Now few people can be surprised by a new residential building, but this rule does not apply to popular spherical or domed houses, the designs and prices of which are so diverse that they cannot leave any buyer indifferent. Spherical buildings are unique in themselves, their design looks unusual in any area. Moreover, the incredible appearance of the domed house is not its only advantage.
Due to its unique design, each house project can be significantly different from the other, since there is the possibility of using radically different details. Such building objects have high functionality. Every day they become more and more popular in the Russian construction market.
What is a domed house: features and history of occurrence
A domed house is commonly understood as a building object with a spherical, rounded roof. However, this is only a general description of this type of buildings. Many note that the domed house looks like an Eskimo dwelling (a needle).
Modern spherical buildings look simply incredible, the designs are amazing. For designers, a special task is the competent combination of one main sphere with five side ones. The finished result of the project largely depends on the imagination of the designer and your personal preferences.
The first spherical buildings appeared in Byzantium, and the Eskimos began to create their dwellings in conditions of extremely low temperatures many years ago. From this we can draw a simple conclusion - in ancient times, round-shaped houses were no less popular than today, but then a more durable material - natural stone - was used for their construction.
The northern peoples were the first to notice that spherical buildings have high wind resistance and earthquake resistance.
In 1951, the American architect Richard Buckminster Fuller proposed using a spherical structure as the basis for the construction of residential buildings.
The main technologies for the construction of domed houses
To date, there are several construction technologies that are used to build domed houses, projects and prices, respectively, also "play" in one direction or another, depending on the method of construction. They can be made of materials such as brick, monolith, foam concrete, foam plastic and even clay. Moreover, buildings made of brick, monolith and foam concrete are not much different from the standard designs of residential buildings. Technologies for the construction of domed houses are classified into construction:
based on the geodesic sphere;
based on pneumoframework;
based on fixed formwork.
One of the most common technologies for building a spherical house is the combined use of polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam - while the construction of the building is carried out using the Japanese method. However, such houses require additional manipulations to ensure year-round use.
The most budgetary and closest to standard conditions is the technology for building domed houses, based on the frame method of construction. According to experts, for this kind of buildings, you can use a frame made of almost any material (with sufficient strength and service life). Connectors of various modifications and sizes are used to connect parts.
What foundation is suitable for a domed house
You have decided on a site for the construction of a construction site, have decided that it will be a dome house, have drawn up a planning project with established dimensions, which means it's time to move on to building the foundation.
Its construction requires preliminary preparation - it is necessary to mark the site, determine the zero mark and other parameters (for these purposes, we recommend using a level - a geodetic device for determining the height difference). Do not neglect the help of professionals in the field of geodetic works.
The very essence of domed housing construction implies the absence of ceilings and load-bearing supports. This gives not only up to 30% savings on wall and ceiling materials: the structure becomes light and does not require a massive foundation.
After all the preparatory work has been carried out, you should proceed to digging a trench for a strip foundation (this is the best option for creating a domed house).
Also, a pile type of foundation is often used under the dome house.
The strip foundation is a reinforced concrete structure, equipped around the perimeter of the entire construction site. As a rule, such an installation consists of a crate (reinforcing mesh) and a hardened concrete mixture. To create a crate, fittings with a diameter of 12 mm with wire strapping are suitable. Next, the cement-sand mortar is poured.
When choosing the depth of the trench, keep in mind that the foundation should be located in the place where the soil freezes (this is 1500 mm below the zero level).
When erecting a pile foundation for the construction of a domed house, as a rule, screw, driven or concrete piles are used, depending on the quality of the soil.
Dome house frame technology
During construction, round house projects most often involve the use of frame technology - it provides ease of construction. The frame is assembled from special metal pipes or timber, after which the resulting structure is sheathed with sheet building material (OSB board or plywood). In the interlayers between the sheets, an insulating element is laid (mineral wool, jute, polystyrene foam).
For the construction of the frame of the domed house, monolithic reinforced concrete can also be used. However, this method is used very rarely in our country, due to the lower price of lumber. And do not forget about the need for good thermal insulation of the dome, with which wood copes much better than concrete.
To date, there are two options for the frame scheme of domed houses: the creation of a stratodesic or geodesic dome. Each of them has both advantages and disadvantages. In the process of creating a building project, a more suitable frame model is selected.
On our site you can find contacts of construction companies that offer house design services. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".
The technology based on the construction of a frame in the form of a triangular hemisphere is the most popular in the construction of domed houses. The frame is constructed from wooden triangular blocks of the same size.
Video description
An overview of the domed house, see the video:
As an exterior finish, pressed cellulose impregnated with bitumen is used, but other materials can be used, as long as they are waterproof. From the inside, the frame is sheathed with boards, and mineral wool is used as a heater. During construction, some triangles are left open, after which frames of a similar shape with double-glazed windows are mounted in them.
The technology of erecting a domed house based on a pneumoframe
The method of building a spherical house based on a pneumatic frame is distinguished by an unusual and rather complex technology, while it requires the use of special machinery and equipment, due to which the time for building a house is reduced to a minimum.
The foundation for such a house is made of tape or slab. The framework represents a dome from the metal rods connected among themselves by welding.
This technology should involve a prefabricated pneumatic frame. It is made individually and, when inflated, completely repeats the contours of the inner surface of the dome. In those places where there should be windows and doors, the frame has ledges of a given shape and size. The manufacture of a pneumoframe is the most costly and difficult stage of construction, but since the technology cuts construction costs by half, its price is fully paid off.
