Styrofoam dome houses at Aso Farm Land (Photo by: Erika Snyder)
While styrofoam may be most commonly associated with disposable coffee cups, meat trays and packaging, prefab home manufacturer Japan Dome House Co., Ltd. uses it to construct easy-to-assemble modular kit homes.
Dubbed the "habitat for the 21st century," the Dome House is an igloo-shaped structure built from snap-together wall sections made of 100% expanded polystyrene foam (styrofoam). It might seem like an odd choice of material for a house, but the company lists a number of advantages that styrofoam has over traditional materials. Unlike wood and metal structures, for example, the styrofoam Dome House does not rust, rot or attract termites. It is also highly resistant to earthquakes and typhoons. In addition, the walls, which are treated with a flame retardant, emit no toxic fumes in a fire.
Dome House interior
The styrofoam used in the Dome House's 175-millimeter (7 in) thick walls is significantly denser and stronger than ordinary packing foam. The material has excellent thermal insulation properties, resulting in higher energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling costs.
Construction of the Dome House shell is quick and easy. The prefabricated pieces, which each weigh about 80 kilograms (175 lbs), can be carried by 2 or 3 people and assembled in a few hours. Once the shell is put together, coats of mortar and paint are applied for further protection from the elements. (Watch a short video of the assembly process.)
Measuring 7.7 meters (25 ft) wide and 3.85 meters (13 ft) tall, the basic Dome House has a floor space of 44.2 square meters (475 sq ft). It is possible to construct larger, elongated domes by adding more pieces, and joint units allow multiple domes to be connected into a single structure.
Dome Houses, which are approved by Japan's Land and Transport Ministry, can be erected anywhere in Japan with the proper permit. According to the manufacturer, the versatile structures are suitable for use as hotel rooms, restaurants, freezer rooms, or even as hog farms.
The Aso Farm Land resort village in Kyushu uses about 480 styrofoam domes as lodging, recreational facilities and retail shops.
Aso Farm Land
The Dome House can also be used as a bar, karaoke room, steam room, and more.
Styrofoam dome bar
Mushroom House karaoke room at Suijin-no-mori hot spring (Oita prefecture)
Styrofoam dome steam room
Whether or not this type of home is truly "perfect for the modern age" as the company suggests, the price is right. Dome House kits start at around 3 million yen (under $30,000), which does not include the cost of transport, assembly, interior construction, etc.
[Link: Japan Dome House]
Jay
And to break in, all you need to a big bottle of acteone to melt a hole in the wall.
[]roger hunt
House is plastered after it is built is what I see in the details
[]FleurBelge
Maybe Roger Hunt is from another country and speaks and writes English the best way he can, like me thow I am French speaking....do you not find this idea japanease idea nice instead of humiliating someone who come with positive mind and respect.
[]Watcher
This concept is amazing. Once everyone gets used to the idea that climate change is the new norm and begins to look for homes that are safe to live in that cost very little to heat and cool we will finally be on the road to survival. Stop the side battles, the time for fighting one another is over we have to work together.
[]Izzy
I find this concept to be earth friendly and would to have a couple of them attached. I love the idea of having energy saving alternative living options.
[]quint
Rodger dodge .. the acetone queen,did not allow much between h&hell when friends of mine would make home in the green zone;press the button man and send me detail about how to purchase one or . so.
[]You make a person have strength and faith/Make my day looking at you kid.
All the best Quint.
bill
It's amazing how so many people can't even type one sentence and get it right.
[]Paul
It's amazing how many people notice the smallest things about other people!!!!!!!!!
[]Bored i guess
Moses L.
I'm more than certain that these people designed the material so that it is not so easy to destroy or penetrate. I'm sure they aren't that obtuse, as you're assuming.
[]Dave
Breaking a window with a hammer would be about a hundred times faster.
[]pinkbleach
and all you need to break into a house is a rock because of windows. so i am not really seeing your point.
[]quint
No ! ! ! melt down decided all about it and praise your all going in the right direction.
[]When you say appoint a leader..keep it in the green;nice
THE Quint.
Haleeneh
Little boys all rushing to show how destructive they can be, and totally miss the important information.
"Once the shell is put together, "coats of mortar" and paint are applied for further protection ."
Now go put all your chemicals and rocks away. Start reading before you make fools of yourselves.
[]c23
It's not quite right to call it a styrofoam house - it's made of "expanded polystyrene," the difference being that they didn't blow as many bubbles in it, so it's stronger and heavier than styrofoam. But they make no mention of what happens if a kid throws a rock at these houses.
[]Jane
Kids in Japaan don't throw rocks at houses - get real !
[]Bobby
Hey hey, Hey! Wait a sec there tubby. Are you being racist?? Every little boy has a right to chuck a rock. Even if they are Japanese!! And anyways which kid would be able to resist not to take down a stupid house made of foam. I would love to hear your reply TUBBY!
