October 2011 – Monolithic Domes Open for Tours

Carol Lanham • Published • Press Release Library

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CONTACT: Carol Lanham
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FALL DOME SHOW
Tornado-Resistant Monolithic Dome Homes Open for Tours on Saturday, October 15th

ITALY, Texas (September 6, 2010) – 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. on Saturday, October 15 as part of the 11th annual Fall Dome Show. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable canned good or other food item to benefit the Italy Ministerial Alliance.

“The Italy Ministerial Alliance hosts the local food pantry, and needs help,” said Anne Sutherland, a spokeswoman for the Monolithic Dome Institute. “The holidays are fast approaching and the cupboard is bare. We encourage visitors to make a donation to the local food pantry when they come tour our wonderful Monolithic Domes.”

Dome homes all over the United States also will be open that day, and commercial dome buildings will open for tours on Friday, October 14th. Hundreds of visitors turned out last year to see the dome homes and offices in Italy, which are located adjacent to Interstate 35E at 177 Dome Park Place. Visit www.monolithic.com for a complete list of properties open for tours.

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.


The recent string of tornadoes and other natural disasters have given this year’s tour a higher profile as many Americans are searching for sustainable solutions to rebuild or protect their businesses and homes.



David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute, recently traveled to Joplin, Missouri where he presented at a workshop for survivors, planners, and builders on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. The event was organized in response to the EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin on May 22, 2011, killing 158 people.
 


“We are always saddened when we see the loss of life and property that often occurs during severe storms like the one that hit Joplin,” said South. “But we are hopeful that lives can be saved in the future through the construction of safer, better structures that are also energy efficient and green.”


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.

“Monolithic Domes continue to grow in popularity as more people discover the advantages they have to offer,” South said. “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.”

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

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