The pneumoframe is inflated from inside the metal crate, after which a cement-polymer mortar, shotcrete or expanded polystyrene is sprayed from the outside with the help of special equipment. The base material of the dome is applied in layers, with breaks for each layer to harden. On the inside of the dome, I do the same, and after the walls have completely solidified, they begin to finish.
Features of planning and interior design of a spherical residential building
The layout of the domed house has a number of differences from the rectangular structure we are used to. However, this does not in any way limit the owners of the house in choosing the design of the room. On the contrary, the unusual appearance of the room allows you to realize the most extraordinary interior solutions.
Some decorative elements and furniture are best made to order, as most products are designed to be placed against walls of standard parameters. An excellent solution would be paintings of a semicircular shape, soft frameless furniture.
For a living room or study, wooden furniture is suitable, which will exactly repeat the curves of the walls, which will give the room an even more unusual entourage.
When installing communication systems, one should take into account the shape of the internal walls, as well as the technical and operational properties of the finishing materials used.
The fireplace is an essential attribute of the living room. In spherical houses, the fireplace is best placed in the center of the room - if you want to keep all the incoming heat and solve the problem of the lack of a flat wall for mounting this interior element.
Photo examples of interior design in domed houses
Interior of a domed house with three bedrooms, one of which is on the second floor
The semicircular shapes of the stairs and kitchen furniture fit perfectly into the interior of the domed house.
Dome house layout examples
The photo below is an example of the layout of a small domed house. There is a fairly spacious living room where you can spend family evenings and meet guests. The kitchen is small, combined with the dining room, and the bar counter is the border between the place for cooking and eating and the living room - a modern piece of furniture that will undoubtedly appeal to a young family.
Video description
See the video for the experience of people living in a domed house:
The house also has a bathroom and a large bedroom on the ground floor. The stairs to the second floor are located to the right of the entrance to the house, which is also very convenient. If there are living rooms on the second floor, the owners do not have to walk through the whole house to get to the second floor.
It is noteworthy that there is a fireplace in the center of the house, where you can spend long winter evenings with your family. This house is suitable for a family of three.
In the next photo of the living room, located immediately at the entrance from the hallway, less space was allocated, for which the bedroom here is simply huge. It is located on the right side of the house, and one of its walls is bordered by a bathroom, which is combined with a bathroom.
On the left side of the house is a kitchen-dining room with access to a utility room or storage room. The staircase here is also located in the living room to the right of the entrance. If you organize two more bedrooms on the second floor, then such a house is perfect for a family of four.
The layout of the house in the next photo is perfect for a family of two or three people. The entrance to the house is equipped with a porch from which you can get into a small hallway, and then into the living room, located on the left side of the house. On the same side there is a kitchen combined with a dining room and a bathroom. A large fireplace borders the kitchen and living room.
On the right side of the house there are two bedrooms, one of which is larger, designed for a couple. A small bedroom can be equipped for a child. Stairs to the second floor leading to a cozy office are located to the right of the entrance to the living room.
Advantages and disadvantages of domed houses
In addition to the unique external characteristics, the dome house has a number of undeniable advantages:
affordable cost;
a massive concrete platform is not required;
saving on assembly speed;
minimum construction waste;
not so many building materials are required for a dome house;
the outer surface area of domed buildings is smaller, and the internal volume of space is larger (corners are cut off), due to this, heat loss in winter and absorption in summer are reduced;
Video description
Construction of a domed house, see the video:
strength, increased seismic resistance, excellent aerodynamics;
the dome withstands high snow loads;
good sound insulation and ventilation;
originality and aesthetics at the highest level;
excellent lighting performance.
The disadvantages of domed houses experts include:
there are very few professional companies on the Russian market, the topic is quite new, enthusiastic dome builders are just trying to conquer our country;
experience in calculations is required, absolute accuracy in the manufacture of parts;
suppliers of high-quality raw materials "worth their weight in gold", it is difficult to find good lumber;
the useful life of the house is inferior to stone and block buildings;
non-standard windows, made by special order, certain difficulties during installation.
But these shortcomings are quickly reduced to nothing if you do not try to build a house on your own, but immediately turn to a construction company that has proven itself well in the construction market. So you will save a lot of time and effort, and in the end you will get a high-quality domed house in which it will be cozy and comfortable to live. And all your wishes regarding the layout of the specialists will definitely take into account.
Photo examples of spherical houses
Two-level house based on a stratodesic dome with shingle cladding
Dome house with wood elements in the exterior
The original solution: a domed house in the form of a flying saucer
Complex, but beautiful and original design of the dome structure
Conclusion
Considering domed houses as permanent housing, projects and prices for them can be sorted out endlessly, because, despite the fact that such buildings have appeared on the construction market relatively recently, there is no limit to the variety of projects. You can choose for yourself the simplest domed house, the projects of such buildings are inexpensive, or make a special one, according to your own wishes and preferences. For example, you can take the Dobrosfera domed houses, projects and prices, photos of each of them can be viewed in more detail on the site. And professional architects and designers will be happy to help you with this.
Dome houses or domed housing construction belongs to the category of fairly new trends in architecture. However, dome-shaped residential structures have a long history and have been used by various ethnic groups in Russia.
Dome houses or domed housing construction belongs to the category of fairly new trends in architecture.
The special shape of the domed buildings makes it possible to safely classify such houses as real works of art. Among other things, domed buildings are superior to traditional cubic buildings in almost all of their parameters. This design assumes the complete absence of the ceiling part and bearing supports, which saves building materials and does not build a massive base. The foundation of the building can be represented by a conventional strip or pile foundation. Dome construction is used on the basis of a modern pneumoframe or fixed formwork.
