Thanks to a generous, anonymous donation the community of Hansen, Idaho, has a new gymnasium. The Hansen School District owns the 120-foot diameter monolithic dome but shares it with the city. “This is a unique facility,” said Superintendent David Carson at Friday’s open house. “It’s a community school district partnership. Both entities will be able to use it — a lot.”
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.
After building a thriving 48-dome apartment community in Texas, Kevin McGuckin and Hannah Mallon turned to Tennessee to create a masterpiece to retire in. The Iron Mountain Dome—energy-efficient, rock-clad, and nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains—blends custom woodwork and handmade tiles with natural beauty.
Hail rarely harms a Monolithic Dome, but extreme storms can damage Airforms. This story follows four domes through violent hail, how they fared compared with conventional structures, and their repairs when needed.
Cloudome, a Monolithic Dome home situated on a 24-acre wooded plot in Menlo, Georgia, is a once-in-a-lifetime property for sale. With an interior lovingly clad in wood harvested from the property, Cloudome is a great example of how Monolithic Dome construction adapts beautifully to a natural, rural setting while offering unmatched durability and comfort.
