Geodesic Cabin Concept

Geodesic Cabin Concept

I just had to share this idea that I just got from Elliander in a comment.

“Thinking further ahead though: The world’s largest Geodesic domes are, if I recall correctly, in Singapore and measure 38 meters tall from ground level. They use water as the primary temperature control mechanism, but I would be very curious to see what would happen if you had a giant dome like that that also goes as deep as it goes tall. Imagine, for example, a mile wide dome set into the side of a mountain. If you used waterfalls on the perimeter and had the water go down a bit below ground level that would help as an energy store drawing the heat of the into the water while reflecting light back at the plants for better illumination and would also act as a cold sink. The total area would be just under 22 and a half acres and you would have a height of around 250 feet. The waterfalls would help catalyze cloud formation and it would be tall enough for the tallest trees in the world to thrive. You could easily have entrances to housing between waterfall segments and at that far down there would be no heating or cooling issues. Variations in day length could be adjusted for with LED lighting in the dome itself powered by wind systems. How cool would it be to have a tropical forest anywhere you could find wind and sun? (italics mine)”

The whole idea of a geodesic cabin combo got me so excited I whipped one up!

Here it is please let me know what you think and share comments.cabin_dome

The crafty Swedes have done this even more aggressively by wrapping the whole house in a greenhouse. Cuts heating costs by 50% and gives way more flex space. I thought the geodesic biodome backyard had more punch though!

Posted in Other Dome Types | 2 Comments

Walipini or Geodesic Biodome Greenhouse?

Walipini or Geodesic Biodome Greenhouse?

Normally I focus on geodesic greenhouses but this old-yet-new design caught my eye recently. Its got a weird name but it works and its cheap to build too. Its know as the Walipini and it utilizes natural forces to provide  warmth, light and protection for year-round vegetable growing. Location, location location. In real estate and when building a greenhouse, even one 6’- 8’ underground, location is essential. Then capturing and storing daytime solar radiation as heat and plant growth comes next.

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A Walipini, is a rectangle shaped hole cut into the ground (hire a backhoe!) then covered by greenhouse plastic. The long face of the rectangle aims to the winter sun while a thick wall of rammed earth at the back of the building soaks up any available solar gain. Then a much lower wall at the front provides the needed angle for supporting the plastic roof of the greenhouse. This roof seals the greenhouse, provides an insulating airspace, and allows the sun to create a warm, stable environment for plant growth.

Because the Walipini is an earth sheltered building it uses the thermal mass of the and seasonal temperature lag of the earth to keep the indoor climate stable, thus much less energy is needed to heat up the earth sheltered greenhouse vs. an above ground one. Of course, one must take care with waterproofing, drainage and ventilation, as well as solar alignment, just as you would when building any kind of greenhouse.

Best of all, a 20ft x 60ft can be build for a total cost of around $300, if you use free or your own labor of course! Cheap but effective, the Walipini underground greenhouse is a great way for growers to produce food all year round.

But, if you have high water table, are on bedrock, just love domes and or don’t have soil suitable for earth sheltered building, go with the biodome greenhouse. But if you have less money and lots of friends who like to dig, then the Walipini might be a great option!

Posted in Build a Greenhouse Cheap | 25 Comments

Snow Dome! The EasyDome Geodesic Greenhouse After a Late Spring Snow Storm

Snow Dome! The EasyDome in After a Late Spring Snow Storm

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Cold outside. Toasty warm inside. Get the manual. Get building. Get eating amazing organic food!

Posted in DIY Geodesic Greenhouse Project | Leave a comment

The EasyDome DIY Geodesic Biodome Manual is now live! And just in time for spring! Let me know what …

The EasyDome DIY Geodesic Biodome Manual is now live! And just in time for spring! Let me know what you think.

How To Build Your Own Geodesic Greenhouse and Have Amazing Organic Food All Year Round.
Posted in Biodome Revolution Reloaded | Leave a comment