The design promotes ideally uniform distribution of loading. In the presence of mechanical impact on any section of the erected structure, the most effective distribution of it throughout the array is ensured. This unusual property is especially pronounced in buildings based on a triangular frame. It is the structural features of domed or so-called hemispherical structures that make them the best option for installation in regions with stably unstable soil and climatic conditions.
Features of domed houses (video)
Domed house shapes
Hemispherical buildings are made of concrete or brick, and a wooden, domed, easily erected house is also popular. Buildings differ not only in material, but also in the form of execution.
popular form
An original, reliable and beautiful building, which is built using several tetrahedral polyhedra. Regular four-dimensional polyhedra are four-dimensional analogues of regular polyhedra, which allows you to get a beautiful, reliable and easy-to-use residential building with an original appearance.
Icosahedron shape
The building is an almost ideal option for dividing space into several separate vectors. All twelve vertices of the structure are located three in four parallel planes, forming a regular triangle in each of them. Ten vertices are located in two parallel planes, where they form a pair of regular pentagons, and the other two are opposite to each other and lie in a perpendicular direction.
Hemispherical buildings are made of concrete or brick Cons and pros of domed houses
The main advantages are presented:- increased resistance to wind loads, due to the aerodynamic shape of the structure;
- increased seismic resistance with a very uniform distribution of loads on the entire frame plane;
- no need to build an expensive foundation;
- free layout, without restrictions in the form of columns and struts;
- external aesthetics and futuristic appearance;
- energy efficiency and improved natural convection ventilation to save on heating or ventilation costs;
- optimal acoustic characteristics and the absence of external noise penetration into the living space;
- affordable cost for self-construction.
All known to date shortcomings are most often psychological, as well as informational in nature. Interior features combined with round walls and unusual layout are not always familiar to humans.
Design options for domed houses
Depending on the design features, domed houses can have several options for the execution of the outer part of the building. Domed buildings can be represented by:
- buildings of a convex type;
- belt type buildings;
- buildings with an oval dome;
- polygonal buildings based on polyhedrons;
- semicircular designs.
The usable area of a hemispherical structure is about one third less than that of a rectangular building.
The internal layout of domed houses
When planning a domed structure, it is necessary to take into account several quite significant differences from the usual interior. The unusual, original shape of the house does not impose any restrictions or prohibitions on the owner. Thanks to the unusual shape, it becomes possible to create the most unusual and original interiors, attractive and convenient in terms of operation. When designing a design, you should follow a few simple recommendations:
- furniture and decorative interior elements should be ordered in accordance with individual sizes;
- custom-made paintings with a semicircular shape, which are placed on the walls of a hemispherical room, look very original;
- when choosing an office environment, wooden furniture with elements that exactly repeat the shape and texture of the walls can be used;
- it is advisable to place a fireplace in the central part of the room, making such a heater the main element of the composition;
- a traditional ceiling chandelier is best replaced with a significant number of spotlights.
Particular attention will be required to install a variety of engineering networks and communications, which are located depending on the shape of the internal walls and the main characteristics of the materials used in the decoration.
When planning a domed structure, it is necessary to take into account several quite significant differences from the usual interior. Windows and doors of domed houses
By itself, the design of domed structures allows, absolutely without prejudice to strength indicators, to replace half of the elements with entrance and window groups, as well as to allocate the maximum amount of surface for the glazing procedure. In this case, the building acquires a light and airy appearance.
But, the larger the total glazing area, the higher the probability of heat loss. This issue can be completely solved by installing packages, for the manufacture of which special glass is used, which has an effective heat-shielding coating or film. Also, a good result can be achieved when replacing a double-glazed window with ordinary window blocks with a triple type of glazing.
Glazing of a one-story domed house is carried out with standard wooden or plastic rectangular or triangular windows. The combination of triangular, pentagonal or hexagonal window blocks with double glazing looks very harmonious and economical, as well as original. The doorway involves, most often, embedding a special vestibule into the domed structure.
Gallery: domed houses (50 photos)
Materials used for the construction of domed houses
Spherical houses of a semicircular shape, as a rule, are represented by a frame base made of wood or metals. The most common variety are frames, made using a large number of parts that differ in length. In the process of combining such elements form a sphere. For the construction of a house-sphere, different building materials can be used, presented:
- wood;
- foam concrete blocks;
- metal elements;
- brick;
- polystyrene boards;
- polystyrene;
- concretes;
- clay.
Brick-type domed houses, as well as spherical monolithic structures built using foam concrete or wood, are practically in no way inferior in their main characteristics and durability to buildings built in the traditional way.
Presentation of the domed house (video)
The main stages of building a domed house with your own hands
There are several ways to do the domed construction of a hemispheric house with your own hands. A unique structure, formed in a hemispherical or conical shape, due to its design features, will not require the purchase of a large amount of building and finishing materials. In appearance, such a house looks modern and aesthetically pleasing, as well as natural, like nature itself. It is quite possible to erect buildings of this type not only in the southern regions, but also in the north.
With proper arrangement of such a house, thermal efficiency can exceed even the wildest expectations.
Drawing up a project of a domed house
The most important condition that allows you to build a beautiful, reliable and durable structure is the need to competently complete the design drawings, as well as to correctly calculate all the building materials used. The design of the dome structure is required, and without such documentation it is almost impossible to build a structure in a spherical shape with your own hands.
