Tents have existed since the early ages and have been used for all sorts of purposes, but their main purpose has always been a form of shelter.
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Currently, tents are used mostly for recreational purposes such as camping and hiking in the wilderness. Nowadays, a myriad of tent designs can be found across the hundreds of outdoor equipment brands that manufacture them.
With thousands of designs available on the market, you may feel overwhelmed when looking for a tent. However, they can actually be divided into 10 different types of tents based on their general structure, shape, and set-up.
This begs the question, what is the best shape out there for a tent? There is, unfortunately, no way of saying what is the best shape as there are too many other factors that play a part in making a tent good. Furthermore, different shapes do better in different situations and it all boils down to your preference.
Characterised by the dome shape formed when two poles intersect each other in the middle, dome tents are one of the most popular commercial tents available.
The poles of the dome tent are kept in tension by the tent’s own groundsheet, meaning no additional guylines or pegs are needed. This keeps the tent easily movable.
The shape of the tent is also aerodynamic, meaning strong winds can glide over the top easily, and water can glide down the sides to prevent a buildup at the top.
The tent is also fairly easy to set up, making it a popular choice amongst novice campers.
Dome tents are on the smaller end as bigger sizes typically don’t do well in harsh conditions. This keeps your living and storage space limited.
This type of tent is basically a dome tent with extensions. An additional curved pole can be fitted onto the main structure of the tent to create additional spaces on the sides.
The extensions provide you with additional storage or even living space, which may be useful if you find your tent getting a little too cramped.
The extensions, however, have to be pegged down unlike the main frame of the tent. This prevents it from being free-standing, and you may find it to be a hassle when you want to quickly shift your tent to a better spot. Furthermore, the extensions are typically much smaller than the main body of the tent and have limited headspace as well and serve much better as storage space.
Tunnel tents are made from two or more repeating sets of arches that run the length of the tent, creating a tunnel-like shape.
There is no limit as to how many arches a tunnel tent can have, hence they come in all sorts of sizes and configurations. Generally, tunnel tents come in larger sizes and can fit occupants.
Furthermore, tunnel tents can have multiple sections, both for storage and for sleeping.
Tunnel tents also provide more headroom as compared to dome-shaped tents, and you can actually fully stand up in them.
Unfortunately, tunnel tents have to be pegged down and thus are not free-standing. Furthermore, their size means that a little more hard work is required to set them up.
You can tell a cabin tent by its almost vertical sidewalls, making the tent resemble a cabin, hence its name.
The vertical sidewalls maximise the interior space of the tent, giving you ample space for many occupants and even multiple rooms. The vertical walls also ensure the headroom is consistent throughout and you won’t find yourself crouching down anytime soon.
Cabin tents do tend to have a large footprint, so finding ample space for setting them up may be time-consuming. When packed, it can be pretty bulky and it is definitely heavier than most tents, so a vehicle is a must when carrying it around.
Geodesic tents are composed of multiple poles crisscrossing each other to create a very stable structure. These tents are usually round in shape, although other shapes do exist as well.
Geodesic tents are extremely stable due to how the poles cross over one another to create multiple triangles or hexagons in the frame that provide excellent structural strength. This makes it one of the best types of tents to use in harsh weather conditions.
They are, however, on the pricier side and are relatively more difficult to set up.
Rooftop tents, as the name implies, are tents that are meant to be set up on the roof rack of a vehicle, creating an elevated living space.
When paired with an annexe or awning, the entire set-up can be transformed into a two-storey tent, giving you additional space for storage or even sleeping. Furthermore, with rooftop tents, you are killing two birds with one stone as your parking area doubles as your living space as well.
There is a falling risk when it comes to rooftop tents which may be unsafe for smaller children. Furthermore, you would require a vehicle with a roof rack as well as the tent has to be mounted.
Take two flexible coils and coil them up in the tent fabric and you get a popup tent.
Popup tents are the easiest type of tent to work with and barely require any set-up.
However, most popup tents are made of a single layer and hence are only suitable in conditions where condensation wouldn’t occur easily, such as the beach.
Popup tents are also fairly light and you run the risk of them being blown away
Bivy Sacks are a mix of sleeping bags and tents, made for a single person.
They are easy to set up and lightweight as well. The frame prevents the material from sticking to your body, making them much comfier than regular sleeping bags.
Bivy Sacks are small and users may feel claustrophobic at times. Furthermore, there will not be any storage space for your items.
Pyramid tents consist of a single pole in the centre and the sides and staked out, forming its shape.
With only a single pole and a sheet of fabric, pyramid tents are light and easily packed up.
However, the single-pole means that the tent is not as stable as other types of tents and doesn’t do well in windy conditions. Furthermore, the pyramid shape means that there is limited interior space.
