October 2008 – Monolithic Domes Open for Tours

Carol Lanham • Published • Press Release Library

EDITORS: HIGH-RESOLUTION DIGITAL IMAGES OF THE DOMES ARE AVAILABLE.
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CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895

FALL DOME SHOW
Tornado-Resistant Monolithic Domes Open for Tours on Saturday, October 25th

ITALY, Texas (October 2008) – If you’ve ever driven by the giant caterpillar on Interstate 35 between Dallas/Fort Worth and Waco, and wondered what in the world it was, you’ll have the chance to find out on Saturday, October 25th. The Monolithic Dome Institute in Italy, Texas, home to Bruco, the giant caterpillar, will be opening many of the dome homes on its property for public tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the eighth annual Fall Dome Show. Admission is free.

Dome homes all over the United States will be open that day, and commercial dome buildings will open for tours on Friday, October 24th. Hundreds of visitors turned out last year to see the dome homes in Italy, which are located adjacent to Interstate 35E at 177 Dome Park Place. Visit www.monolithic.com for directions or call 972-483-7423.

Monolithic Domes are round, steel-reinforced concrete buildings known for their energy efficiency, durability and strength. In addition to meeting FEMA standards for near-absolute protection from tornadoes, they can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool than traditional structures of the same size. The tour is designed to raise awareness about these types of buildings.

“Monolithic Domes continue to grow in popularity as more people discover the advantages they have to offer,” said David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute, sponsor of the tour. “This dome show is a way for the general public to get a first-hand look at a Monolithic Domes, and hear about their advantages from people who actually own one.”

South added that the home show will showcase all kinds of domes, from luxury houses to small single domes. “We will have dome homes open for tours from Idaho all the way down to Florida,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to inform the public about how versatile these homes can be.”

While domes still make up a tiny fraction of the houses built nationwide, their green appeal has been on the rise in recent years. Their spherical shape covers the most amount of space with the least amount of materials. In fact, dome homes generally require 50 to 75 percent less material to cover the same space as a square conventional house. Not only does the round design help conserve natural resources, it also adds to the building’s energy efficiency. Because there is less surface area, not as much heat escapes in the winter or seeps in during the summer.

Since Monolithic Domes are made of concrete, they have the added advantages associated with the concrete’s thermal mass. When the interior of the dome is heated or cooled, the concrete warms up or cools off, and then maintains that temperature for a long period of time. That means the interior temperature stays relatively constant. By placing the insulation on the exterior of the building, the dome becomes more immune to temperature swings, and therefore more energy efficient.

For more information about Monolithic Dome homes, visit HYPERLINK http://www.monolithic.com.

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