When drafting a project, you should decide on the shape of a spherical house, which can be represented by the shape of an icosahedron or simple polyhedra. The first option, at present, is the most rational and allows you to correctly divide the entire space into several specific vectors, which has a positive effect on the strength of the structure.
It is quite possible to build domed houses not only in the southern regions, but also in the north Foundation manufacturing
There are no specific requirements for the foundation for a domed house. Finished hemispherical structures are lightweight, so a building of this type can be placed on almost any type of foundation. However, according to experts in the construction industry, the best option is to use a standard shallow foundation foundation of a tape type.
Strip foundations are represented by reinforced concrete structures, which are located along the perimeter of the domed structure being erected. The design is represented by a reinforcing mesh or crate, as well as a concrete mass. The reinforcing crate is made of reinforcement with a diameter of 1.2-1.4 cm, tied with wire.
After the pit is ready, the crate is laid in it and the concrete mass is poured. A waterproofing layer, represented by roofing felt, is applied to the finished foundation base, which will prevent the negative impact of moisture on the structure.
Ready-made hemispherical structures are lightweight, so a building of this type can be placed on almost any type of foundation Frame erection
Hemispherical structures are constructed, as a rule, using wood. Taking into account the expected loads, a beam with the required cross section is selected. Low buildings can be erected from a bar with a non-increased cross section. For independent construction of large domes, the use of standard connectors is mandatory. It is with the help of five-beam or six-beam connectors that all the wooden elements of the structure under construction are combined. Connectors for domed houses are coated with a primer and paint to protect against corrosion.
For the arrangement of not too voluminous domes, the use of connectors is inappropriate. If there are sufficient skills in building a house with your own hands and in woodworking, then a complete rejection of the use of connectors in the design is allowed. However, in this case, it will be necessary to prepare special stiffeners, which guarantees the minimization of seams when connecting all the components of the spherical structure used.
Hemispherical structures are usually constructed using wood dome cladding
A prerequisite for obtaining the most reliable and durable hemispherical construction is the use of an insulating layer, which, as a rule, is used mineral wool or foamed polyurethane. The second option is quite simple to install and moisture resistant.
As a roofing substrate, OSB-boards based on pressed wood chips bonded with synthetic resins are most often used. Such plates are characterized by sufficient strength and resistance to significant loads. External design can be done with flexible tiles, which can easily take any form. Such a finishing material is very easy to work with and fits as quickly as possible with your own hands.
The frame of the domed house (video)
Final work
At the final stage, planning and interior arrangement are carried out, as well as windows and doors are installed. The layout of a residential building of a domed or hemispherical type can be absolutely any. Experts advise dividing the existing internal space with drywall sheets, depending on the intended decor.
In the interior decoration, designers use a wide variety of building and finishing materials that can be combined and combined at your discretion. It is desirable to involve specialists in the arrangement of engineering networks and communication nodes. Properly executed according to a competent project, the bathing structure can be easily dismantled and installed in another place.
Attention, only TODAY!
Many residents of big cities are seriously thinking about building their own country house. After all, this is an opportunity to leave the stuffy and polluted city, crowded with people and anxiety. Outside the city, everyone has their own space, there is no need to worry about the neighbors. In addition, this is a great opportunity to raise your children in environmentally friendly conditions. Your heirs will always be healthy and full of strength.
Modern developers offer many options for those who want to get close to nature in the shortest possible time. After all, for example, a building made of bricks familiar to us is being built for a long period, so you will not be able to move into such a house quickly. Today, modern technologies and building materials are especially popular, which practically do not differ in strength from bricks, while being characterized by a more favorable price. One of these structures are spherical or domed houses. Owner reviews speak of a large number of advantages of such facilities.
The history of the domed house
Before proceeding with the construction of any structure, it is necessary to make a project. Its choice depends on the wishes of the owners, the external attractiveness of the future structure, its aesthetics and originality. It is domed houses that are especially popular today, photos of which you can see in our article. In the domestic construction market, these structures began to be erected in 2008, but they can in no way be attributed to the architectural inventions of our time.
Rounded buildings were erected in Old Byzantium. Often such buildings were built in northern countries, for whose inhabitants every winter the issue of heating the house was very acute. This type of structure was invented and patented in 1951 by Buckminster Fuller. To date, many domestic construction companies have mastered the construction of domed houses. Therefore, everyone can choose a suitable option for themselves and be sure that their future home will meet all their wishes.
Peculiarities
Modern domed houses intended for human habitation are characterized by an unusual design that does not allow exposure to adverse environmental factors. People living in spherical houses admit that the unusual geometry of the room causes a feeling of lightness and tranquility.
Thanks to the aerodynamic design of the building, the resistance of the house to strong gusty winds is enhanced. Such a structure will be more resistant than others in the event of seismic activity. The calculations carried out showed that the house will be able to endure fluctuations of the earth's crust of 10 points.
Cost calculation
It is very difficult to accurately calculate the total cost of the structure. After all, they often provide for the construction of extensions. Also, the cost of construction includes the method of finishing, and the materials that will be needed during the construction of the building. But the price of the main structure can be calculated using a special calculator. This program takes into account the way the ribs are connected, their cross section, and the radius of the base. Using it, you can get information about the number and types of vertices, faces, edges. As a result, a structured scheme will appear before you, according to which it will be possible to imagine the future domed house. The price for it depends only on the above factors.
The construction time for such a structure is on average about 3 months, taking into account the development and approval of the project. The price of a domed house is approximately 1/3 of the cost of a traditional dwelling due to less use of building materials. The cost of such a structure today is about 13,000 rubles per 1 m 2.
