Background

After watching the discussion about concrete domes, I thought I might offer a construction design that might have some value in meeting the needs described. As background experience, preliminary to the design discussion, I offer the following: I worked my way through college; a significant part of it being construction work, where I observed iron rebar being wired to hardware cloth and other rebar to reinforce the concrete that was then poured over it. I have since then read a lot about construction; took community college CE courses on passive-solar/high tech home construction. I moved into a rural area 16 years ago, sensing impending changes in future times.

At this setting, I have designed and helped build a passive-solar, semi-earth-integrated home; have built two pole (out-) buildings and an office. The office is two buildings: a small passive solar reception and media therapy building and a geodesic dome; both on heavily reinforced foundations. (The office was built to serve as a small counseling/retreat center, with the whole facility intended as an example to the local community of the simple, close-to-nature lifestyle essential for harmony and survival here.) I have had higher guidance all along (don't feel safe to discuss details here and now) in this, and a design keeps coming up that might be of relevance to this discussion, so I'll share it here.

Please understand that the above details were provided so you will have a sense, also, of the limitations of my knowledge. I am a counselor, by formal training. Sorry, my graphics capability is down while I struggle with this glitchy software, so I cannot draw any of this. Hopefully you can visualize it. Also, some steps are not overly detailed, as some understanding of construction methods is assumed. A small, low-profile, monolithic dome (12 to 20 ft diameter), of ferro-cement is suggested as a strong structure that might hold-up to the types of changes you are describing.

Offered by Anonymous.