Why Geodesic Domes?

The sphere is nature’s most efficient shape,  covering the most area with the least amount of surface area.  When compared with a similar sized rectangular-shaped building, the dome will have 30 percent less surface area. A dome will actually  use about 1 /3 less lumber than a similar sized box structure. Additionally, a third less surface area means  that a third less heat is transferred to and from its surroundings,  making the average dome about 30 percent more efficient heating and cooling.

Also due to their fixed sides, triangles that form the framework of a dome transfer force more evenly through their sides than other shapes. The dome shape is very efficient at shedding elements such as wind and snow. In fact, there is some evidence that these structures can even withstand hurricane-force wind. Geodesic domes are particularly resistant to this type of force because they have fewer flat surfaces, allowing the wind to move around the building.

About Snowdon Domes

I started playing with the idea of geodesic dome structures over a decade ago, around 2008. They where just something I became fascinated in and I built many small models trying out different techniques and methods. During this time I had also gone back to university to study Countryside Conservation, where I have spent the last 10 years working as a contractor as a conservationist on many nationally important sites and working for conservation bodies such as The Countryside Council for Wales, now Natural Resources Wales, and the last few years for The Red Squirrel Trust Wales.

Role on 10 years plus later and a break in one of my contracts I decide to finally get around to building myself a geodesic dome greenhouse to raise moths and butterflies in. Digging out my old designs and ones I had been playing with in 3D modelling programs I began building one. Although before I had even completed that dome someone was very interested in buying it. Then another person was interested in a larger dome so Snowdon Domes was created, allowing me to get back into one of my passions of woodworking and my interest in geodesic structures.

Want to find out a little more about Snowdon Domes, then take a look at my Portfolio to see some of the past, present and maybe future projects.