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Thinking Outside The Box: Area Couple Builds Dome Home

Energy efficiency is a hot topic these days, with many people thinking of ways to cut energy costs more than ever before. When Charlie and Margaret Simmons of New Iberia, Louisiana, decided to move back to Margaret’s hometown of Jay and build their retirement home, energy efficiency was an important factor in choosing the style of house they would construct. However, there were additional features that prompted them to ultimately choose to build a monolithic dome home.

A monolithic (one-piece) dome is an extremely energy efficient, steel-reinforced concrete structure that can basically be designed for any type of use. The dome structure starts with a reinforced concrete tension ring to which a plasticized airform (balloon) is attached and inflated. All subsequent work is done inside the airform. First, three to four inches of foam is sprayed on the interior. This is followed by a steel rebar structure and then covered with concrete, six inches at the base and about three inches at the apex. Having the insulation on the outside is non-traditional but as Charlie Simmons explained, “That is where God put it on sheep.”

The curved shape of the exterior structure actually reflects energy away. The multiple tons of concrete provide a very stable and well-insulated interior, which in turn, absorbs energy and keeps the temperature relatively constant. The insulation does not deteriorate with time, moisture or compaction. The dome provides a solid thermal envelope and the airtight exterior affords no, or minuscule at most, energy leakage. The dome is so well insulated that fresh outdoor air must be brought in through an air-to-air heat exchanger to minimize energy loss and a HEPA (99.9% efficiency) air filter to take out contaminates. This preconditioned, filtered, pressurized air enters the HVAC system for normal distribution. The pressurization prevents dust from entering even when doors are opened. This feature is especially appealing to Margaret Simmons.

A beneficial effect of this super-insulated home is downsized heat and air equipment. The Simmons’ home is 3,400 sq. ft. and a 1 ½ ton A/C unit adequately services the entire structure. A traditionally constructed home of this same size would most likely require a 5 to 6 ton A/C unit. According to C. Simmons, “The efficiency of the house appeals to me as an engineer, and I like having something that is a little different, too.”

Durability is another feature that attracted Simmons to the dome structure. Simmons commented that the model he chose to construct was tested in a wind tunnel at Texas A&M University to withstand 600 mph winds. The strongest hurricane winds recorded to date have been slightly over 200 mph and tornado winds at just over 300 mph. Typically during violent storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes, high winds acting on flat surfaces and negative air pressure combine and can get under the eves and soffits of a conventional house. This force, in turn, may cause the roof to be ripped off the house. The aerodynamic shape of the dome provides excellent above ground protection against powerful winds in any direction, allowing the wind’s energy to glide past without causing damage to the basic structure. Even sounds from the outside are virtually eliminated.

The durability attribute is also evidenced by its resistance to other forces of nature such as earthquakes, fire, and insects. The monolithic design of the dome has an even distribution of weight and a low center of gravity so that it actually moves with the earth. This design prevents the dome from damage, whereas, a traditional home can be shaken off its foundation as it wobbles with the earth’s lateral shifts in an earthquake.

Neither is fire a detriment to the home. The exterior of the home is painted with a silicon based GE (General Electric Company) paint that will withstand 550 degrees F. and the concrete used in construction doesn’t burn. Nor are pests such as termites a concern because there is no wood in the structure for the termites to eat. Because of the dome’s resistance to weather, fire, and insects, the structure virtually has a lifespan of centuries rather than years. As a result, home insurance costs are greatly reduced.

The dome house’s economic feasibility is another appealing characteristic. Because of the limited number of components used in the structure itself, the cost is about the same as a conventional home of the same size. The dome’s shape, design, and quality of construction materials keep required future upkeep and maintenance virtually nonexistent.

The Simmons decided a dome house would best meet their needs for a retirement home. Construction began in April of 2008 and was completed in November of 2009. Living in Louisiana during the various construction phases of the home could have posed complications for Simmons; however, local Virgle Bedsole served as project manager and could oversee the day to day operations of the home’s development. Bedsole says, “This project has been different from building a conventional house. Each step along the way, you have to think things through carefully, not just handle it the usual way.”

The interior of the home is beautiful with its teak wood flooring, cabinets and doors made of cypress salvaged from an old plantation home, and spacious floor plan. In addition, the home also features energy efficient LED lighting and the latest technological advancements. The Simmons seem to have thought of everything in regards to constructing a home they can enjoy for many years to come.

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