Oct
Dome Homes
Dome homes have been around for a long time as the Inuit in Alaska can bear witness to, but maybe the housing crisies might give people a new perspective on homes, houses, and how we live. Perhaps Bergen County should stop being so square and take a more circular approach to living. Round has always held an appeal to people, from monuments, to capitol domes, to flying saucers. The circle in life holds a special meaning, and living in a dome may offer a practical solution “green friendly” affordable housing.
New Paltz, NY has been home to environmentalists long before it was a trend. The state forests, the mountains and countryside still offer a good retreat even for both city dwellers and suburbanites; and, New Paltz University brings the town some youthful energy and creativity. But nestled outside the quaint downtown sits the dome of the Vencats. Unlike many “dome homes”, this one was imported from France–assembly required. It cost about 550,000 to ship and build the house, and then there was the cost of the land; overall, not an outer-space price for a three thousand foot home.
The round nature of the building actually lends itself to the contemporary floor plans which have become more popoular, rooms flow into each other with a sense of openness. The extrodinarily high ceilings give an additional sense of openess, and this particular model also spins on cue using a remote control to follow the sun if your chilly are just want to tan. The design is more resistant to wind damage, earthquakes, and the elements in general, while also saving significantly on heating bills.
This is obvioulsy a far cry from the styrafoam, actually polystyrene, dome homes being marketed in Japan. The floor space is of the basic unit is only about 472 square feet. But for between thierty to forty thouusand dollars, you can continually add on provided you have enough land.
The ease of assembly with the Japanese model will not create many fans amongts builders. These prefab units can be put together in a few hours, and then the outside is covered with mortar and paint. The inside can take as long as ordinary custom interiors take. And the ability to add on as a family grows means the kids can have their own dome without leaving home.