We have all heard and seen the splendor that is a geodesic dome. It is also safe to say that the geodesic domes that we are used to are of those magnificent buildings such as Science World and Spaceship Earth. Well, there are a lot more uses of geodesic domes to make buildings of sheer beauty. Geodesic domes are used as residential homes, greenhouses, warehouses, water reservoirs and entertainment spots.
There is no place like dome, geodesic domes' enthusiasts claim. Indeed this pithy statement couldn't be far from the truth considering the many advantages of geodesic domes used as residential homes. You can opt to make your geodesic dome home or you can opt to acquire one that is offered as a turnkey solution by companies that build geodesic dome homes. The latter option is more prudent because these companies have a team of qualified personnel who deploy best practices using the raw materials in a controlled environment which include high internal regulation and inspection. In a typical scenario, geodesic dome homes are shipped on site as a series of SIPs before the interior work is delivered.
There is a reason why geodesic domes continue to endear to the hearts of environmental conscious individuals. Geodesic domes have a reputation for being highly energy efficient and highly sustainable while incorporating sustainable technologies such as green house technologies. The strength offered by the triangular elements within geodesic domes which distribute stress loads across the entire structure can accommodate glass panels that are ideal for green houses. What's more, most companies that sell geodesic domes to be used as green houses go the extra mile to fit vents that are automatically activated by temperature, water tanks and solar ventilation fans.
Making warehouses has never been more affordable thanks to geodesic domes. The components used for making geodesic dome warehouses are very affordable. Moreover, they are easy to maintain and also very energy efficient. This translates to reduced costs in the long term. Geodesic domes used as warehouses can store a variety of items from inventory to grain.
Geodesic domes can also be used as water reservoirs especially in areas facing acute water shortages. They are particularly ideal for the emerging nations. These geodesic domes are placed a several feet below the ground. They have periscope-like necks which protrude to above the ground to direct water flow to the storage below. A filter pit ensures that the water trickling down the reservoir is free of solid impurities. The fact that the water stored is underground means that the water remains pollution free with little or no loss to evaporation. As a result, arable land is not lost whereas wastelands can easily be reclaimed by irrigation. It is no wonder that governments in emerging nations are investing millions of dollars in geodesic domes.
The rationale behind entertainment spots is to contain several people within a certain location. Geodesic domes with their efficient use of space with little components are perfect candidates to be used as entertainment spots. They can be used as movie theatres, entertainment arenas and adventure rides such as the Spaceship Earth at Epcot, Disneyland.
The very essence of geodesic domes is the stubborn defiance to the status quo. There are different ways of building houses, there are better ways to store water and there are more fun structures to be in. It is for this reason that I cannot claim to have exhausted the list of the uses of geodesic domes. More and more creative ways of using geodesic domes abound.