The Do-It-Yourself Dome House: A Journey of Innovation and Perseverance
Introduction
A journey that began with innovation, shaped by perseverance, and ended with a unique abode, my wife Sher and I built a 750 sq ft dome house 45 years ago. This DIY project was my first attempt at building a dome house and the culmination of hard work.
A Capsule of Our DIY Dome House Journey
Our 5/8 sphere 32′ diameter dome house was a significant milestone in our lives. Built for 15,000 USD in 1980, the project involved significant enthusiasm and some challenges.
The Inspiration Behind the Dome Home
The inspiration for our dome house came from the book "Domebook 2." Jerry Jaksha, a well-known DIY dome home builder, provided invaluable insights and guidance. His work served as a guiding light for us during the construction process.
The Building Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
How We Built the Dome House:
Floor construction Pentagon setup Strut installation Curved ladder reason and usage Siding and window installation Shingle usage and finishingBuild the Floor
The foundation of any dome house is its base. We started by constructing a sturdy floor. A 15′ post with a pulley at the top formed the central support structure. This simplified our construction process significantly.
Set Up the First Pentagon
Once the floor was in place, we wrapped a pentagon around the central post. This pentagon would serve as the base for our dome.
Strut Installation
The next step was to install the struts. We did this in stages, lifting each ring sequentially. This method involved repetitive winching until we reached the final ring. Working at ground level made this ground-level work more manageable.
The Curved Ladder: Pivoting and Usage
To facilitate the installation of siding, windows, and shingles, we designed a curved ladder. The ladder pivots at the top of the dome and can be wheeled around using two wheels at the bottom. This allowed us to move around the dome easily and install materials with precision.
Cost of the DIY Dome House
The total cost for our project was 15,000 USD. We invested 3,000 initially, mainly for materials like tarpaper and recycled wood from old buildings to cover the shell. We managed without water or a proper sink until the tub was installed, which was a significant improvement from the freezing school bus we had used while building.
A Short Recap
Our DIY dome house was a testament to our determination and resourcefulness. The project not only served as a home but also an enduring reminder of our perseverance and creativity.
Conclusion
Building a dome house can be a rewarding and innovative experience. Whether you are inspired by Domebook 2 or have your own ideas, the DIY approach offers endless possibilities for creative homeowners.
Cost of the Dome House Project
Initial investment: 3,000 USD
Final cost in 1980: 15,000 USD
How We Built the Dome House
Floor construction Pentagon setup Strut installation Curved ladder design and usage Siding and window installation Shingle usage and finishingDomebook 2: The Inspiration
Domebook 2, by Jerry Jaksha, provided us with the foundational knowledge and inspiration to begin our project.
The Building Process
Build the Floor Set Up the First Pentagon Strut installation Curved Ladder Reason and Usage Siding and Window Installation Shingle Usage and FinishingPerseverance in Construction
Through hard work and determination, we were able to complete the dome house, turning a vision into a reality.
Ground-Level Work
Most of the work was completed at ground level, making it easier to manage and monitor each stage of the construction process.
Using Shingles to Finish
Shingles were crucial in finishing the dome house, providing both a weather-resistant and aesthetically pleasing finish.