Monolithic Dome Fact Sheet

What is a Monolithic Dome?

A Monolithic Dome is a round, steel-reinforced concrete building known for its energy efficiency, low maintenance, and ability to offer near absolute protection from natural disasters. While they have had a relatively low profile in the past, these unique buildings have slowly started gaining national prominence as school districts, churches, sports facilities and even home owners have opted for Monolithic Dome construction. Monolithic Dome homes have been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, the NBC Nightly News, MSNBC, CNBC, National Geographic Channel and Discovery Channel.

I’ve never seen a Monolithic Dome. How many are there?

Hundreds of Monolithic Domes have been built in 48 U.S. states and more than 50 foreign countries.

Why would anyone want to build a Monolithic Dome?

For one thing, Monolithic Domes are highly energy efficient. In fact, they are as much as 75 percent less expensive to heat and cool than traditional structures. They also are extremely safe. The worst tornadoes will bounce off of them. It may take out the windows or doors, but the concrete structure will remain intact and standing. A hurricane means absolutely nothing to a Monolithic Dome as long as shutters are put on the windows to avoid damage from flying debris. Domes can even withstand earthquakes. They also are fire-safe since the only combustible materials in the dome are the furniture and other things brought in by the occupants. In other words, domes are virtually indestructible and designed to last for centuries.

How do you go about building a Monolithic Dome?

A Monolithic Dome is built using something known as an Airform, an inflatable balloon-like structure that creates the shape of the dome. The Airform is attached to the building’s circular foundation and inflated using giant fans. Once the Airform is inflated, work moves to the interior where three inches of polyurethane foam is sprayed on the underside of the airform. Next a grid of steel rebar is then attached to the foam and later embedded in Shotcrete that ranges from 4 inches at the top to 8 inches at the base. After this process the fans can be turned off. This creates a safe, permanent and energy-efficient structure.

Why are Monolithic Dome so energy efficient?

At the most basic level, the shape of the Monolithic Dome is one of the reasons for its energy efficiency. There simply is less surface area per square foot to heat or cool compared to the square or rectangular building. However, the materials used in its construction are a more important component of the energy savings that result in these round structures. The polyurethane foam on the exterior of the structure accounts for a large part of the Monolithic Dome’s energy efficiency. Polyurethane foam is one of the best insulating products on the market. Since the insulation is on the exterior of the structure, the concrete is protected from the actual temperature outside the building. The concrete’s thermal mass also provides the Monolithic Dome with its superior energy efficiency. When the interior of the dome is heated or cooled the concrete warms up or cools off, maintains that temperature for a long period, and radiates it back into the dome’s interior.

Why are they so strong?

The shape of the Monolithic Dome, and the material used in its construction also accounts for the building’s strength. In fact, it is probably the most disaster-resistant building that can be constructed above ground. It meets or exceeds the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s specifications for community disaster shelters.

Are they expensive to build?

Costs vary depending on the size, shape and uses of the Monolithic Dome. In many cases, Monolithic Domes cost less to build than conventional buildings. However, the dome is not a “cheap” building. The greatest savings is in the energy efficiency and longevity of the building.

Can I build a Monolithic Dome myself?

Yes, with a little help from the experts. The Monolithic Dome Institute sponsors five-day workshops that include both hands-on training and classroom instruction. Participants actually build a Monolithic Dome by applying the principles learned in class. Past attendees have included people who want to build their own dome homes and well as contractors who want to build domes for others.

Who invented the Monolithic Dome?

Three brothers - David, Barry and Randy South -- built and patented the first Monolithic Dome in 1975.

What is a Crenosphere?

The Crenosphere is an offshoot of the Monolithic Dome. Patented by David South, this super dome is a huge concrete structure ideally suited for indoor sports. Its diameter can range from 300 to 1,000 feet with heights spanning from 75 to 500 feet.
In some situations, the cost of building a Crenosphere could be half the construction cost of other types of sports facilities with nothing sacrificed in playing space, spectator seating or amenities. The Crenosphere also offers significant interior design flexibility given that it has a clear span with no pillars or posts to obstruct views.

Do Monolithic Domes meet all building codes?

Yes, Monolithic Dome buildings comply and exceed all of the usual building codes in every way. In many cases the Monolithic Dome can be placed immediately adjacent to other buildings because of its superior fire code conformance. This can be really important in commercial buildings, schools, and churches.