[]bobby
Yet... Japanese still don't throw rocks at the houses, no matter kids or adults, they were actually raised and "brought up", nothing an average american would understand. I actually spent my 20 years of my life in Brooklyn NY and you know what?! concrete, many door locks and security systems DO NOT STOP A THIEF FROM GETTIN IN! ... and many of them are kids!!!
Signed: one Russian
[]quint
Jane we live in Japon {do/not} bother yourself my my we need a miraculous discovery
[]The Quint
adoptakiwi
so....even if the perfect construction material can be used that's cheaper, more natural disaster resistant and eco-friendly, it's rejected because people behave like barbarians and kids are unmannered?
i think it's easier to improve social behaviors than to stop a typhoon, in most cases.
[]dale
true, Oh! how true and sad
[]StCredZero
On outer shell of Duracrete stucco, and rocks aren't an issue.
[]sharon s.
how to get in touch with ? Anyone over here (US) doing this?
[]"outer shell of Duracrete stucco is brilliant- someone contact me about this, Please? ssedeen@gmail.com
Sharon :)
Nathan
Hi Sharon I have been working on building styrofoam homes Email me Iam in Clearwater Fl. Looking to go to hati to help out and build Reg looking houseing poeple like them better. With strofoam you can have the look you want it is cut by a coumptor there is no waste.I have a video I can email you
[]Thank
Nathan o
sal
hi, here in central america wich is pretty close to us,we have the machine for tahat technology, and other construction alternative with same material if anyone interest in the distribution of the dome in us we can do it if some requirements are met. thank you please contact if need help
Mccottern
Very interested in your system. When will you go to Haiti? Are you doing any developments in Florida? Anywhere Else?
Thanks for timely response.
McCotter
Mccotter Ford Company
(808) 220-4579
Samjane Bullock
Hi Nathan,
Very interested in these Syrofoam dome homes. Have you already left for Haiti? We a working on a volunteer infrastructure in PAP. Would like to see the video could you email it to me pls..
mustafa
Hi Nathan,
I am interested in styrofoam homes can you send your video to my mail adress smcanoglu@gmail.com
Hugh
Please e-mail video, Thank you
Christa
Hi so I'm doing a project for my carpentry class and I was wondering if you would be able to send me a link to the video as well it would give me a heads up on the project :) and if you also have a copy of the blue prints because i can not seem to find any.
Thanks a lot
Christa
Lynn
Hi nathan, I am also interested in the styrofoam homes, can you send me information on it as well.
J.
provide your contact info, I am in Brandon area and am interested in a 2nd home...have been aware of SIP type homes for decades (starting in Ok in the 80's).... they have stood the test
Bluecreek
Hello Nathan or anyone I'm interested in getting any information about yours or anyone's Styrofoam housing that you might have and your video.
Also interested in any information you have regarding helping out in Haiti, what's going on and who is in charge.
Does anyone know how they get the plaster to stick to the Styrofoam?
Bluecreek
Sent to me at bluecreek@blackfoot.net
Kelly
I would love more info on the EPS buildings you manufacture.
Thanks
Dennis
I would like to see your video of the styrofoam building asap. Thanks
P.Cranor
Would these dome house work in extremely cold weather? We are looking to build a retirement home in Alaska. Would love the video if at all possible.
Best Regards
Dana Tucker
I have been interested in these homes for about 20 yrs. & have inquired numerous times, but was told that they aren't allowed in the US. I don't care if I appear to live in Tellitubby land, I really dig the look. I am a tree hugger in a world that isn't. Please get me any info you can!!! Thanks so much!! DANA
Greg Wiley
I`m very interested also in the styrafoam building. I would like any info anyone can send me
Greg Wiley
I would like info too ,Nathan
jose maria
hola estoy super interesado en esas casas me podias informar como se compran donde si hay algun sitio en españa?
Bob
Can you send me the video aswell. i am interested in building on out in haiti.
Janine
Hi Nathan.. I am very interested in finding out all I can about alternative building materials.. such as this Polystyrene/ Foam/ Styrofoam houses.. We might even want to try to build a barn, arena, or many dome rooms too, as we plan on moving to snow country after having lived in Southern CA for many years... IF you can possibly send us any info you have on related materials, kits, anything you yourself has in your company.. I would really appreciate very much all you ca share with us...
We are retired, in our 50's, very capable of building ourselves, and if we can find a practical, easy to handle, way to make our dream home/Ranch come true.. We hope even to have land enough to make a compound of sorts for our friends and family to get involved too..
Thanks so much.. hope to hear back from you soon
BLESSINGS Janine
rodgersjenny
I am looking at trying to buy A Dome House could you maybe send me a copy of the
movie you have.
Thank You
Jenny
gabriel
Hi, i'm moving to NZ and would like to knnow how to go about buying something like this. Also what are the costs involved, if you can please send me some info I'd grately appreciate it.
Thankyou
Gabriel
omar
me interesa saber lo de espuma,y como poder hacer las construcciones,si sabes hacer los moldes yo estaria muy agradecido desde ya
Michael Whitty
Missus and I are thinking about building a dome retirement home, does anybody supply kits or build the domes shown in your Video, here in the USA.. also can you give us an idea o0f costs involved?
intdezigner
Nathan, send me same video. We are a company seeking new technology and eco friendly construction. Developing mini-units for the new urbanites!