Ridge tents are composed of three poles, one that runs across and two vertical supporting poles. The sides of the tent are then pulled and staked down to create that ‘A’ shape.
Despite their simplicity, ridge tents are very stable, especially if set up with multiple stakes and ropes. The tent itself is very lightweight as well and can be easily carried around.
However, the shape of the tent results in limited living and storage space and is suitable for typically only a single user.
Tents come in all sorts of shapes, and no design is inherently better than another. Depending on the advantages and disadvantages of the tent, some are better than others in different situations and environments. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and what makes you comfortable.
Around to , constructing a dome home was seen as a way to express individuality and a commitment to environmentalism. However, as the trend gained popularity, so did the criticism against it. Despite the increasing skepticism, dome homes didn’t lose all their appeal. If you’re unsure about whether to build one, this article will address concerns and help you make a rational decision about dome homes.
If you’re unsure about whether to build one, this article will address concerns and help you make a rational decision about dome homes. We’ll also share how dome homes are built and give you some creative interior design ideas. Let’s explore what dome homes are really all about!
What Are Dome Homes?
To understand what a dome home is, it helps to first know what is a dome. A dome is a building shape that looks like the top half of a sphere. It curves upward with a smooth, rounded top, and a flat bottom. A dome home is simply a house that uses this kind of shape for its structure.
History of Dome Homes
Although dome homes are believed to have originated in prehistoric times, the wigwams of Native American tribes and the igloos of the Inuit in modern times are the earliest and most accurate records of personal dome dwellings we know of. This suggests that the advantages of dome as dwellings were discovered by our ancestors long ago. With the emergence of new building materials in the 19th century and a better understanding of structural mechanics in the 20th century, the popularity of dome homes gained momentum.
During the s and s, the rise and prevalence of modernist architectural styles emphasized simplicity, functionality, and innovation. At the same time, there was a growing concern for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Dome homes were promoted as perfectly aligned with these two principles, attracting a large following of enthusiasts.
However, as the cheers grew louder, so did the dissenting voices. Some people began openly criticizing dome homes, pointing out potential issues. Even some former dome home enthusiasts joined the ranks of critics, expressing the inconveniences they experienced living in dome homes.
The Pros and Cons of Dome Homes
Like any type of home, dome homes have both pros and cons. Since people often have more questions or concerns about the downsides, let’s start by looking at the common challenges they have first, then we’ll move on to the benefits to see why many still find them appealing.
The Cons
Many folks only scratch the surface when it comes to understanding dome homes. Here are the top three mainstream drawbacks often associated with them.
Leakage
The mainstream dome homes today are divided into monolithic dome homes and geodesic dome homes. Monolithic dome homes have a solid structure with superior sealing compared to traditional homes, so they rarely leak unless the construction techniques are outdated. Therefore, concerns about dome homes leaking mainly focus on geodome homes.
Geodesic dome homes consist of frames made of multiple triangular structures. Traditional geodesic dome homes indeed tend to leak between the frames. However, various geodesic dome kit suppliers have been working on improving this issue. Nowadays, different solutions for preventing leaks in geodesic domes have been developed, including updates and iterations on sealing methods and materials, as well as innovative approaches to waterproofing layers.
Stars Glamping has almost perfected its waterproofing method for geodome homes. Effective leak prevention measures have been implemented at the skirt edge and panel joints of the geodesic dome. The skirt edge is sealed with pressure bars, and a PVC waterproof mat is placed at the bottom layer of the dome to prevent liquid seepage. Velcro is used at panel joints to increase waterproofing coverage. Unless intentionally sprayed with high-pressure water, leaks and seepage are unlikely to occur.
Poor Ventilation
The airtight and waterproof nature of closed dome structures makes them a popular choice for industrial material storage. However, in residential settings, this feature can pose some problems, affecting comfort and health. Living in a poorly ventilated dome home, especially with smokers or gas usage, can lead to various issues. Prolonged lack of ventilation can trap moisture, leading to mold growth, impacting living conditions and even posing safety hazards.
In the early days of dome home construction, ventilation issues were often overlooked, leaving many homeowners struggling with poor airflow. However, many dome builders and kit suppliers now recognize this problem and offer solutions by designing ventilation and exhaust systems. Unless you’re considering purchasing a historic dome home, ventilation issues typically won’t be a concern.
Challenging Space Utilization
When discussing the drawbacks of dome homes, one of the most common issues is how to maximize the indoor space. While doubling the diameter of a dome home may quadruple the floor area and increase the interior space eightfold, effectively utilizing the interior remains a challenging task.
