Monolithic Dome Church Pricing

David B. South • Published • How To Buy a Monolithic Dome Church

[Note: This article is preserved for historical purposes only. The prices listed were from 2009 and are no longer valid.]

When asked, “How much would it cost to build a Monolithic Dome church?” I usually come back with, “How much does a car cost?”

A car price depends on make, model, age, condition and more. Similarly, church costs depend on variables: where, when, what and more. The following information may help you get an idea of the cost of new church construction and ongoing maintenance.

  1. Generally a Monolithic Dome Church costs the same as a similarly sized and outfitted conventional church. But it will cost less than a conventional church if the conventional church is constructed to meet Type II or Type II FR designation (Fire Safety Codes).
  2. The lifetime of a Monolithic Dome church is measured in centuries. Remodeling may be needed from time-to-time to meet changing conditions, but a new structure will not be needed.
  3. The dramatic difference in energy needs between Monolithic Domes and conventionals is where the big savings are. A Monolithic Dome needs less energy and less equipment for heating and cooling. Less equipment translates into less maintenance and less replacement of worn out parts. If these savings were accumulated in a bond account, the accumulated savings will generally equal the total cost of the facility in less than 20 years.
  4. In general, Monolithic Dome churches have been finishing between $125 and $150 (2009 Pricing) per square foot. But many factors can raise or lower the price: auditorium seats, commercial kitchens, television broadcasting, lighting, etc.
  5. Inflation of construction will distort any numbers given here – as will other factors such as: prevailing wage states, experience of builders and designers, and location. (Construction is more costly in the Northeast and in California.)

How to proceed

We suggest that you complete a Free Evaluation, then commission a Feasibility Study, completed by a designer familiar with the dome’s attributes. A Feasibility Study provides much useful information and establishes a preliminary program. It proposes a solution and creates a rough budget.

With this information, the decision to proceed or explore major changes can be made. You may still use your local architect for the final design. Our church-client is not obligated beyond the cost of the Feasibility Study. Please let us know what we can do to help. See How to Buy a Monolithic Dome Church for more information.

Updated: June 20, 2009