Let's discuss the future not our past ! release the petty discussions!
Valerie
I am trying to find where to buy the pre-fabbed shells or a machine that will make them?? Can anyone help me?
Dianne Glor
Were you ever able to build this house in the U.S. and what kind of difficulties did you experience getting a building permit. What did you use on the interior for a wall covering and are you able to hang pictures on the walls? Did the kit also include the foundation?
[]WalkingBear
Hello Dianne,
Did you ever get an answer?
I'd be interested.
WalkingBear
Josh b
American ingenuity domes are made in Florida. The structure goes up in a similar fashion but the panels are 3/4" concrete, steel mesh, then 7 inches of foam. No little kids rock is gonna damage the finished product.
[]sharon s.
Sounds like you know what you're doing- suggestion is brilliant- contact with info? ssedeen@gmail.com
[]sharon
Tamara Scheidecker
I want one !!!! How can I get one ? What is the cost?
[]quint
Pain t it black brother is watching
[]Jane
Definately not - easier to stop typhoon
[]desiree
aesthetically they are amazing and beautiful, but i can't say i wouldn't be worried about their integrity. i'm a nervous nellie when it comes to my nest.
[]Suesieq
$30,000 before finishing for that sized space is overly pricey. I can be wierd for free. I would be less worried about their integrity than about their appearance which is niche, to be kind. The design looks like that unless the material itself falls apart after exposure to UV rays or extreme temperatures, it has greater integrity than a convential house.
A picture of one of these with an igloo doghouse outside of it would be funny.
[]sod
there have been house's made in the same way in the uk about 5 years ago with the styrofoam sandwiched between two sheet's of ply. you can make whole 5 meter long walls of the stuff that are put up in minutes.
[]fnd
EPS is the company name. $28,000 for 3 bedroom 1400 sq. foot house with garage. plus $20k to build it I suppose.
[]These are probly way cheaper
sod
now i think of it
hobbits!!!!!!!
[]tornadoes28
Cats will love to scratch their claws on these things.
[]Dan
We've had the same type of Domes here in Davis California since 1972. They're kind of cool, but 40 years of people living in them, modifying them without showering has made them smell bad.
I would like to see more stuff like this. They clearly last.
http://daviswiki.org/The_Domes
[]buratto
Wow! This is an awesome example of modern architecture ^ ^. It indeed seems perfect to me. I mean the price is that of an average car, right? The assembly takes a very short time, and they can be connected to!
[]Riley
I probably wouldn't buy one, but housing shortages could use 'em. And it might only take a few hours to put up the styrofoam shell, but you still have to furnish. All that woodwork and stuff in the third picture probably took more than a few hours total.
[]Edgar
A bottle of acetone will not put a hole in the walls because they coat both sides with plaster or concrete after they are assembled.
[]Colin
Your's is the only comment that makes sense and is not flippant. ESP (Expanded polystyrene foam (styrofoam). also can be reinforced with wire mesh, rendered on the exterior with a cement gravel mixture and painted with various polymer resin paints. How secure is that? Forget about kids throwing rocks at it or some twisted mind thinking to pour acetone on a ESP dome house.
[]FutureEngineer
Well that's cool... if you want to live like a hobbit in hobbit-town,
[]PAMELAC
HOBBIT IN HOBBITOWN? REALLY, HOW ABOUT ROBOT IN BOX TOWNS ALL OVER THIS WORLD, WHERE ALL THE LITTLE PEOPLE ARE CRAMMED INTO ALL THE SAME LITTLE HOUSES (THE HOUSES ARE JUST ANGLED DIFFERENTLY & PAINTED VERRY VERRY SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT) AT LEAST THESE DOME HOMES HAVE SOMETHING GOING FOR THEM, THEY'RE A WHOLE LOT SAFER WHEN IT COMES TO WITHSTANDING MOTHER NATURE
[]aussie
would be great to have for the older kids to stay in..and cheap as well
[]if i had the room i would get one for my teenager
SIP guy
Seems like a cooler idea to make a buckminster fuller inspired geodome made from your own Structural Insulated Panels... just order them from a nearby factory (there's one in Tenn that delivers to the east coast - I built a SIP roof on a rowhouse in DC from them)... and cut them into equal sized shapes and assemble your own dome... shitload cheaper than 30K, but probably requires your own CAD expertise or at least an understanding of how to draft/use graph paper & measure well... it's pretty easy to work with SIP's (foam expanded between pieces of plywood under pressure).
[]Neil Mahony
If you would be so kind, I would love to find out more about this company in Tennesee. I agree that 30k is alot of money for this product, even though I believe it to be a superior way to build a house. Thanks in advance to any info you could supply.
[]Neil Mahony
nicklas
Modern research in neurophysiology has shown that the brain works differently according to the direction you face.