House construction
When drawing up almost all projects, a standard structure is initially calculated, the diameter of which is 8.1 m. This size is the main one for the development of private and standard projects.
“8 meters in diameter? It’s not enough!”, you say. But it seems so at first glance. It should be noted that the radius of the dome is also 8 meters. Then the base area will be 153 m 3, and the ceilings in the house will reach 7 meters.
Do you want to build a domed house? Planning is the initial stage, during which special attention is paid to the foundation of the building, because this is the base of any building. The characteristics of the base will directly depend on the type and mechanical properties of the soil.
Spherical houses at the construction stage are characterized by economical consumption of building materials. On laying the foundation, you can save 25-40%.
A domed house can have up to 5 outbuildings that will be added to the ground floor. They can be located in any of the 5 dome openings. This will not lead to a loss of rigidity of the system as a whole. Openings are used to connect verandas, domes, greenhouses, baths, etc. Thus, you can significantly expand the required area.
The final stage of construction is At this stage, planning is not required, so you can independently choose any architectural delights (mansards, lofts, rooms). This will not affect the strength of the structure in any way.
building material
The main material for the construction of domed houses are wooden beams filled with expanded polystyrene or fiberglass panels. These materials are characterized by minimum weight, high reliability. They are used as thermal insulation material. The thickness of 15 cm of insulating material is ideal for climate conditions in the middle zone. Such panels are very easy to install with normal wall thicknesses. Relatively recently, expanding foam mass has also been used for the same purposes.
It is a traditional roofing material. It has an attractive appearance, and its cost is not too high. This material is characterized by a large assortment, which makes it easy and simple to choose the right texture and shade.
A special design distinguishes all domed houses. Photos of various configurations, color shades, the use of various materials can be found in this article. In addition, the owner can choose the shape of the windows in the house. They can be rectangular, round, triangular or hexagonal. The window can be a decoration of an unusual facade. Thanks to the competent placement of window openings, you can save on lighting and even on heating in the future. After all, even in winter days, the house can receive additional solar heat.
Equipment and materials for interior decoration
The materials that are used for interior decoration of a domed house are varied:
- Drywall.
- Clapboard.
- Plastic.
- Decorative plaster.
You can choose the right materials to combine, which will make the overall interior spectacular and elegant. Some people try to build domed houses on their own. Feedback from the owners of self-built houses allows others to correctly assess their abilities and make a choice in favor of specialists or a company of close friends.
Installing a ventilation and heating system in such a house is also simple. For proper heating of the building, it is necessary to purchase and install heating devices. They should be the same as for an ordinary house, but with a capacity of 30% less.
A turnkey domed house will allow you not to control all stages of construction. You will be able to immediately move into a new suburban home.
Advantages of domed houses
Not so much time has passed since 2008, but many families have already experienced all the benefits of living in domed houses. The main positive aspects of this building are:
- An ideal even shape that can withstand gusts of wind, snow sticking. Dome houses are characterized by unusual aerodynamics, which ensures perfect wind envelope. This is confirmed by the unsurpassed stability of domed houses on the US coast during tornadoes and hurricanes.
- A domed house can have any number of windows. If you wish, you can even glaze the entire dome, and this will hardly affect the strength of the entire structure.
- This frame house has a solid construction. It does not have a separate roof, heavy floors, truss system. Thanks to this, the house is characterized by high seismic resistance. In addition, the destruction of 35% of the elements of the entire structure will not lead to a complete collapse of the building.
- In small houses there are no load-bearing walls. In large structures, the walls can be installed in any order. This allows you to independently plan the interior space in the house.
- Soundproofing. Due to the minimal surface area, significantly less sound penetrates. This makes life in the house more comfortable and cozy.
Spherical houses allow you to save
- Minimum base. The construction of the building is very light. Due to this, the load on the ground is minimized. Therefore, you can use a more economical type of foundation, which allows you to build domed houses on it. The feedback from the owners showed that they often made a strip foundation, the depth of which does not exceed 90 cm. Thus, the likelihood of the building skewing and the formation of cracks in the foundation is excluded.
- construction at any time. The construction of a domed house can take place at any time of the year, regardless of weather conditions. This will not affect the cost of work and the quality of the structure being built.
- The ability to use the minimum area and obtain the maximum volume. The useful area is maximum, the external area is minimum. Due to this, in comparison with the usual rectangular rooms, heat is less dissipated in winter. Therefore, the cost of heating and air conditioning is reduced by up to 30%.
- Saving energy regardless of the climate. For example, in a cold climate, an ordinary stone house needs to consume about 230 kW * h / m 2 for hot water supply and heating, and a wooden house - 100 kW * h / m 2. A domed house made of expanded polystyrene (wall 200 mm) often exceeds the requirements of modern standards. Even in severe frosts, if the heating is turned off, the temperature in the house drops to 2 0 C per day. If we compare the cost of maintaining brick and domed houses for 50 years, then for the difference (not in favor of a brick building), you can purchase another frame house.
- Maximum use of solar panels. Thanks to the symmetrical shape of the house, solar modules and batteries can be more efficiently oriented in space. With this equipment, you can save a significant amount of money. After all, it is known that solar panels can generate energy even on a cloudy day.
- Affordable prices. It has been proven that the construction of a high-quality reliable frame house is much cheaper than the construction of an ordinary brick house.
disadvantages
Unfortunately, nothing in our world is perfect. Dome houses in Russia also have their drawbacks.
