distributed throughout the house.
- Modern and aesthetically attractive appearance.
- High energy efficiency indicators.
- Good sound insulation performance.
What do you need to know before starting work?
Before you begin arranging your dome home, please read the following important information.
There are no specific requirements for the base of a domed house. The finished structure is lightweight, so it can be placed on almost any foundation. The best option is a shallow strip foundation.
Construction material
The structure is built from wooden beams. The section of the beam is selected individually, taking into account the expected loads on the dome of the building.
If it is planned to simultaneously use external and internal cladding, it is necessary to use timber with an increased cross-section.
Connectors
Connectors are used to connect wooden structural elements. There are five-beam and six-beam connectors.
These elements are used in the manufacture of large domed buildings. In the case of arranging a small domed house, you can resort to a connectorless assembly method.
Professional builders often abandon the use of connectors in favor of modern technology, according to which the ribs are made exactly to match each other, which allows them to be connected with a minimum of seams.
Roof
To arrange the roof of such a house, you can use the following materials:
- flexible tiles;
- roofing felt;
- aluminum-based sheet roofing materials.
Expenses
The technology for arranging the structure in question is quite complex. However, when compared with the construction of an ordinary house, the construction of a dome structure requires much less money and building materials. Time costs are also noticeably reduced.
Guide to building a house
Start arranging your dome house. Start by preparing the necessary tools and materials. It’s better to collect all the required elements in advance so as not to waste time searching for missing devices in the future.
Construction kit
- Wooden beam. Traditionally, material with a cross section of 50x50 mm is used. For the rest, focus on the specifics of your specific situation. If necessary, the cross-section of the beam can be increased.
- Screws.
- Sheet steel. Use galvanized material
- Fastening elements (nails, screws, etc.).
- Polyurethane foam.
- Finishing material for roofing. The most preferred materials in the case of the house in question are flexible tiles and more affordable roofing felt.
- Tape measure for measurements.
- Corner.
- Building level.
- Electric jigsaw.
- Electric drill.
- Hacksaw.
- Woodworking Machine. If you don’t have access to this unit, you can do without it, but you’ll have to spend more time.
- Bulgarian.
- Screwdrivers.
- Hammer.
- Protective gloves.
- Roofing shears.
- Brushes.
The construction set can be reduced and expanded depending on the characteristics of a particular situation. At this point you will be able to navigate on your own.
Preparatory stage
Having collected all the necessary equipment, proceed with the preparatory activities. At this stage, you have to manufacture the main elements of the future structure, process them and prepare them accordingly for further use.
Before starting work, draw up, order, or find in an open source a diagram of a domed house. Drawings will help you better navigate the process of construction activities.
First step. Choose a location to place your dome house. Mark the construction site in accordance with the dimensions of the future structure.
Second step. Decide on the model of the dome structure. To do this, select the appropriate shape and dimensions of the cells, the number of rafter elements, the number of connectors, etc. All these points should also be reflected in the drawings.
Third step. Make plywood and rafter elements for the future house. At the same stage, make the required number of connectors. In the process of manufacturing the mentioned products, be guided by the drawings you have.
Be sure to treat metal connectors with a special anti-corrosion agent.
Construction of the structure
Proceed directly to the construction of the structure.
First step. Clear the radius of the future building from the fertile soil layer and fill the depression with a layer of crushed stone. Compact the backfill. Place a layer of sand on top of the crushed stone and compact it thoroughly.
Second step. Pour the foundation. Instead of a foundation, you can use a decagonal support structure. Use boards to assemble it. Select the section of the boards individually, taking into account the upcoming loads.
Third step. Armed with an electric saw or jigsaw, make trapezoidal elements from the boards.
Fourth step. Place roofing material on a previously prepared base of crushed stone and sand, and on top of it - prepared trapezoids. Make sure that the elements are laid evenly and connect the trapezoidal products with screws. At this stage, be guided by the drawings you have; it is impossible to describe this item solely in words.
Fifth step. Proceed with the construction of internal vertical walls. To assemble these elements, use a wooden beam. Connect structural elements using screws. Focus, again, on your drawings.
Sixth step. Make a door frame of the desired dimensions. For assembly, use a pair of horizontal and the same number of vertical bars (boards). It is best to connect the elements using tongues and grooves, additionally strengthened with screws or other suitable fasteners.
At the same stage, make boxes for installing windows.
Seventh step. Cover the finished vertical walls with wooden boards. Nail the boards so that rainwater and snow cannot penetrate the house.
Eighth step. Make ribs for the construction of the main frame. To do this, use a wooden beam. To complete this activity you will need an electric plane.
Before installing the frame ribs, treat all wooden elements with an antiseptic.
Ninth step. Make connectors. For this you will need metal plates. Cut the sheet metal plates according to the drawings you have.
Use a grinder for cutting. Connectors must have a pentagonal or hexagonal shape. Select the shape of the products individually, taking into account the type of structure being built.