Old, almost forgotten but re-appearing fast, Vedic architecture from India ('Vastu') goes further and wants you to make sure you face either Est (best) or North (second best) for optimum fonctionning of the mind, and the doors of the house are best if facing due Est or North as well. Doors facing West (opposite the sun rise) makes the inhabitants old and sick much faster, and a door facing South is said to bring bad luck and misfortune...
May The Force Be With Them, then...
[]Jim
Reminds me of a Kevin Heavey sculpture.
http://kevinheavey.co.uk/projects_images/mud_pod.jpg
[]dojo
Here in the US, we had something similar as attractions.
[]Xanadu: Home of the Future
They were quickly outdated because technology advanced leaps and bounds faster than the technology featured in the house. And most people (back then) could never accept dwelling in something so unusual. Oh and if someone did throw stones, I doubt there would be much damage. It's "concrete" covered "foam". And this place in Florida survived a few hurricanes, before they finally demolished the abandoned structure.
http://www.lostparks.com/xanadu.html
J Scherer
Your dome homes could sell enormously well if they were encased in a cube of additional foam that made them look like a conventional rectangular home especially if the cube had a slanted roof for america that is, since nearly all communities here have an appearance standard(a way they should look)
[]J Scherer
Also if pipes and electrical and other future conduit type systems were under a removeable ,yet atractive cover recessed in the wall then plumbers and electrician and future skilled craftsmen could access those systems (or even a home owner who has time) for repair or modification retrofitting.
[]Jess
Umm ... isn't polystyrene highly toxic and cancerous...
[]NIC
ALL I HAVE TO SAY.... ((FOAMCO)) IN SAN DIEGO,CA!!!!
THEY WILL WORK WITH YOU UNTILL THE SKY TURN DARK AND RETURN HOURS BEFORE SUNRISE, ONLY TO ENSURE 100% SATISFACTION!!!!
CALL THEM!!!!
HAPPY HOME OWNER
[]Sasha
Easy to puncture through and a potential recycling nightmare of gigantic proportions. Check out Michael Reynolds's green, hurricane-proof buildings instead! http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/Garbage-Warrior-Turns-Trash-Into-Houses.html
[]kerry
This type of building is a concept whose time has come and it is already being done in the states to some extent. Houses can be built in other shapes besides domes that look like conventional homes, and I'm not talking about Sip panels and ICF blocks, but plain old eps foam and special high strength cementious coatings inside and out. The big hurdle in the U.S. is building code approval. I can easily construct a 10ft by 20ft shed in two days that is stronger than stick built shed using this method and I can make it any type of stucco texture or stamp a pattern in it. These type of structures are monolithic and fire and pest resistent also have very high R values. This is a very green way of building and very simple but you need the right coating, Any questions feel free to call me (801)891-2578 sorry I won't give out email here to many spammers
[]Dana Tucker
Please send me any info. Are these foam dome structures?? I live in IN. & will inquire about the codes & regs. I've been interested in these homes since the 80's...one company is out of Japan. Would like to find a similar US made product. Thanks so much for your time... My address is 1240 Regiina Lane NW Suite 31 Corydon, IN. 47112. Dana Tucker
[]Harvey
These domes can be coated with GigaCrete Inc's StuccoMax (outside) and PlasterMax (inside). These coating materials are far superior in every respect to traditional stucco or plaster, respectively. StuccoMax and PlasterMax coatings are LEED certified (green, safe, non-toxic, no VOC) ), UBC (uniform building code) fire rated, directly appliable to any surface including styrofoam, contain no Portland cement, are immensely strong (compressive strength over 10,000 psi), are abrasion and scratch resistant, will not shrink or crack, easily painted or pigmented.
[]Bluecreek
Harvey thanks for the information, would be interested in learning more about what you know regarding Styrofoam and cement and any websites Harvey or anyone with information please contact me at bluecreek@blackfoot.net
[]Harvey
Oops, forgot the website.
[]Marianne Bornemark
I can't see any website link? I would love to get information.
[]I live in Sweden, is there any company selling this kind of domes in the north of EU?
Best regards
Marianne
DoctorBob
Instead of searching for trivial drawbacks, I think these houses are brilliant. They are MUCH more affordable than ordinary housing, and are extremely energy-efficient, which would make them very affordable to heat or cool. Placed over a basement, there would be plenty of room for anyone to live comforably. They would make great starter homes for couples starting out on a budget, or the elderly living on fixed incomes. I think there is a huge potential market world-wide for these homes. It's nice to see someone designing AFFORDABLE and practical homes instead of the unaffordable monstrosities you see going up in most areas (in California or Nevada, for example). I hope these homes catch on. They solve a LOT of problems.
[]ellie
this would great for the Homless all around the world..
[]Sammie
omg i love it! I want to buy like 3 and put them together some how! They are awesome!
[]Joel
This may be my retirement home in 2020.
[]Melinda
Gnome Home.................I want one!