- Difficulties in calculations. A spherical house cannot be drawn and calculated using two planes. Be sure to use modern 3D graphics programs.
- Since the construction of a domed house is still exotic for our citizens, it is best to seek help from specialist builders who know how to properly build domed houses. Reviews of the owners are advised not to conduct independent experiments, because this can lead to serious costs.
- A large amount of waste. Often, building materials are supplied in a rectangular shape, and the main shape for the construction of this type of building is a triangle. Large losses can be avoided with careful calculations at the design stage.
- The need to use non-standard shapes of windows, doors, furniture, stairs.
Output
Structures in the form of domes have been known since time immemorial. They are highly durable. The peculiarity of such a house is that its bearing capacity increases with an increase in the size of the dome itself. Do not forget that this building will allow the owners to annually save a tidy sum from the family budget.
The frame of a domed house is a very large constructor. A team of specialists will cope with the construction of this house in a matter of weeks. Each owner can control the whole process. And in a few weeks, your family will be able to relax outside the city and enjoy clean, fresh air.
Spherical, domed dwellings have been known for a long time - yarangas, plagues, wigwams, etc. - built on this principle. They are distinguished by high stability and ease of construction, which earned the popularity of our ancestors. But domed houses in their pure form, as a phenomenon of modern construction, appeared not so long ago - approximately in the second half of the last century. When the American scientist Fuller decomposed the dome structure into simple figures - triangles, from which the entire structure is often assembled. It is on this principle that many spherical houses are built today.
Dome houses: technologies and their features
A domed or spherical house is the name of one building technology. Actually, the name reflects the peculiarity of this type of housing construction - the house is not rectangular, but is made in the form of a hemisphere. Or rather - in the form of a polyhedron, approaching in appearance to the sphere.
This form better withstands wind and snow loads, with an equal building spot with a rectangular one, it has more usable area. But in such a house there is hardly at least one rectangular or square room. At least one side will be uneven. This complicates the layout, decoration, selection and installation of furniture. Most likely, all or most of the furnishings will have to be made “to order”, according to your own sizes and sketches.
Domed houses are being built, mainly using frame technology, so that the construction is easy. The frame is assembled from timber or metal pipes, sheathed with sheet building material (plywood, OSB). Insulation is laid between the racks of the frame (polystyrene foam, mineral wool, foam glass, ecological materials such as jute, dried algae, etc.). That is, apart from an unusual shape, there is no news, the materials are selected as for an ordinary frame house.
There are domed houses made of monolithic reinforced concrete. But this technology is used infrequently, especially in our country, where lumber is sometimes cheaper. If we also take into account the need for good thermal insulation of a concrete dome, its unpopularity becomes clear.
With the frames of domed houses, not everything is so simple. There are two technologies by which they are collected: geodesic and stratodesic dome. They have their own characteristics that can influence your choice.
geodesic dome
The dome is divided into triangles, from which the polyhedron is assembled. A feature of this technology is that a large number of beams converge at one point. To ensure their reliable fixation, connectors are used - special steel devices that allow you to securely connect the elements of the supporting structure. Each of the connectors costs from 600 to 1500 rubles ($10-25).
A geodesic dome for a spherical house is built on the basis of triangles
Despite the fact that the number of connectors is in the tens or even hundreds, their presence greatly affects the cost of construction. Those who plan to build a domed house with their own hands try to do without connectors or make them on their own too. The reasons are clear, but with insufficient strength of the connection, the building may collapse under load. So with savings on this site, you must be very, very careful.
By the way, when using wooden beams, there is a connectorless technology, but the assembly of such units requires a high level of carpentry skill and precise execution. And one more thing: they are not as reliable as connections with metal connectors.
The advantage of this type of frame is its stable construction. With the destruction of 35% of the elements, the dome is not destroyed. This has been tested in seismically active regions, during hurricanes. This stability makes it easy to remove a certain number of jumpers. That is, an opening under the door, windows can be made anywhere, almost any size. The only thing to consider is that the windows will be triangular. In this design, there is no escape from this. For many, this is a critical shortcoming.
Another feature - when assembling the frame, without sheathing, it has good resistance to torsional loads, but does not perceive horizontal loads very well. Therefore, the frame is first assembled completely and only then it is sheathed.
Stratodesic dome
Dome houses of this design are assembled from sections of a trapezoidal shape. That is, its fragments are more like rectangles or squares. This structure allows the use of doors and windows of standard design. For many, this is a big plus.
The disadvantage of the statodesian dome is that it is possible to remove structural elements only after careful calculation and strengthening of adjacent structures. So the transfer of a door or window, resizing is possible only after the change in the bearing capacity of this section or even the dome as a whole is calculated.
This technology has its own assembly feature. The frame should be sheathed as the racks are installed. That is, the second row of racks is assembled only after the first is sheathed, the third row - after the second is sewn up with sheet material, etc. This is due to the fact that in the unfinished form - without sheathing - the frame has a high bearing capacity for vertical loads and is not very resistant to torsional loads. As soon as the edges are sheathed, it becomes very stable and reliable.
Unlike a geodesic dome, a stratodesic connector is not required to assemble. The vertical parts of the frame are connected using special-shaped locks. Horizontal jumpers are fastened with a plate, which is fixed with bolts, under which a metal plate is laid.
There is another nuance that affects the cost of a domed house. When cutting sheet material for a stratodesic dome, there are more scraps than with a geodesic dome. This somewhat increases the cost of materials. But they are offset by the fact that windows and doors are used in a standard design, they are cheaper than triangular ones. As a result, the cost of the dome of different technologies is not much different.
