dome geodesic dome aluminum roof DOME THE CONCEPTS BEHIND THE DOME The spherical structure of a dome is one of the most efficient interior atmospheres for human dwellings because air and energy are allowed to circulate without obstruction. More specifically, the dome is energy efficient for many reasons: the dome decreased surface area requires less building materials . dome exposure to cold in the winter and heat in the summer is decreased because, being spherical, there is the least surface area per unity of volume per structure. the concave interior creates a natural airflow that allows the hot or cool air to flow evenly throughout the dome with the help of return air ducts. extreme wind turbulence is lessened because the winds that contribute to heat loss flow smoothly around the dome. the dome acts like a type of giant down-pointing headlight reflector and reflects and concentrates interior heat. This helps prevent radiant heat loss. Many dome manufacturers on the list in this section offer various designs in geodesic dome housing with little assembly time required. Many also come in dome kits that you can build yourself or with the help of friends. You do not concrete over the entire dome. The dome can be painted any color, tan, green, blue. Preferably a light to medium color to reflect the sunlight on the dome. A few years ago prior to the working consultant that supervises the shell assembly, some of our dome owners had to hire contractors or individuals that had never assembled one of our dome shell kits. Our reinforced concrete dome homes shell is virtually indestructible, able to withstand enormous wind and snow loads and capable of supporting earth berming. The dome owner caulked the crack and mixed up some fiber concrete and filled the chunk. By the way it is even easier to heat the dome than to cool it. Because of the shape of the dome a second floor is a natural. Whether you're a professional home builder, a do-it-yourself type or you already own a dome home but would like a matching outbuilding or shop, .geodomeroof.com gives you the tools you'll need to successfully build a geodesic dome. R. Buckminster Fuller designed the first geodesic dome.