[]Paulas Way
I like the idea of better gomes and cost. But...I dont think i could bring myself to live in a little place like that. I mean i see the second picture there and that has to be more than ONE of these "buildings" so in reality would it really be any cheaper than a regular home in the LONG run? And not to be rude, but how's the WHOOVILLE looks comming along? I don't think so....
[]Trisha Siegrist
What are shipping cost to US towns?
[]Rita
Uhhh...has anyone thought of how you might install SHELVES or hang pictures on the wall? Yeah, they're cool-looking, but very impractical. And what about those 13' ceilings? Where do you think all your heat in winter will go? DUH... Who needs ceilings that high?
[]Melissa
Rita,
Domes actually keep things warmer than standard rectangular shaped rooms with corners. Do your research. Why do you think Eskimos build igloos in a dome shape?
Furthermore, hanging pictures or shelves isn't nearly as much of a concern as inexpensive and eco-friendly housing. What could possibly be more practical than that? I don't give a crap if I couldn't hang a picture or put up a shelf. That's just decorative nonsense. These house are the EPITOME of practical.
[]Um, no
Rot. Hanging pictures and shelves is more important than "eco-friendly housing" to the average purchaser. Most people don't care much whether their house is "eco-friendly" or not; everyone cares whether they have adequate storage.
Get out of your soy-latte world and into the real world.
[]Doug
Get into the real world? if your real world is the one where shelving and hanging pictures is what matters the i dont want to be in it, and theres no reason you couldnt have flat walls inside or outside, and for furniture you have an added bonus with curves as opposed to corners, and you could make them much bigger for as much space as you like
[]cb
Soy Latte World? You must be a NEOCON Mental midget. A Dome has the advantage of being less expensive to build, stronger and more economical to live in and you think only the Soy Latte's will appreciate. Go jump off something will ya!
[]Honza Basta
Hi,
for hanging objects up to a few kilos you can use this: http://www.fischer.co.uk/PortalData/18/Resources/fixing_systems/salesinformation/_documents/04general/09.pdf
It is quite good stuff for hanging onto insulated walls.
I'm producing such a domes myself in the central Europe. Up to 8,4m in diameter...
Honza
[]Honza Basta
For my domehouse, which I produced, see http://kulisy.cz/fotogalerie/igloo.html .
[]It's cut from solid styrofoam cubes. Quite another techology, but I can produce any sizes or thickness up to 8,4m...
Ben
Domes have 33% more volume for surface area than standard square construction. That is why a air bubble in water is that shape the water pressure pushes the air into the shape with the least surface area it can.... so 33% less surface area = 33% less thermal transmission (heat energy transfer) even with identicle insulation A dome will use 33% less energy then conventional square homes of the same volume. 13' ceilings definitely make me feel less clausterphobic. also rock in the summer. I think u could make some very cool shelves with the ends embedded in the walls like a chord across a circle. I'm sure masonry anchors will work to hang pictures.
[]FAC
"In addition, the walls, which are treated with a flame retardant, emit no toxic fumes in a fire."
I don't buy that, in my jow we work with these materials and flame retardant means that it takes more time to ignite, but as many other petroleum based materials the fumes are definitively toxic.
[]bob
where can you buy these?
[]crowleyr@bellsouth.net
mrfoltz
Dome houses are treated and covered with cement on the outside and plaster on the inside... Which solves the problem of "kids throwing rocks” and someone damaging the inner walls with acetate.
[]They are Fire, hurricane and earthquake proof as well as they have the best insulating factor than ANY other product[ R-ratings are Not scientific-they are a myth created by the fiberglass companies] …
If you are concerned about their strength and durability go to http://static.monolithic.com/ and follow the links, there is more than enough proof... North American domes may be slightly different but I believe the Japanese models could be modified to meet our "archaic + Prehistoric " building codes... Leave it up to the Industrious Japanese to come up with affordable, low cost housing... years ahead of us in North America.... With climate changes and the housing markets becoming "unattainable for most, it's time we took off our blinders and started to keep our narrow minds in sync with our technology... Thanks for posting this...
Harvey
The topic "Styrofoam Dome Homes" is a blatant misnomer. These dome houses are NOT made of Styrofoam! They are made of special Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). The EPS used by Japanese dome builders (who must comply with the world's strictest building material and construction codes) contains an anti-oxidant to resist aging and emits NO formaldeyhde.
As to fire concerns, EPS will melt before it burns. As mentioned, the application of GigaCrete Inc's fire-rated, LEED ("green") certified exterior coating 'StuccoMax' and interior coating 'PlasterMax' renders the EPS structure entirely fireproof. Both coatings can attain compressive strengths well in excess of 10,000 pounds per square inch and will neither shrink nor crack. StuccoMax and PlasterMax are light immensely strong coatings that contain no Portland cement or any toxic substances. Their surfaces can be painted or, better yet, the pigment can be added to the mix before application. Whereas Portland-based stucco requires two or three coats, both StuccoMax and PlasterMax are one-coat products, either troweled or sprayed on. They stick to virtually anything including drywall.
