Military Praises South Industries Monolithic Dome Project

National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California

In 1844 when U.S. Army Captain John C. Fremont and Kit Carson established a rudimentary camp there, Fort Irwin was just a hot, sandy spot in the Mojave Desert. But it grew and grew. 

By 1979 Fort Irwin became the site of a military, world-class National Training Center. Located in California’s northern San Bernadino County, NTC now has a population of almost 9000. 

More recently, Fort Irwin has become home to the largest renewable energy project ever established by the Department of Defense (DOD) and Monolithic Domes are now a part of that project. On its website, the DOD writes, “These structures show ground commanders how a holistic approach can provide an estimated energy savings of about 60 percent….” (DoD_Energy_Security_Task_Force.pdf page 3 of 10)

NTC gets Monolithic Domes

Specifically designed for the military, South Industries of Menan, Idaho constructed three Monolithic Domes at Fort Irwin:

Brigade Tactical Operations Center – Completed in 2010, this dome’s multiple concrete layers provide optimal force protection and energy efficiency. The stemwall is eleven inches deep and allows for greater use of the inside area and an optimal layout, including a second level. Its design truly provides maximum protection at a minimum cost. 

Off-grid, Net Zero Plus Dome – This dome is 100% off the power grid. Its insulation and concrete layers allow it to be very energy efficient. With the aid of solar panels and wind turbines, this facility is self sufficient and even produces more power than is consumed. This structure is a great solution where protection is needed and energy sources are limited. 

Rapid Deployable Hardened Structures – These two domes were constructed with the design intent of rapid construction schedules. The construction method involves thinner concrete layers to speed the process while still providing the functions of protection and energy efficiency. 

Andrew South, vice president of South Industries, said, "The new Monolithic Dome Tactical Operations Center at NTC is the first of its kind. It combines the elements of ATFP (anti-terror and force protection) with a high level of energy efficiency, all at a cost that rivals less efficient structures with little or no force protection. It is a highly optimized blend of the projects’ criteria. Joe Barniak from The Power Surety Task Force did an excellent job in the coordination of the project between Fort Irwin’s leadership, contractors and all other groups involved. We are confident the building solution will serve the U.S. armed forces well.”  

Military Praise

John Spiller, U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force, said, "South Industries built three domes for the U.S. Army and I was the Government Project Officer. They exceeded all of our expectations. They were on schedule, on budget, and did excellent quality work. They ran a tight ship and a very professional business. The whole process including the contract, estimate, site survey, and construction was first rate. I give my highest recommendation to South Industries. I have the data to back up my subjective opinion.”