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Let’s Get Started!

The purpose of this page is to get the MOST of the information about the dome(s) you need.

Please fill out the requested information from this page on the corresponding Order form.

In the next steps we will explore and discuss any remaining design factors.

We’re eager to help you maintain and utilize your dome to it’s fullest. Support is always available.

If you want multiple identical domes, fill out quantity. If you want domes of different designs, please fill out a form for each different design.

Geodesic Dome Frame Basic Design:
Here are a couple diagrams to help explain the names of frame styles, i.e. “1v, 2v, 3v,” etc.

We can customize just about any size or frequency for you.  The next image just shows a few popular choices that may be perfect for you.

Orange text shows actual size. Black text shows called names in the dome industry.

Note: The prices listed are current as of January 2024, but are subject to change.

We can customize for you, including things like tunnels between domes, tunnel or silo style frames, complete spheres, etc.

Describe your dome frame (examples:  “23.5′ wide 5/8 3v”,   “31′ wide x 100′ long 4v tunnel-style”, “20′ wide 15′ tall silo-style 4v”).   If you don’t feel like using the jargon, just do your best to let us know the size and shape you want!

Note: If snow loads or other factors require your frame and cover to have more strength we encourage you to consider frame with avg. 3.3′ long struts instead of one with 5′ long avg. struts. (example: a 16′ 3v is stronger than a 16′ 2v)

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Struts
Struts are braces that support a structure.   A geodesic dome frame is made completely of struts, nuts and bolts.  It’s ALL structural!

All of our struts are galvanized steel, (known as EMT).

Most commonly we use:

• 1/2″ I.D.(Inner Diameter)  This diameter strut is ample in many cases.
• 3/4″ I.D. (Called Standard: .92″ by the market leaders)
• 1″ I.D. (Called Heavy Duty: 1.31″)

Please specify strut size desired or default for the size requested

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Doorways
Due to the various sizes and styles of dome frames, doors can be different shapes and styles.

Flush Doorways

Reinforced Doorways

Inset Doorways

Dormered Doorways, Arbors, and Awnings

Crows Nest
The cherry on top
frames approx $250.  Covers approx $750

• Offering rain-proof vent protection (barring hurricane winds).
• Space for up to 5 vents, or leave all 10 vertical sections open!
• Extra Headroom
• Can be customized to any height
• Get your best view of the scenery
• Extra Shade in the summer while allowing ample ambient daylight inside
• Can be segregated by insulative liner in the winter

Shall we add a crows nest frame to your order?  As a standard we make them short/sleek as pictured, so specify your preference
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Cover Design

Generally 2-3x cost of frame from 3/4″ EMT

Here is the cover material we use and recommend:

https://www.mytarp.com/collections/vinyl-coated-polyester-fabrics

https://www.mytarp.com/collections/clear-plastic-fabrics

• Which color(s) would you like for your cover?
• State your your second and third choices, in case your preference is not available.
• Also include the placement of your vents if you have preferences,
• Show any section borders if you would prefer to have your cover be multiple sections instead of one solid piece.
• You can also include the location of any eye-bolts you would like instead of standard hex bolts otherwise included.

Covers can be glued at the edge to the dome frame, or if you prefer another option like grommets around the perimeter for paracord attachment please specify below.

Leave us any description you have in mind how you’d like your cover and/or You can use the Dome Diagrams for your sketches.

What color(s)/clear combo would you like?
[………………]

Dome Diagrams

Doors
Doors can be closed by either hinges or zippers.  Hinged Doors can be basic (made-from-struts), custom welded, or to your other specifications.  Zipper doors can be augmented with magnets for frequent use with less abuse to the zipper.

Specify here if you have a preference for your door(s)  […………………]

Vents
Various types of electric fans are available.  Some are solar, but they can all be hooked to any power supply.  A crows nest can make passive ventilation more practical!

In our opinion one hinged vent in the crows nest is best. Any fan can be placed at that vent to improve performance if needed.

Specify here if you have a preference for vents.  [……………]

Installation Options and Kit Options

Finished kit (We make your cover at our location):  Great for domes intended for future and/or portable purposes
………..Save money VS. onsite install by us

Installed by us (We make your cover at your location):  Almost wrinkle-free & tighter fit because it doesn’t need to be folded for shipping.

Installed by you:  There are many levels of this money saving option.

⦁ Free DIY instructions to cover our domes.
⦁ Buy a kit of precut cover pieces. (The tools needed are all very useful, in general)
⦁ You can cover your frame with tarps until finances allow the cost of a fitted vinyl cover.  We have done this with our own personal domes regularly, as we’ve grown our practice over the last decade+.

Specify here which installation or kit option you’d like:  [……………]

If you want a Full Onsite Installation from us please go over this list of logistical factors we need to consider in taking/pricing the job:

• Physical address of site?  [……………]
• Host us or budget for motel?  [……………]
• Level site? Grading needed?  [……………]
• Surface texture? concrete, dirt, deck, gravel etc. (Note:  It may be less likely you will require a permit if your dome is on the ground rather than a deck)  [……………]
• Ease of access to property?  [……………]
• How close can we pull a vehicle to the location of the dome build site?  [……………]
• Electrical power source?  [……………]
• Water source and quality?  [……………]
• Anything else you can think of that might effect our productivity, (i.e. distance from dome build site to nearest hardware store, restaurants, groceries, etc., or regular challenging attributes of the site like flash-floods or abundant mosquitos, pig sties)?  [……………]

Here are more factors we will determine with you, either just FYI or prior to if we do a full installation of your dome:

Anchoring will depend on the surface the dome is installed upon.

Flooring options are available to your specs, or we can make a recommendation such as an interior raised floor.
We recommend exterior decks to be free-standing.  Domes on protruding decks are leak hazards.
Here are a few more options for flooring:

• pavers or slate
• dug out spot for fire-pit, pond, garden bed, or full geothermal greenhouse (like a walipini)
• elevated on ponywall
• Use your imagination. 

Specify here any information or preferences you have regarding Anchoring and Flooring options
[……………]

You can consider the following items now or at any point in the future.

• Insulation options:  How hot and cold does it get there? What is your budget?  Options range from very inexpensive to very expensive.
• Water and Electric Options
• HVAC Options
• Lofts and loft access such as stairs
• Rigid exterior wall options
• Interior wall options
• Hanging shelves/racks
• Attached shelf frames located on wall.
• Specify here any preferences you have regarding this list or any other amenities you would like in your dome.

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Let us know or ask us anything you’d like  [……………]

We look forward to working with you!

-Elevate the Individual, Elevate the Local Community, Elevate Humanity-
-DomeAndGarden.com Founder, David Pantone