Most furniture and appliances are designed for rectangular homes. However, the walls inside domes extend vertically with varying angles and heights. Consequently, rearranging furniture and appliances and making full use of the vertical space pose challenges for many homeowners or interior designers. Some homeowners even resort to customizing furniture and appliances to adapt to the unique structure of dome homes.
Fortunately, many dome home builders and kit suppliers now offer modular space solutions, including modular kitchens and modular bathrooms. This means that when you decide to build a dome home, you don’t have to worry about arranging existing furniture or concern yourself with space utilization issues. Your builder will take care of everything.
The Pros
In the past few decades, the construction techniques and technology for dome homes have greatly improved. At the same time, rumors and misconceptions about the drawbacks of dome homes have been debunked. Therefore, now people have plenty of reasons to choose to build their dream dome homes. Here are the benefits of geodesic dome homes for you to consider:
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Striking Appearance
The appearance of a dome home is its most notable feature. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people find domes charming and might be drawn to them at first sight. Others may think they’re not aesthetically pleasing and can’t accept their unique appearance. But no one can deny that domes are eye-catching.
There are mainly two common types of dome homes: the monolithic/concrete dome home and the geodesic dome home. Monolithic domes are typically made of concrete, with a smooth and even surface that gives a sense of solidity and strength. On the other hand, geodesic domes are constructed from multiple triangular frameworks, offering an artistic and surreal appearance.
Besides residential buildings, geodesic domes are often used in tourist spots and accommodations like luxury camping domes. If you’re unsure whether this type of home appeals to you, you can visit a luxury camping site with domes and experience it firsthand.
Enhanced Structure
Regular houses have their structural load points concentrated at specific support points or structural parts, which can lead to pressure points and potential damage when facing external forces like hurricanes or earthquakes.
On the other hand, dome-shaped houses don’t have sharp edges or corners. This means that pressure gets distributed evenly across the entire surface of the dome, reducing the risk of pressure points. Plus, dome houses have a all-in-one structure. According to FEMA, dome houses are officially recognized as safe spaces during natural disasters like tornadoes and Category 5 hurricanes. That’s why in areas prone to hurricanes or earthquakes, people prefer dome houses for better safety.
Alternatively, geodesic dome roofs can also provide strong construction when using special materials and design. However, it depends on the design plan from the builder or kit supplier. Before choosing a geodesic dome roof to withstand natural disasters, make sure to discuss your needs clearly with your builder or supplier, and ensure it meets the required safety standards.
Low Costs & Energy Consumption
In terms of upfront costs, building a dome house with the same materials theoretically costs less compared to traditional houses. This is because dome structures are simpler in design and don’t require the same level of precision as traditional houses. So, dome houses use purer materials and are built more efficiently, which can effectively save on material use, construction steps, and labor.
As for long-term costs, the interior of a dome house is easier to maintain a stable temperature, reducing energy consumption and energy costs. This is because dome house structures are simpler, without any sharp corners or edges, reducing the formation of thermal bridges, allowing residents to enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment.
However, there are some exceptions to consider. If you try to build a geodesic dome home on your own, you might find that materials could be wasted. This is because making the frame requires cutting from the overall materials, and the leftover materials inevitably become construction waste. This isn’t environmentally friendly or energy-efficient. Therefore, the best way to build a geodesic dome house is to seek help from a builder or dome kit supplier. They have specialized equipment to mass-produce geodesic dome frames, minimizing construction costs and energy consumption as much as possible.
How to Build a Dome Home?
Building a dome home can be a fun and exciting project, but it’s important to plan carefully. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand what’s involved in the process.
Pick the Right Spot and Make a Plan
Before you start building, you need to choose a good place for your dome home. Think about things like the weather, the land shape, and how easy it is to get there. Also, check with your local government to find out if there are any rules or permits you’ll need. Once you have that information, you can plan your dome home’s size, layout, and number of rooms.
You can choose to work with a builder or a company that sells dome home kits. They can help with the design and even build it for you.
Choose Your Dome Style
Next, decide what kind of dome home structure you want. This choice will affect how you build it. The two most common structure types are:
Geodesic Dome – This type has a frame made of triangles and panels that fit together.
Monolithic Dome – This kind is built as one solid piece, usually using concrete.
Some people also mix domes with other building shapes, but that will also makes the process a bit more complicated.
Pick Your Materials
Once you’ve picked your dome style, it’s time to choose materials.
For a geodesic dome, the frame is usually made from wood or metal, and the panels can be wood, plastic, glass, or coated fabric. These domes are often prefabricated—built in pieces somewhere else and then put together on site.
A monolithic dome is usually made with polyurethane foam, steel rebars, and concrete. These materials are added and shaped right at the building site, so you don’t need to make anything beforehand.
