Going to school...

Jim_TX

Yup - next week, I'll be going to school. Not just ANY school, though.

I'll be going to the headquarters for Monolithic Domes in Italy, TX and taking a week-long course on how to build their dome homes. (http://www.monolithicdome.com/)

From what I understand, we will most likely be assisting in building a new dome somewhere around there. Nothing provides a better example of how to do it, than actually putting one up.

It has been a goal of mine for a while now - to build one of these types of homes... and this is just another step towards that goal.

Right now, I am thinking of a multiple story structure... a ground floor, a second floor, and a 'basement' - or below ground-level floor... something like 1600 to 1800 square feet living space... 3 bedrooms, 3 baths... etc. I am wanting to use solar panels for part of the electricity... am working on an invention in this area - dealing with lighting...

So... I am really getting excited about this adventure next week.

Oh - since I will be out there... somewhere... I will also be going 'dark' - which means I will not have Internet access... so yall won't hear from me for a while. *grin*

Well... I need to get busy around here... work to do and all...

Regards,

Jim TX

nilfun

Neat site. This one's my fav so far:

Good luck & have fun!

Valis

awesome Jim...you have been talking for a long time about wanting to build one of those. Have a great time and don't forget to stop in West and have a kolache..

SIncerely,

District Overbeer

outnfree

Italy, TEXAS?

Well, Buon viagge (or somethin' lak thet, I reckun') !

outnfree

desib77

That sounds like lots of fun! Good luck....

Desi

Insomniac

SO COOL! I've been wanting to build a monolithic dome ever since I worked in one at the age of 16 (an aquarium store in Austin-check it out if you get the chance, it's on a side street off Ben White, sort of across from the Southwood.). What amazed me was how much bigger the building looked from the inside, than from the outside. It was always a comfortable temperature, and they did not run air conditioning.

Please let us know how the school goes, and by all means, send us some photos of your dream dome once you have it built! Have fun!

shamus

Very cool homes! I would love to check one out!

ohiocowboy

Nilfun, I wonder if they have thought of building 2 of those side by side???

JIM, that is going to be a great experience! Have FUN!!!

Jim_TX

Hmmm... I wasn't aware of that one in Austin... there's a geodesic dome off of Hwy 183 - near Cedar Park that I know about...

Geodesics and Monolithics - while similar in appearance - are not the same. (I think - if I remember correctly... geodesics are notoriuos for leaking.)

If anyone is interested in checking out the monolithics - and happens to drive down IH-35, south of Dallas (about an hour south), Monolithic Domes is in Italy, and they have a Visitors Center - which is a 26' dome, all set up, and it is open 24/7. Check it out, if you get the chance. (Self-guided tour - with a VCR and tape describing how they are built.)

If you happen by during work hours, they'll give you a grand tour, taking you through the owners' double-dome home, and other domes there on-site.

Once a year, usually in October or November, they also have an 'open house' throughout the country, where folks who live in dome homes will allow strangers (like me) to come in and they'll take you on a tour of their homes. If you get the chance to do that - by all means do it.

Anyway... I must be excited... I'm babbling.

*grin*

Jim TX

frankiespeakin

Jim,

I like the homes but what I worry about is always bumping your head on the curving outside walls?? Any suggestions??

Going to school...

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