[]Mary
I've been looking at building a dome house in the USA . I can build the house of my dreams for half the cost , radiant floor heating & solar panels ,go completely off grid ! Cooler still , YURTS!!! you can put up a 30' foot yurt (900 sq feet ) for less than $10K , throw in a bathroom & a kitchen for a total of $20K . There's no need for homelessness . The gov't could set aside some of the more than 50% of our nation's land they have , & volunteer organizations could build communities of them .
[]I do wish I could get the styrofoaam material here , but larger than the ones they were building . I've got 6 kids . I need more than a 400 & something sq. ft. house. It's not that difficult to give up traditional structuring. We only have the illusion of security in our dry wall built structures now . At present our homes are largely made out of chalk! You could have the largest lock on your front door , but if someone REALLY wanted to , they could put their fist through your wall & tear their way in .
Suesieq
They would have a hard time putting their fist through a half inch sheet of plywood. That's what's under the siding on the outside, although these days it's usually oscillated strand board.
[]Fertighaus
i think its a smart way to build a house.
nice ideas...
[]Lou Higgins
I would like to purches a styrofoam dome home. How do i get started?
[]beppu
Buckminster Fuller would be proud.
[]Will @ A Journey Round My Skull
In a matter of moments after showing this post to friends, a plan was hatched to move here if McCain wins. Thank you!
[]Ray
Domes are wonderful structures to live in! We build our own 7 dome structure as our returement home. The peacefulness and comfort is unbelievable. I would have some concerns of strength with just foam. Our domes are schulptured concrete structures with the foam on the outside for its insulating qualities. With the concrete on the inside we have the thermal mass that keeps the temperature pretty constant all the time. We love it!
[]Darkstar
Several people have made comments about the structural integrity of these domes, even though the article clearly states they are assembled and then coated with a protective layer of mortar and then paint. I'm pretty sure under those circumstances, it could do pretty well against an earthquake, hurricane AND a "kid throwing a rock".
[]Timothy
How well do these houses keep in heat / air conditioning? I love this idea though. If I were loaded I would buy a bunch and make my own village...
[]Garrett
After Hurricane Katrina, some of the only houses left standing in affected areas were polystyrene dome houses.
[]Al Shapouri
How can i get some more information about the foam dome home manufactureres
Al
[]hollie
how doi go about finding someone in florida that builds these. Help want one.
[]Dana Tucker
How about Southern Indiana? What is the closest location where I could purchase foam material (dome home)?
[]beppu
@hollie: Send them an inquiry.
http://www.i-domehouse.com/inquiry.html
[]kysa
i for one.. love these houses!!!... they are so cute.. and my unlcle is thinking of getting two.. one for him and his wife.. and then the other so that when ever i go over there.. are anyone else for that matter.. then i (anyone) can sleep in it!! i for one.. want to build one for me! ;)
[]CAN
My dad built a foam dome in the 1960's (spray foam on a frame) and one day, it blew away! LOL. Really, it rose up and skipped across a coupla farmer's fields. We laughed and laughed. It looked like a foam igloo. I'm not really sure if we ever saw that foam dome again.....
[]martina
do they sell them in Europe - Spain?
[]Klaus Zimmer
Very original design.
[]Are plastic houses an ecological solution?
What would be their fire resistance and how much toxic fumes
would be generated if they do catch fire?
I have been designing, manufacturing and exporting timber framed dome kits for many years and never had a request for an all plastic design.
Dorritos
Most of the buildings you see anywhere that are stucco and have fancy architectural articulation i.e. columns, cornices etc. are made of the same material and coated with stucco. No problems. This isn't all that radical and should be further explored.
[]Eva
Is there any info about how these things are anchored that I'm missing? I want one for a hurricane prone area in Bahamas. And I wondar what would it take to have Bahamian government to approve one of those...
[]KENNY
I AM THINKING OF BUYING ONE OF THESE FOAM DOME HOUSES FOR MY LAND IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS,BUT REALY POEPLE THE IMFO ABOUT THESE HOUSES IS CLEAR,GOOD INVESTMENT AND VERY GREEN, AND ANYTHING ELS IS A BONUS.
[]thomas ngumi
greetings from kenya,
[]Iam impressed with your concept of cheap housing as demonstrated by the styrofoam dome houses.I wish to offer my land for demonstration purpose.would you love to come to kenya and work here?we can work together to sell the idea.The concept fits well with the traditional house strucure.
best regards,THOMAS ngumi
thomas ngumi
willing to offer you land in kenya for dissemination project.
[]Neil C. Reinhardt
These Dome Homes SHOULD be used in any areas where Tornado's and Hurricane's happen. Make a few modifications, Tie them down properly, and they come through the strongest ones to ever hit the US yet/
[]Neil C. Reinhardt
These Dome Homes SHOULD be used in any areas where Tornado's and Hurricane's happen. Make a few modifications, Tie them down properly, and they should come through the strongest ones to ever hit the US yet/
[]Neil C. Reinhardt
These Dome Homes SHOULD be used in any areas where Tornado's and Hurricane's happen. Make a few modifications, Tie them down properly, and they should come through the strongest ones to ever hit the US yet.