Tenth step. Proceed to pouring the finished connectors. To do this, use polyurethane foam or bakelite resin. Foam is preferable because... it contains no components harmful to others.
Eleventh step. Connect all elements of the outer dome in accordance with the design. Use screws to fasten parts together. To create an external dome, triangular elements made of timber or boards are traditionally used. Leave openings in the dome for doors and double-glazed windows.
Twelfth step. Complete the interior cladding of the house. Ordinary sheets of plywood are suitable for this. This material is absolutely environmentally friendly and helps create an optimal indoor microclimate.
Thirteenth step. Finish the exterior of the dome. For finishing, use roofing felt, tiles or other suitable roofing material. The easiest way is to use roofing felt - just carefully cut out triangular elements from it and sequentially fix them on the dome using special glue or ordinary melted resin.
In conclusion, all you have to do is complete the necessary measures for the final arrangement of the domed house, namely:
- lay the floor;
- arrange water supply;
- install windows and doors;
- install a ventilation system;
- insulate the structure.
If you plan to connect water supply and wastewater systems to your domed house, consider the order of their arrangement at the initial stages of construction. To connect the pipes you will have to dig a couple of additional trenches.
If your domed house will be used for permanent residence, be sure to install double-glazed windows with opening doors.
To thermally insulate the structure, use any materials that are easy to install and safe for others. For example, it is very convenient to use sawdust to insulate a structure of this shape.
The most preferred material for the construction of a dome building is white acacia wood. This wood is characterized by high strength, long service life and ease of processing.
If necessary, install electrical wiring to the dome house. If you do not have the skills to install such communications, invite a professional electrician. Plan in advance the placement of lighting fixtures, sockets and other elements.
The dome house is a very original and ergonomic building. Such a structure can be either completely independent or serve as a convenient extension, for example, to a country house. Determine the purpose and design of the house yourself.
Now that you are aware of the sequence of work, no problems will arise with arranging a domed house - you just need to follow the instructions, at the same time focusing on the drawings and diagrams, and the construction will definitely be crowned with success.
Good luck!
Video - Do-it-yourself dome house
Specificity is now gaining popularity at breakneck speed. People are looking for new solutions so that their yards, gardens, and houses have at least a drop of zest, inspire and surprise passers-by. Few people are interested in banal houses made according to a standard template. The desire to distinguish themselves and build a specific house on their site forces many to turn to designers and professional builders. It is not at all uncommon to have hemispherical structures in the private sector. They are filled with grace, beauty and originality. But the dream of living in such a house under a dome is quite feasible without builders and designers. After all, such a unique residential structure can be built with your own hands from various materials.
Specifics of domed houses
The spherical design can withstand heavy snow loads and resist gusty winds. For regions with harsh climates, domed houses are an ideal option. This is a stable and powerful structure that does not have load-bearing walls. Thanks to the symmetry of the forms, the appearance of the dome is visually reduced when the space inside it increases. Getting the optimal amount of usable space, while the house itself takes up only a handful of space, is the main feature of these extraordinary buildings.
Houses in the shape of a hemisphere weigh little, since modest quantities of materials are used in construction. Thanks to this, you can save quite a lot in the construction of the base. The technology of the dome structure has its tricks, but it can be easily mastered.
Advantages of a house under a dome
An attractive round house has a lot of advantages, which lie not only in its uniqueness and appearance, but in the following useful properties:
1. Spheres can withstand loads better.
2. Spheres with the smallest area occupied by the surface have the largest volume.
3. The time for construction and arrangement of the home is minimal.
4. The ability to install the structure on the simplest foundation.
5. High thermal insulation properties.
6. Minimum material consumption.
7. Minimum material costs.
8. High strength and stability.
9. Original and aesthetic appearance.
10. Excellent sound insulation.
11. Free internal layout is feasible.
Due to their high energy efficiency, domed houses can be built with your own hands in any region. Also, these buildings are not afraid of hurricanes, snowfalls and other natural disasters, as they are much more stable than rectangular ones.
Construction of a domed house
The nuances of building a domed house
Before constructing a hemisphere with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself with the following points:
1. The foundation of the house. There are no exact requirements for the support of a round building. The structure weighs little, so a shallow strip foundation would be an excellent option for it.
2. Material. The hemisphere is constructed mainly from wood. Taking into account the expected loads on it, the required cross-section of the beam is selected, usually 50x50 mm. It is important to use timber with an increased cross-section to create a dome, which they plan to sheathe inside and outside. You can find unsurpassed dome structures made of stone or concrete.
3. Assembly method. For the construction of large domes, it is essential to use connectors. Five-beam or six-beam connectors combine wooden structural elements. For modest domes, connectors are inappropriate. If there are enough skills in construction and woodworking, then you can generally refuse to use them. At the same time, it is necessary to make the ribs specifically to suit each other’s build. This ensures that there are a minimum of seams in the connection of all components of the sphere.
