RSS FeedMar 23 2009
Eco-Dome is a Brilliant Concept
Eco-Dome is one of those ideas that really grab one’s imagination. The finished design really conjures up the most exotic imagery of space-age adobe homes. In fact, for most people the Eco-Dome will quickly stimulate the imagination, with its sleek curves and innate possibilities. Cal-Earth and architect Nader Khalili are behind the Eco-Dome concept, which definitely makes use of the energy saving concept of building with what is on hand.
The Eco-Dome idea has a lot going for it. One of its strong points is that it is very environmentally friendly. The Eco-Dome concept uses no wood or trees of any kind, instead opting for what are called “Superadobe coils.” The Superadobe coils are a very interesting idea. These Superadobe coils are building coils that have been filled with either a mixture of soil and cement or lime and stabilized 
earth. In short, with Eco-Dome in turns out that you are building an earth home, partially solidified with lime or cement. This is a simple idea, but very clever one.
They currently offer plans for both 400 square foot models ($2,400) and 800 square foot models ($3,200). These prices include no building materials and just cover blueprints and engineering calculations. However, there is little doubt that a Eco-Dome or Double Eco-Dome could be constructed at greatly reduced rate over a traditional wood or brick and mortar home.
One look at the website’s photos and you realize that the concept has some real power. This idea could be especially good for warmer climates. Check out the website at www.calearth.org/EcoDome.htm.
While visiting the site, take a look at one of Khalili’s other concepts for an emergency sandbag shelter. This structure truly looks like something out of a science fiction film. The inspiration for the design is to take the beehive or the seashell, which are among the strongest shapes in nature, and use that as a template. Khalili states on his site, “The strongest structures in nature which work in tune with gravity, friction, minimum exposure and maximum compression, are arches, domes and vault forms. And they can be easily learned and utilize the most available material on earth: Earth.” He makes a great case for his point and illuminates the question, “why don’t we build more this way?”
Eco-Dome is one of those ideas that really grab one’s imagination. The finished design really conjures up the most exotic imagery of space-age adobe homes. In fact, for most people the Eco-Dome will quickly stimulate the imagination, with its sleek curves and innate possibilities. Cal-Earth and architect Nader Khalili are behind the Eco-Dome concept, which definitely makes use of the energy saving concept of building with what is on hand.
The Eco-Dome idea has a lot going for it. One of its strong points is that it is very environmentally friendly. The Eco-Dome concept uses no wood or trees of any kind, instead opting for what are called “Superadobe coils.” The Superadobe coils are a very interesting idea. These Superadobe coils are building coils that have been filled with either a mixture of soil and cement or lime and stabilized earth. In short, with Eco-Dome in turns out that you are building an earth home, partially solidified with lime or cement. This is a simple idea, but very clever one.
They currently offer plans for both 400 square foot models ($2,400) and 800 square foot models ($3,200). These prices include no building materials and just cover blueprints and engineering calculations. However, there is little doubt that a Eco-Dome or Double Eco-Dome could be constructed at greatly reduced rate over a traditional wood or brick and mortar home.
One look at the website’s photos and you realize that the concept has some real power. This idea could be especially good for warmer climates. Check out the website at www.calearth.org/EcoDome.htm.
While visiting the site, take a look at one of Khalili’s other concepts for an emergency sandbag shelter. This structure truly looks like something out of a science fiction film. The inspiration for the design is to take the beehive or the seashell, which are among the strongest shapes in nature, and use that as a template. Khalili states on his site, “The strongest structures in nature which work in tune with gravity, friction, minimum exposure and maximum compression, are arches, domes and vault forms. And they can be easily learned and utilize the most available material on earth: Earth.” He makes a great case for his point and illuminates the question, “why don’t we build more this way?”
Yay! Great coverage. I tend to forget that they’re called eco-domes. My friend (who now has a solar company in TX) spent some time working for them several years ago, building with superadobe. It’s such a great concept and certainly one of the most renewable and sustainable ideas around. I would love to see more overlap between natural builders and the small home movement. (BTW, I like that you’ve been saying small “home” movement. We need to reclaim it and all switch over.)
…I’m looking for ‘used’ eco-dome’ plans. I can’t believe that Nader was asking so much for plans for a ‘revolutionary’ building technology that he wanted to ‘share’ with the world…mike 206-849-5408…
You don’t need the plans. I have several calearth videos that take you step by step through the building. I’ll copy them for you if you like. Email me at jerry@westtexashuntinglease.com
Also, I’ve build one of the eco domes and am currently working on another in Reagan County, Texas. If you or anyone else is interested in some hands on experience I’d love the help since I’m doing this alone. As of August 30, 2009 I have my first two rings down and am now at ground level. It would be a great chance for someone to learn the easy way without having to shell out $2,600 plus.
Good luck all.
Jerry