Advantages and disadvantages
No one will argue with the fact that domed houses look unusual. If you want to have a house or cottage "not like everyone else" and have nothing against frame housing construction, take a closer look at this technology. The solution is really non-standard. Plus, they say it's economical. The cost per square meter starts from $200. But as you know, this is the minimum price. Such an economical option.
Advantages of domed houses
In addition to the unusual appearance, the advantages of spherical houses are as follows:
By the combination of characteristics, domed houses look very attractive. In addition, many say that the construction requires much less money - due to the smaller surface of the walls, material is saved. According to mathematical calculations, the area of \u200b\u200bthe walls is almost a third less. But the savings, if any, are not so big - the construction is specific, using specific components that increase the cost of construction. In fact, the cost per square meter is about the same as with the usual form.
Minuses
There are also disadvantages and they are also quite serious. In any case, it is worth knowing about them and taking into account.
There is also an unusual layout, but it cannot be clearly attributed to the shortcomings. I like domed houses precisely for their originality. So the non-standard shape of the premises is, rather, a feature that must be taken into account when selecting / ordering furniture and choosing finishing materials.
Projects and planning features
It is far from easy to plan a round building in such a way that it is rational, beautiful, and even convenient. There are several basic techniques that most adhere to. The first thing that catches your eye is that there simply cannot be corridors in such a house. They just have nowhere to go. This is not bad, but the layout of the house becomes more difficult from this. Let's start with a simple one - how to arrange the entrance to the house.
Entry group
For our climate, it is desirable that the front doors open into a small room, and not into a large room. Saves in this case a small vestibule. About can be allocated from the total area or attached. Approximately the same tasks are performed by a covered veranda. This is a more "civilized" way to solve the problem.
Not everyone likes this approach. Today, there are other trends in the world - from the front door they get into a large spacious hall / living room. Such a layout is also possible, but additional measures are needed to cut off cold air - a thermal curtain near the entrance. It is made using convectors built into the floor or by installing several powerful radiators near the door. The first method is more efficient, the second is easier to implement. All these nuances are typical for domed houses. The only difference is that you have to rack your brains on how to fit the built-in vestibule. The other two methods are easier to solve.
Let's look at the input group device options with examples. In the picture above, the right project, the entrance doors lead to the living / dining room. This decision is typical for Europe and America. We are gradually gaining popularity, but due to the more severe climate it often brings inconvenience - each opening of the doors in winter brings a significant portion of cold air, which reduces comfort.
The option on the left is with an attached vestibule. There are two exits from the vestibule - one to the winter garden, the other to the kitchen/dining room. The solution is no less modern, but the problem of cold air entering the living quarters has been solved. So this idea is worth adopting.
If it is decided to make the vestibule built-in, obviously, you will have to allocate some area of \u200b\u200bthe house. The minimum is three squares (on the left project). It is logical if the living / dining room will be located further.
Another way is to allocate a large area and use it as a hallway. Place a wardrobe here, a hanger for things “for now” (draft law). If the area allows, you can install a small sofa. For a frequent home, the presence of an entrance hall is practically a necessity. Dirt and sand are less dragged into the house. And this is another argument in favor of a dedicated input group. Attached or fenced off - it's your choice. But the entrance area is convenient. At least in our realities.
Space organization
Most often, the central part of the space of the domed house is allocated for common use. From this central area you can get to all the other rooms, which are located in a circle. In general, the central room turns out to be uncomfortable, since it is “very passable”.
It will not be possible to relax in it if it is a living room, it is not very convenient to cook in it, if the idea comes to use this room as a kitchen, as a dining room it is also not the best option. Projects that use this space in this way are presented above. It looks great in the picture, but in real life you can’t count on a chamber atmosphere here. So the passage rooms are not the most inhabited.
Not the worst way to use this passage area is to install a ladder. After all, most of the domed houses have two floors, and the screw one just asks here. Just keep in mind that if you just twist it around the pole, it will be inconvenient to use - too sharp turns are obtained. If you design a staircase like a "well", it is difficult to build it yourself. So this part will have to be delegated to someone.
Otherwise, domed houses are planned in the same way as ordinary ones. The main rule to remember is that in order for engineering systems to be not very expensive, all “wet” premises are located close to each other. The location of bedrooms, offices and other "dry" rooms - to your taste.
Related videos
No matter how detailed the technology is described, its pros and cons, it is so difficult to get an accurate idea. We receive a significant part of information and impressions visually. Pictures and photos help only partially to give a general idea. It is much better to see everything with your own eyes in the video reviews.
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Today, perhaps, it is no longer possible to surprise someone with the decision of architecture when building a house. But not a domed house! This type of building is unique in itself, as it is unusual for our area. But this is not the only advantage of a domed house. Each project will be different from the other, as there is the possibility of variation in literally every detail of the house. This is a significant plus of such buildings, because the usable space in such a house is as functional as possible. Therefore, such an architectural solution is becoming increasingly popular in construction. In this article, we will look at domed houses in detail: projects and prices, photo examples of finished buildings.
Building a spherical shape is a great way to stand out from the monotony of neighboring houses
Formally speaking, a domed house is a building with a spherically rounded roof. Outwardly, it may resemble the dwelling of the Eskimos - an igloo. But, nevertheless, in their execution, modern domed houses have stepped much further. The design of projects can translate into reality, it would seem, tasks that are completely impossible from the point of view of construction.