[]KENNY
IF ANY ONE WANTS TO HELP BUILD MY DOME HOME IN RETURN I WILL GIVE YOU A FREE HOLLIDAY ON MY ISLAND, CALL ME ON 09065501069/07960166670 IM IN THE UK.
[]pinky winky
A LA DIPSY DO, NA GA, LA LA, TRANSLATED; FROM TELLY TUBBY
TO ENGLISH,
YES I'M THE LITTLEST TELLA-TUBBY, AND WEVE BEEN LIVING IN
[]THESE FOR OVER FIVE HUNDRED YEARS, THE POISION FROM THE FOAM
HAS LEFT US ALL SICK AND RETARDED, MY FRIENDS BLEW UP A BIG
FIBERGLASS BALLOON POURED CONCRETE OVER IT, THEN LET THE AIR
OUT OF THE BALLOON. ALL OF OUR FOAM HOUSES BLEW AWAY AND WE
HAD TO RUN ALL OVER THE FREEWAY IN L.A. TO GET THE PIECES BACK
POE, MY BROTHER DIED, PURPLE BLOOD ALL OVER THE FREEWAY.
Joan
TELETUBBIES LETS GO!
[]Joan
TELETUBIES LETS GO!!!!!!!
[]Joan
MONKEY MONKEY HOCKEY STICK!
[]...TELETUBBIES
...THEY LIVE HERE!!!!!!
Julio
I think that something like this should be made available to the victims of Haiti. Small foam houses can accomodate many displaced Haitians in a short time.
[]vicarious1
http://www.i-domehouse.com/ this is the website of the manufacturer. What is CHEAP in Japan is NOT cheap for the rest of the world. 30.000 buys you a 50' quality geodesic home in USA This definitively is NOT cheap for Haiti or elsewhere considering one has to trasport the parts. I would say that
[]Here are affordable http://www.geodomehome.com/ for the 3rd world
For earthquake area homes I would put forward container homes that are fire and more likely brake resistant AND I ADD that can be easely beautified and adapted to local cultures with plants, ivy, wood etc..
http://www.naturalspacesdomes.com/all_about_domes/all_about_domes.pdf
Alberto Mayorga
Quiero informacion del precio de las casas para Guatemala, Centro America, en ESPAÑOL
[]Brandon
Looks really cool. Many good properties. Unfortunately, I have some experience with foam as a home.
The Farm community in Summertown Tennessee used large sheets and blocks of "Amotex", an expanded polystyrene foam product we found easily available. It was used primarily as insulation material inside of canvas-skinned basic framed structures.
One structure caught fire in the night and a family was seriously burned. When it catches fire, it turns into a kind of napalm - melting and dripping and sticking to whatever it touches burning.
Also witnessed a demonstration filmed where half of a normal house room was mocked up, with ceiling, and this same foam used in the walls for insulation. The camera was set up a good 10 to 12 feet from the structure, which was then set alight. The literal explosion of flame, once the foam firmly caught, was shocking to everyone who witnessed the demonstration; the camera having to be heroically snatched in the nick of time before being engulfed itself in the spew of fire.
Even with "a layer of fire retardant" and a layer of stucco, there is not way I would have my family inside one of these.
[]Nolan Scheid
These domes are wonderful!
I have been gathering the history about the Pioneers and inventors of thin shell domes. Wallace Neff is one of the earliest users of sprayed concrete for domes that I am aware of so far. we have a great picture of Wallace Neff inflating one of the first balloon formed domes. http://www.mortarsprayer.com/thin-shell-construction/wallace-neff/ If you have any more history of Mr. Neff or other thin shell pioneers, please let me know.
Best regards,
[]Nolan Scheid
Mortarsprayer
Chris
I live in Texas and many of us are into eco-friendly living, and energy efficient building. Not many harsh building codes to deal with presently where I live. We have an annual, what we call, "green scene" demonstration and part of it includes building and showing green homes. Many of us live completely off the grid, and go so far as to use water catchment for our water supply, and such. I would like to bring this technology to the area. I Have 5 acres of land in Texas and Would lend it out for a demonstration building of one of these Styro-Stucco Homes. If interested please contact back. Thank you.
[]MCampos
Hi Merced Campos,
[]I'm interested in your comment you made, and was wondering where and how often is the expo you hold Texas and where in can stop by, and this expo for people interested in green living.
Thanks
Paul
Hello!!
[]does anyone knows if someone is selling this dome houses in europe?i was looking everywhere and cant find anything,just few info about it in japan,nothing else...
Tim
Hey, this is a super great idea... Only problem is
that they will never be affordable, or available in the U.S.
It's the 21st century people... And most of the people in the world
don't OWN their own home, or it's made from cardboard in third world countries..
These things should cost about $300-500 dollars for a small 20ft round geodome!!
[]sabrina
omg this is so cool i wouldn't mind living in one of these dome
[]snow ugg boots
how beautiful and nice the houses are, i like them very much. You can also have a look at the nice and warm ugg boots.
