When Paul and Shirley Tinsley chose to build a Monolithic Dome home in Cudjoe Key, Florida, they had no idea that they were building a home that would withstand not one, but two Category 4 hurricanes in six years: Hurricane Irma, in August of 2017, and Hurricane Ian, in September 2022.
An EF3 tornado smashed through Beggs, Oklahoma, in early March. It uprooted trees, flipped trucks, lifted roofs, demolished buildings, and, sadly, killed two people. But for the dozens of residents sheltering in Monolithic Dome safe rooms, it was serene.
Another workshop is complete, with 25 hard-working and attentive students from all over the US and even the UK. In five days, they completed an unusual addition to a Monolithic Dome Home. Heads up, Workshop prices are changing.
Monolithic manufactures a variety of fabric forms and architectural products. One example is odor-free compost covers used for industrial-sized composting systems. We have 15 years of experience in the industry and our compost covers handle repeated use without breaking down or losing performance.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Monolithic Dome by scrolling through this photo journal of favorite dome moments! This retrospective is a highlight reel, a rough timeline, and a Thank You for making the last 50 years so fantastic.
Bruco, the famous Texas-Italian caterpillar, recently underwent an exterior renovation, including new boots and a redesigned face by the granddaughters of David B. South, inventor of the Monolithic Dome and creator of the original structure. The 30-year-old manufacturing facility is a caterpillar-shaped Monolithic Dome and a popular part of the Monolithic Dome Research Park and Central Texas landscape.
In the Fall of 2025, James Crisp and his family experienced the kind of catastrophe every homeowner fears. A fire broke out in their home of 14 years, destroying everything inside. What it did not destroy was the Monolithic Dome recently built next to it.
The 2025 Monolithic Dome Research Park Tour was fun and productive. People showed up smiling, curious, and ready to explore every corner of our commercial facilities and five dome homes located here.
Monolithic Domes are tough, efficient, and built to last. But there’s one part of every dome that does need attention from time to time. If you ignore it, the fix can turn into an expensive problem. Let’s talk about dome roofs, how long they really last, and the point at which you need to step in and take care of maintenance.
Tornadoes sweep through Oklahoma and Kansas every year, and people take cover as best they can in storm shelters and basements. At the Kickapoo Community Childcare Center, the staff saw the fear on the little faces of their students every time tornado warning sirens sounded, and they wanted to find a way to keep children safe and secure in all weather. Their solution was to build a Monolithic Dome.
Thank you to everyone who attended the tour. The Monolithic Dome Research Park in Italy, Texas, is hosting a dome tour on October 18, 2025. The tour is free and open to the public. The Research Park features over 75 domes of all uses, shapes, and sizes—including several dome homes. Plus, visit the newly refinished Texas landmark—Bruco: The Texas Italian Caterpillar.