So, one main sphere can be combined with five attached ones, which will present us with an abstract and bold designer's decision. Yes, exterior photos, projects and prices of domed houses will largely depend on the imagination of the architect-designer team.
History of domes
Domed houses appear in the Byzantine period. It is hard to even imagine in what year the Eskimos began to build houses from rounded snow in the north. The northern peoples of Scandinavia used a more durable material, like stone, in rounded buildings.
One thing can be said unequivocally - houses in the past enjoyed their popularity. And most likely, appearance is not the main requirement for a spherical house. People have noticed that the wind resistance of such houses is much higher than that of corner houses. Seismic resistance and much more can be added here.
For your information! Buckminster Fuller in 1951, noticing the spherical shape as an option for building houses, decided to patent the design solution in architecture.
Photos of domed houses
And it really is possible to make it a reality! The smooth lines of such a house look very natural in nature. Such houses fit perfectly into any picture of the landscape. Wherever you build such a house, in the photo it will always look like a dream house.
Related article:
Projects of frame houses with photos and prices. From this review, you will learn about the technologies for building frame houses, prices for some models and many myths about frame houses.
Technologies for the construction of domed houses
In order to build a domed house, you first need to build a frame. The material for this requires strong enough, although it can be light. Wood is ideal. It is very convenient in installation, because it does not require additional costs, installations, etc.
Foundation for building
The frame is placed on a foundation of tape or pile type. Here is a little more. For each locality, the layer of black soil will be of different sizes, but it must be removed. Having reached the clay layer, it is necessary to compact the area where the foundation is planned. goes in one layer of the grid, the cell of which is 10X10 cm - 15X15 cm. The thickness of the reinforcement can be from 8 mm to 16 mm. The mesh is knitted with a run of plus 10 cm or more, on each side of the intended wall thickness. The layer and brand of concrete is calculated depending on the mass of the building, according to the construction project.
Frame erection and finishing
The frame, as already mentioned, can be built from wood, but metal can also be used, which makes construction more expensive. It is also possible to build domed houses from polystyrene foam.
In some cases, an additional, so-called temporary frame or supports may be used. Its role is to support the dome until the materials are collected, after which it will be dismantled. Sometimes the project provides for supporting columns or piers, on which the dome also rests. They are erected simultaneously with the frame. The main frame, external, is mounted according to the principle of triangular faces, which allows you to vary the shape of the house in any direction.
Useful advice! To obtain an even sphere, it is better to make frame fragments according to one template, then putting them together and checking them. The more accurate copies are made, the less will be the offset during editing.
At the junctions of the triangular blocks, as well as on the roof of the dome, it is better to use special production connectors called dome connectors. They pass technical control on loadings and operational properties.
When using basalt insulation, it will be correct to use waterproofing impregnation. Having soaked the cotton blocks with such a solution, the humid environment will not subsequently threaten the development of fungus or mold on the walls.
Openings in round houses should be with reinforced frames. This is especially true for doorways. As for windows, unlike doors, they can be of completely different shapes. Spherical houses can be covered with shingles, which is very convenient because of its flexible properties. In operation, bituminous tiles are unmatched. Its waterproofing properties are today of the highest level. For the owner of the house, it remains only to decide on the choice of the manufacturer of this material.
Interior decoration is carried out with the same materials and work procedure as ordinary houses. Gypsum and cement-sand putties, cement screeds, wooden lining, tiles, parquet, linoleum, wallpaper - all this is easily applicable in round houses.
Layout of a domed house with your own hands: highlights
A real flight of fancy begins with the layout of the interior space. The spherical design allows you to realize very interesting design ideas. It is worth noting that not all of them can be due to practicality and functionality. We offer to see projects, photos of round houses:
Advantages and disadvantages of spherical houses
The advantage of domed houses over conventional houses:
- Appearance;
- Wind resistance;
- Seismic resistance;
- Small mass of the building;
- Lightweight foundation;
- Does not require the participation of special equipment;
- Possibility of all-season construction;
- Profitability;
- Energy intensity;
- Ease of maintenance;
- 100% functionality of the area;
- A feeling of unparalleled comfort.
Among the shortcomings it is worth noting:
- The complexity of calculating the project and building materials due to the spherical shape;
- To perform work, it is better to contact builders specializing in buildings of this type (this way you will incur minimal costs);
- Non-standard window shapes, which can complicate their manufacture and cost;
- Finishing any curved surface will cost more, whether it's wallpaper, plaster, tile or drywall.
Related article:
The houses, the photos of which can be seen in the article, look beautiful not only from the inside, but also from the outside. What are the features of such structures, the cost and possibilities of interior decoration?
Dome houses: projects and prices, photos of structures
Through search engines on the Internet, you can easily find domed houses, projects, prices and photos, as well as a highly qualified team for the construction of this type of structure. It has always been and remains the best decision to seek help or advice from specialists. Only through practical experience can you competently approach the construction. Especially when it comes to non-standard solutions.
A spherical building complicates the work by an order of magnitude and requires mathematical, geometric, physical and mechanical calculations. And this is not all that such a project requires. Geodetic data, landscape measurements - in a word, many directions in the calculations during the construction of a domed house indicate that qualified specialists should be invited to the case.
About the cost of domed buildings
You can buy a domed house at a price of about 30% lower than usual. First of all, the cost is reduced due to roofing materials, since their supporting structure is not needed. The walls of the house serve as the basis. And the savings in masonry material is hidden in the very formula of a spherical figure. With detailed calculations, this becomes visible to the naked eye.