Build the Foundation
Before you can set up your dome, you need a strong, level base. This means checking the ground to make sure it can hold the weight and doesn’t flood easily. You might need to dig deeper or make it stronger. Then, make sure the ground is flat and even. You’ll also want to add waterproofing and a drainage system.
Put Up the Dome
Now comes the highlight part—building the dome.
For a geodesic dome, you’ll start by putting together the frame and then covering it with panels. Make sure to anchor the frame securely to the foundation.
For a monolithic dome, you’ll use a big airform (an inflatable fabric) to shape the dome. First, inflate the airform. Then spray foam on the inside to create insulation. After that, attach steel bars, and finally, cover everything with concrete.
Finish the Inside
Once the dome is built, it’s time to finish the inside. Sometimes these steps need to be done during the dome putting-up process. Just follow what makes sense for your specific situation. These steps include:
Installing doors and windows
Running electrical wires and plumbing
Adding floors and interior walls
Adding insulation, waterproofing, and ventilation if needed
Designing the interior to match your style
Dome Home Interior Design Ideas
The shape inside dome homes is different from a regular house, so traditional interior design doesn’t always work well. But don’t worry—there are plenty of smart and creative ways to make the most of the space. Besides using modular furniture and flexible facilities, here are some creative dome home design ideas you can try:
Start with Color:
Color plays a big role in creating the mood and comfort of a dome room. To make a dome space feel nice and balanced, it’s a good idea to follow some basic color rules. For example, you can go with similar colors, like natural earth tones—sand, soft yellow, and tree-bark brown. These colors come from nature and help the space feel calm and cozy.
Another way is to use contrasting colors. This means picking one light and one dark color, or colors that are far apart on the color wheel. This creates a bold, eye-catching look and adds more energy to the room.
Using Vertical Space
Dome homes usually don’t have extra support beams or columns, which makes it easier to use the vertical space along the curved walls. One good way to do this is by adding a loft. A loft can give you extra space for storage or a small sleeping area.
But keep in mind, this works best in areas where the ceiling is taller than 2.7 meters (about 8.9 feet). Why? Because you’ll want around 1.8 meters (about 5.9 feet) of headroom underneath so people can stand up easily, and about 0.9 meters (around 3 feet) above for sitting—enough for kids or adults who don’t need much headspace.
Bringing the Outdoors In
If your dome home has large windows or transparent doors/walls, you can create a design that connects the inside with the outside, blending your dome home living space perfectly with nature. To do this, take a look at what’s outside your windows.
For example, if you have a garden full of plants and flowers, you can bring some of that greenery indoors with plants or flowers. Or, if you have an ocean view, you can use ocean-inspired colors in your décor. This way, whenever you look outside, it will feel like you’re surrounded by nature, both inside and out.
Symmetry in Design
Unlike traditional houses with complex layouts, dome homes have a smooth, rounded shape that makes it easier to create a balanced, symmetrical design. This is especially true for geodesic dome homes. Their structure is naturally symmetrical, both inside and out. So when working on your geodesic dome home designs, it’s a good idea to follow a symmetrical layout.
For example, you could use matching windows or symmetrical furniture layout. This style of design is perfect for people who like things neat and balanced. The symmetry, combined with the curved space of the dome, creates a very pleasing and comfortable visual effect.
Geodesic Dome Homes? Let Stars Glamping Help You
Stars Glamping specializes in manufacturing geodesic dome home products. Established in , It has extensive experience in geodesic dome construction and has successfully completed projects in various countries and regions, including Japan, New Zealand, Jordan, the Philippines, and Israel. We offer customers the best value-for-money design solutions to create durable geodesic dome residences. Whether you’re looking for a classic geodesic dome house structure or a design with special features, feel free to consult us. We’ll plan the perfect geodesic house solution for you.
FAQs about Dome Homes
Are Dome Homes Cheaper to Build?
Yes, dome homes are usually cheaper than traditional houses. That’s because their structure is simpler, so they use fewer building materials. They’re also easier to take care of, which means lower maintenance costs over time.
How Much Does a Dome Home Cost?
We looked into dome home kits on the market and found that most of them cost between $3,000 and $50,000. The price depends on things like the size of the dome, the materials used, and how it’s built. For example, the monolithic dome home cost can be very different from the geodesic dome home cost. If you choose custom, the dome home cost is usually higher.
How Long Will a Dome House Last?
How long a dome house lasts also depends on the dome building materials and how it’s built. For example, a geodesic dome with a steel frame and fabric cover typically lasts 10-15 years for the frame and 3-5 years for the fabric. On the other hand, a monolithic dome made of concrete can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
Are Dome Homes Hard to Sell?
Yes, that’s because dome homes have a unique structure and design compared to traditional houses. Not everyone may like or accept this new style. As a result, dome homes typically have a lower resale value.
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