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I like the idea of this forum. As I put plans into action I often go here to see what is there to see. I however notice that aside from views I see little or no feedback or discussion. Which seems to stagnate into nothing. Having done my study I have come to the wise conclusion that This is the way to build into the future. Coupled with things like bio digestion and solar regardless of how we are taught it is supposed to be many can change such a mold
I begin my project by ordering just the mixer. After it arrives safely from the islands we will proceed to the little dragon and then any other tool or thing needed. I have a plan to pour into forms to achieve my goal. I have noticed many who watch and very few questions get answers. If this could change imagine the potential -
I have to reply to this. :-). I also miss a more lively, interactive forum and especially some sort of shared vision.
Hajjar's video does explain a lot, but it's clear to me that the aircrete domes from Thailand are not suitable for colder regions in e.g. Northern Europe. We also want to pay more attention to big, but not expensive windows, that allow us to blend more with nature. Connecting 2 domes by means of a tunnel-greenhouse seems like a good idea to me. One dome is also not enough if you want to live in a colder region, where you are inside a lot, so it makes sense to build at least two and connect them with fairly inexpensive greenhouses (the tunnel variations are curved) that bring in a lot of light, and at the same time the possibility to grow food, live and work in a more veranda-like environment. -
A quick sketch
image url) -
Funny thing is you are close to the tunnell conections I have worked on the drawings. These can also create private spaces depending on the lay out of your domes.!
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I wanted to post a drawing but the file size is to big ugh
stand by -
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@Brian-Spooner
Lay-out, and especially size. My domes have a diameter between 8 and 12 meters. Hence also the difficulty to make them in aircrete.
We are using bamboo for the skeleton structure and are currently researching a sort of insulated damp open skin with 7 built in round windows at the top, which would give sufficient light for activities on the second floor.
On the ground floor we use the greenhouse connection as main access to nature and light.
All suggestions welcome. -
@Brian-Spooner
I believe in community and co-housing, but I also believe in enough privacy for all participants. The structure I've posted, made up of 2 or 3 domes, is a community center.
Around it can be stationed various tiny houses on trailers.
Both the community structure, and the tiny houses are mobile, therefore don't require a building permit. -
@garsett The plans I am working on will be a bit smaller then yours at 24 ft which is roughly 7.38 meters this being the central dome from which all living spaces are to connect. Bamboo is interesting. what we are planning to try is to build 36 radial arms that attach to a central hub mounted on a kingpin. these would allow us to attach our forms which will be 4 x 8 plywood (Very thin) it takes me a minute to compute the metric equivilant but if all should come together as planned then we simply pour the finished air crete into the form and work up to top removeing the previous days form and moving up in layers. The steel is left in place as it creates a semi monoque construction that gives extreme strength to the dome and also allows a conduit for electrical wireing the structure is thus built useing 1 inch steel tubeing bent to form. I was interested in the bender tool but have not gotten any feedback so I as a builder have looked into tubeing benders and they are common and available.
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@garsett I think we think a lot alike might help to know the r value of aircrete is impressive. an 8 inch wall is 18. where I live in iowa we get cold it is recomended an R value of minnimum 14. So aircrete has good insulative properties
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@Brian-Spooner
Yes, aircrete is great for casting in moulds. I've researched all kinds of existing moulds and have found some interesting and inexpensive ones in India, used for temples.
I also found out that you can use computer cut Expanded PolyStyreen (EPS) to create sophisticated moulds.
Then I also like sacred geometry, access to nature (also in cold climates), and the possibility to move the entire structure (like a yurt), which is possible with bamboo (you can just load an entire dome in a van) and a tunnel greenhouse kit, which at the same time solves the door and light problem of the domes, as the greenhouse lets in lots of light AND serves as temperature buffer.
All this is quite inexpensive, quick to build, eco- and people-friendly.
But what to use to cover the bamboo skeleton?
Hajjar actually gave me the idea to use a 'dome fabric' with a beautiful design. This is perhaps good for a warm climate, but I'm looking for insulated versions — or perhaps layers — for where it gets cold.
I think I've found a company that is willing to produce such 'dome comforters' with 7 integrated round windows (for the first floor which mainly serves as bedrooms) and 2 openings for the greenhouse and a large window. Re: natural materials there's still some research to do, and I have no idea yet of the price.
It should be possible to quickly tie the comforter to the bamboo structure with velcro straps. -
Two domes with a greenhouse tunnel between. I love the idea. I think I may steel your idea. Reminds me of an earthship. It could also serve as an air lock for entering the occupied space preventing the complete dump of air in the living space.
We are planning to use night sky Radiant Cooling/heating in our dome. Not sure if it will be using the slab or water to store the heat/cooling. As I consider the build it seems like more insulation is needed for a proper off grid solution. I want avoid chemicals such as foam ect. So that leaves making thicker blocks or a dome over a dome and filling it with something like wood ash, wool, or perhaps cellulose.. Any ideas?
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@HandyDan said in participation:
night sky Radiant Cooling/heating
Interesting! Will study.
https://misfitsarchitecture.com/2013/03/01/its-not-rocket-science-5-night-sky-radiant-cooling/ -
@HandyDan brilliant thoughts. speaking of earth ships. There is a science that I have done some considerable work on. Its called Anaerobic Methane bio digestion. I really make the worst vidieo's lol but Any one that has interest I can confidently say I can get you going on tgis. Whats more Domes are ideal for the process. here is a link. It will take you from start to finish. I have been working at this since 2008.
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If you couple this with many other technologies, including solar, and you not only have the dome but you don't need to worry about the power lines. They tell me it can never be and they fight such know how tooth and nail. Alas, I say It's no longer reasonable to march to their tune. Do what you can and will....
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Brian I'm waiting for part 2 and 3 of the video.
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Our location is off grid. It's not possible to connect to any service and even if it was I would not want to. Every situation is different and needs adaptation. Here the sun shines most of the year and it's very windy when no sun shines. Wee always have plenty of energy. A smart programmable charge controller diverts power and heats water instead of floating & degrading lithium batteries. In the winter when sun can't heat our slab or water mass we plan to use the excess wind power (breezy 7 kw) to heat the slab/water tank.
Cool tubes are also an option and we may include at least the hook-up for it. I burried a data logger as well as hung one under a tree and at 2 feet (8 feet recommended) the temperature is almost exactly the average of the days high and low. This hits the acceptable zone of temperature for me most of the year. However, for 3 weeks it's gets too hot (92°F) and another 3 weeks it gets to cold(54°F). My conclusion is that both thermal mass and insulation, as well as active heating & cooling are a must for my location.
The great thing about night sky radiant cooling is the fact that it uses a 45 watt circulation pump. Very reasonable energy usage.
I think 12 inches of cellulose between 2 dome shells may be the more cost effective way to achieve a truly energy efficient building at as low a price as possible. Of course this makes the building price less reasonable.
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@HandyDan ! We're looking into 2 canvases; the inner canvas has edges that can carry insulation.
The outer canvas (poly-cotton or poly-hemp) can be very colourful. -
@Brian-Spooner Did you find a good bender?
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@Brian-Spooner Is your video about bio-digestion still available?
