SassafrasWilds Geodesic Domehome
Building plans created by Christine Weiss, December 30, 2001
(With much thanks to everyone I plagiarized "starter images" from!)

Digitally altered photo (below) of "main entrance" (northeast face).

Please note: this image is "representative" of what we envision. We want to use "vertical log" siding, we want the style of windows and doors shown, and we want a "white" (or very light color) roof. However the domehome shown below is (I believe) a 3/8 hemisphere on a 3' kneewall set on top of a basement foundation. Our building plans (pictured below) are based on a 5/8 dome measuring 50' at the hemisphere. And a question we're answering here is: Is one of these construction approaches "better" (for us) than the other?

Side view cross section (below) showing diameters at respective heights (in blue) and
spacing between levels (in red).

The Dormitory Level (below) is the bottom level.

The exterior walls of this level will be birmed to a depth of 4' on all sides. A 5-burner infrared radiant gas heater will be the primary heat source for this level. An electrically powered "heat recovery and recirculation system," (involving all levels of the home) will optimize energy efficiency, but not be required to heat or cool the home in the event of electrical outage.

The Main Level (below) is elevated roughly 4' above ground level.

This level also has a gas heater. A woodburner is installed on this level as a back-up to the gas heater system.

Loft Level (below) will eventually be finished as a 1-bedroom apartment.

Cupola Level (below) has a "cat walk" (wire mesh) type floor.

Floor must enable easy access to cupola windows and drapes while at the same time allowing light and air free passage to levels below. Spiral Staircase is also made of "open and airy" metal.

Comments to: bewise@hypertech.net