4. Roof. To create a roof, it is preferable to use flexible tiles; the use of roofing felt and aluminum sheet roofing materials is also acceptable.
Necessary materials
Before construction, it is necessary to prepare absolutely all materials and devices, so as not to delay the construction in the future by searching for them.
Kit for constructing a hemisphere with your own hands:
1. Wooden beam.
2. Galvanized steel sheet.
3. Screwdrivers, screws and fasteners (screws, nails, etc.).
4. Foam for installation.
5. Roofing material.
6. Roofing scissors.
7. Corner and building level.
8. Hammer.
9. Roulette.
10. Hacksaw.
11. Electric jigsaw and drill.
12. Bulgarian.
13. Wood processing machine.
14. Brushes.
15. Protective gloves.
Dome building project
The dome housing project can be found on the Internet or ordered. The presence of drawings is mandatory, without them it is almost impossible to build a structure in the shape of a sphere with your own hands.
A selection of drawings for a dome house is presented in the pictures below.
Preparatory work
At the preparatory stage, the following must be done:
1. Project selection. The following points should be reflected in the project drawings:
- shape of the building;
- square;
- number of rafter elements;
— cell parameters;
— number of connectors, etc.
2. Selecting a location. At the chosen location for building the dome, markings should be made in accordance with the dimensions of the future building.
3. Manufacturing of necessary products for construction. Based on the drawings, you need to make your own connectors, rafters and plywood elements.
4. Materials processing. Wood naturally needs to be treated with an antiseptic; if metal connectors are used, they are treated with anti-corrosion substances.
Construction instruction
Step-by-step instructions for constructing a dome structure:
1. Creating a foundation.
It is important to thoroughly clear the area where the sphere will be located from fertile soil layers. The excavation is filled with crushed stone and compacted. A mound of sand should be made on top of it and compacted as well.
The best option is a pile foundation. The number of holes for the foundation and their placement must be done according to the diagram.
The support made of thick pipes deepened into the ground is quite strong, and thanks to the concreted reinforcement, the possibility of deformation of the piles is eliminated; it is also not so difficult to build this support with your own hands.
2. Foundation piping.
This is a structure on which an entire house will stand, so its construction should be approached with particular scrupulousness. It is better to stock up on 10% more boards than indicated in the project, since after sawing there may not be enough meter for strapping. It is necessary to create 5 trapezoids from the beams. These trapezoidal-shaped elements will be laid on piles.
Before fastening the strapping, it is important to make sure that it lies clearly horizontally using a level. All elements are connected to each other with screws, and to the foundation - with anchor bolts 40 cm long. Instead of anchors, in order to save money, you can use reinforcement with a diameter of about 20 mm, and it is even more resistant to fastening with anchors. A hole should be drilled in the head of the pile and the reinforcement should be hammered into it with a sledgehammer. It is important to put roofing felt on the pile heads before connecting them to the beams. It is recommended to fasten the boards with additional corners, increasing their stability and fixation to 100%.
3. Arrangement of support beam. The geodesic house frame is assembled on support posts. A suitable beam is installed vertically at the corners of the trim. All vertical posts are fastened with screws. It is important to cover finished vertical walls with boards so as to prevent water and snow from entering the house.
4. Creating frames for windows and doors. In the manufacture of frames for mounting doors and windows, pairs of horizontal and vertical boards are used. It is advisable to connect the bars using the tenon-to-groove method, additionally reinforced with screws.
5. Making ribs for the main frame. Focusing on the project, you need to make panels of triangular and trapezoidal shapes in sufficient quantities with your own hands.
6. Frame assembly. Connectors are often used to connect finished elements; you can make them yourself or purchase ready-made products in a store. In order to make fasteners yourself, you need to have welding skills, a pipe and a metal sheet. It consists of a pipe and 4.5 or 6 metal petals welded to it
You can connect the ribs of a domed house without connectors if you assemble the dome from triangular-shaped elements, the boards of which are precisely fitted. Then all the panels of the outer dome are connected with screws.
When assembling the frame, you must leave openings for doors and windows. The assembly and finished dome are shown in the photo below.
7. Exterior finishing. For the exterior finishing of a hemisphere, it is easier to use roofing felt. Triangles should be carefully cut out of it, matching the inside of the triangular panels used in the construction of the frame. These triangles are fixed with special glue or melted resin on the dome.
8. Decorating a house in the shape of a dome. The following actions relate to the interior arrangement of the premises:
— installation of doors and window glass;
— arrangement of water supply;
- electric installation work;
— floor installation;
— installation of a ventilation system;
- insulation of the building.
You can see how the domes are arranged inside in the photo below.
Ergonomic domed houses look great on the outside, but inside, thanks to a flight of fancy, you can create any layout and it will be amazing. And the main thing is that constructing such geodetic buildings with your own hands means significant savings on construction work and materials, as well as on operation.