[]GW
We used to do this kind of construction for indoor theme parks. If you are in the US you can probably make this on your own. Try to contact a company named, Futura. They have machines and chemicals that will spray this foam on your pre-made structure. When it gets dry it will get hard, but I will not say it's unbreakable. I like dome but I may use cement instead of foam.
[]Mark St. MIchael
What about the toxicity of any kind of foam? In the manufacturing, and, when this stuff is tossed out after the house needs a rebuild or someone tears it down for some reason, then what happens to the foam?
I still think all natural materials is the way to go, materials that are sustainable, inexpensive and abundant such as straw, earth, bamboo, and other softwoods that can be produced quickly without a big environmental impact.
[]Think of the big picture and not a band aid as a solution, this is what I am after.
dewayne durham
hey i would really like to sell these dome homes i would like to know how to get a hold of the company that makes them my e-mail address is durhamsoutdoor@hotmail.com please contact me
[]Rianh
I love these houses!! I would like to know if there is any 'out-gassing' problems with them, after all, it doesn't matter how cute they are if they poison their occupants.
[]Greg Wiley
Cool . Anyone build one yet?
[]B.B.
I Love this concept and want to replace my falling down house with one or three, but can not seem to get an answer as to the attainability or if they are even allowed in Kansas USA. If anyone knows how to find out both please let me know
[]belthar
Hi,
I am from Poland/Europe and i interested in styrofoam homes can you send your video and more informations to my mail adress
[]belthar@go2.pl
Ellie
Am I missing something...don't see how to contact the supplier...wondering if you will send them to BC Canada and what would be the cost for a 30 foot one??
[]Anita
I'm also looking for possible building one of these homes in Alaska! I would like to know everything.
[]Ellie
please let us know if you ship to Canada and the cost of a 30 foot dome for here. Thanks
[]Miko
Wow it is insane to see how many responders can make something so easy, so difficult.
If you have ever been to Santa fe , NM, you can get an idea of the different usages and variety of structures that this can be applied to. These foam structures can be used in place of adobe bricks,straw bales,earth filled tires, etc. Also these foam materials can be used in place of any other non structural material you can think of
think of. If you are worried about integrity, then use a wood frame and beams to hold the floor of the second story or the roof.
As far as being a new technology - this material is being used and has been used in most stucco sided buildings in the us. They call it outsalation. The process is like this.
1. The building is framed out using beams to cross spans and add structural integrity.
2. The walls are layed out and erected ( wood or metal studs)
3. The stud wall, facing the exterior is covered with Sheetrock using screws as fasteners.
4. The sheetrock is then covered with foam usually 2'x3' .the fastener is cement applied in the order of the edges and the middle.
5.After the whole wall is covered. A rasp is used to smooth out the wall ,attempting to appear as being a flat surface.
6.next a thin coat of plaster is spread on the foam and a thin layer of fiberglass
Mesh is rolled over the wet cement adhering to the wall. Then a trowel is used to embed the mesh into the cement, and smoothed out again using a trowel.
7. Now the plastering process is started by using another coat of cement to the exterior wall. This is usually called a brown or scratch coat.
8. After this the final step is to apply the stucco coat using what ever Finnish you desire as this is the last coat, and will be seen.
those of you who are worried about strength think again. Most likely you have been in a foam structure and didn't know it.examples...mcdonalds, or and modern motel you have ever slept in.
I am using this exterior finish as an example of how common foam is and we never realized it or questioned the integrity.
As far as flat roofs go, just cut out notches where you want them and lay your timbers across the free span and deck it as you would normally do. Then you will have a modern adobe house.
[]To cut the foam for electrical use , use a router or a hot knife before you cover the interior walls.
For the Eco friendly people this can be a lower impact process if you choose to make it so.
For the pros, know it alls an spell checkers forgive me of my shortcomings.
CHARLES
CAN YOU SEND YOUR SAMPLES TO US
[]Guillermo Gutierrez
Me enviarian mas informacion sobre estas casas, estoy muy unteresado en construir una .
Saludos Guillermo.
[]Tae
Would these house plans also be applied, if I wanted to build my home underground & top it with dirt?
[]maria
quiero una casa a donde puedo comprar necesito tel y direc gracias
[]michael mubaya
can i built this dome houses in sfrica,iam based in zimbabwe ,iam very very facinated with these dome houses ,what other material ,cheap can be used to construct these housese.
[]Bill
I believe these Dome homes are the future of housing , after all , we've been living in Trees and Stone caves long enough , So to Speak , now we have the chance to up grade to man made materials and save our Trees and Concrete for other things !!! The reduced cost of building material should be enough to sway any of you not to mention environmental reasons !!! Wake up people , this is our world we live on !!!
[]Bill
OH did I forget to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the Japan Dome Home Idea Love It !!!!!
[]gary hutchinson
Love to have a cluster of 3 small ones connected....living area.....sleeping area....and kitchen....garden area in the middle.
[]