SEMISPHERE®DOME Technology
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In 1986 CommonWealth Solar joined American Geodesics Inc. as partner and builder of
geodesic dome homes. Over the years CWS has assisted owner builders and fully contracted
turn key custom geodesic dome homes. Through years of experience, CWS has gained the
knowledge and expertise to implement this building system to construct a super insulated,
aesthetically pleasing geodesic dome. CWS can combine this structure with vast opportunities
to demonstrate solar heating and cooling aspects. Some applications that have been
implemented with this building system are attached greenhouses, domestic solar hot water
combined with a radiant slab flooring, window quilt,
sunscreen and Beadwall.
CWS is currently expanding this building system to include a more conventional housing structure.
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The above house was originally constructed as a single dome on a drive-in full basement.
A few years latter the second dome with connecter was added.
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Above: single dome constructed in Ashland, VA as a garage/workshop, greenhouse and upstairs playroom.
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Above: 2 domes directly connected on a half walkout basement.
Features include a custom designed wood burning fire place in the
center of a lofted cathedral ceiling dome (shown below).
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SemispheresŪ domes can be constructed on basements, insulated crawlspace or concrete
slab foundations. Walls are made of lightweight eight-inch thick expanded polystyrene
foam that has a R32 insulation rating (ordinary 6-inch fiberglass is rated R19).
The prefabricated pieces fit together with tongue and groove and are then coated on
both sides with Geomix plaster and an exterior weatherproofing compound. This then
creates what is referred to as super-insulated, creating a structure sealed so that
there's no infiltration, no conduction, the only heat loss is through windows and doors
and this can be controlled with the use of window quilt and beadwall movable insulation.
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