Drawings of the rotunda dome. Gazebo in rotunda style. Video - Dome greenhouse: advantages and features

Small architectural forms, which include garden and park gazebos, play a leading role in the organization and arrangement of recreation areas. There are many varieties of them, differing not only in the materials from which they are built.

The main differences are constructive. These can be round or semicircular gazebos; hexagonal and rectangular; light summer and capital; with a dome, flat roof or an awning.

The choice is quite large, but in this article we will talk about how to make a round gazebo with your own hands - the most interesting, although not the easiest option.

The main materials used are brick, wood and metal. And in this regard, it makes no difference what shape they are: round, rectangular or, for example, hexagonal.

By by and large, the circle is not far from the polygon in shape. Therefore, the gazebo is round, and to be more precise, its frame is built according to the hexagon or octahedron principle - depending on the size of the building.

• The final shape of the structure is given by the elements that fill the spans between the posts: if they are straight, then you get a polyhedron (see), if they are spherical, you get a rotunda or a semicircular gazebo. This applies not only to the walls, but also to the roof structure, which is not pitched, but conical or domed.

As for the foundation, much depends on the dimensions and, accordingly, the weight of the structure. can be installed on a flat surface lined with paving slabs, and do not attach anything to the base. But for permanent gazebos, especially covered ones, built of brick or timber, a solid foundation is built.

Which option do you prefer?

The ancestor of the round gazebo was the classic rotunda. In historical architecture round shapes at all times were considered perfect, and the space inside such a structure was identified with peace and harmony. It is for this reason that all temples, both ancient and modern, have streamlined, rounded shapes.

So:

• A semicircular garden gazebo or rotunda is, one might say, universal options for a backyard or park. And if such a structure is also successfully located on a hill or near a pond (see) - the harmony will be complete.

• Most often, rotundas are made of brick, with decorative stone or plaster finishing. Oddly enough, building a round gazebo yourself from brick is much easier than from wood or metal. After all, the whole problem lies in the curved shapes of the span filling elements.
• It is clear that bending wooden arches, which we see in the photo above, with your own hands, and even in everyday conditions, is simply impossible. This is done in woodworking industries: for bending they use peeled or sliced ​​veneer from hardwood: birch, alder, beech, poplar, ash, maple. This is far from full list species, and the most plastic of them is considered to be birch.

• It is possible to obtain a curved shape unusual for wood only as a result of its hydrothermal treatment. Therefore, do-it-yourself wooden round gazebos can only be assembled from factory parts, and cannot be made independently. Moreover, not only do they have curved arches, but also the roof elements and the filling of the spans have rounded shapes.
• All of the above also applies to: bending wood or forging metal - a process that is impossible to do at home. Therefore, if you want an elegant gazebo cylindrical, give preference to the factory version. The price of the building will depend not only on the size, but also on the complexity of manufacturing decorative elements.

If you want to have an elegant capital gazebo, pay attention to the classic rotunda. We will try to explain this issue in detail by telling you how to build a round gazebo with columns. Although this option cannot be called the cheapest, it is certainly the most respectable and durable.

The principle of constructing a rotunda

The basis of a structure such as a rotunda is columns. They are built not only from brick, but also from stone, monolithic concrete, poured into detachable formwork with a special internal coating. Usually this auxiliary structures factory-produced, made of moisture-resistant plasterboard.

• In addition, there are also prefabricated column elements on sale, made from composite raw materials based on polymerized gypsum or cement. For this you can even use concrete piles with round, which can simultaneously serve as a foundation.
• This method of constructing a rotunda is possible only when the quality of the soil requires it, and on the site, according to the project, piles are simultaneously driven under the house. We will talk about how to simplify the process of installing columns a little later, but now we will pay attention to the issues of preparing and arranging a reliable foundation.

• So, let's figure out how to make a round gazebo with your own hands. If you purchase a factory set of rotunda elements, then drawings must be included with it to guide you during assembly. In addition, the manufacturer will provide recommendations regarding the design of the base.

It is quite possible that the foundation will not have to be built, since some rotundas are self-supporting. This is not the most cheap option, but such a building will have not only columns, but also a beautiful balustrade with figured balusters, and a fiberglass dome. If you want to do it entirely on your own, build a gazebo out of brick.

Brick supports

Be that as it may, for the stability of the structure you need to make strong supports for the columns. The most convenient in this case will columnar foundation. It is also built from brick, maybe even second-hand brick, but always ceramic.

So:

• The order of work is as follows: first, the territory is planned, the outline of the building is marked, and then the excavation. Marking is necessary in order to maintain the geometric proportions of the building and correctly determine the location points of the foundation pillars, and, accordingly, the rotunda columns.
• To do this, you need to decide on the dimensions of the gazebo and, in accordance with them, first draw a circle of the appropriate radius on the ground, and then inscribe a polygon into it. Classic version for a rotunda with a diameter of 4 m - these are six columns. This means that you will have to draw a hexagon. You can easily find instructions on how to do this correctly, including on our website.

• According to the markings made in the corners of the hexagon, you hammer in pegs, and you can begin to develop the soil. The foundation pillars are usually buried by 1-1.2 m, for which it is necessary to make an appropriate excavation of the earth. The bottom of the hole is filled to about 20 cm sand and gravel mixture, cover with waterproof film and begin laying out the pillar.
• Depending on the massiveness of the building, one row of masonry may consist of four or six bricks. The space formed inside is filled with masonry mortar, into which reinforcement bars are embedded. This applies to both foundation pillars and brick columns, into which they pass in the ground part of the structure.
• Vertical reinforcement gives structures the necessary strength, and reinforcement outlets in the upper part of the columns make it possible to rigidly frame the frame, as well as weld to them, for example, a metal roof dome. If the columns are not laid out of brick, but are assembled from factory elements, then the base of the columns is also welded to the embedded parts on the foundation.

We should not forget about horizontal reinforcement, which, according to technology, should be carried out in every fourth row of masonry. For this purpose, steel strips or mesh are used, which is placed in the seam between the rows. After the foundation pillar (see) is raised just above the ground surface, the surface of the masonry must be leveled with mortar and allowed to harden.

Columns

Next, the laying of columns will begin, but before starting it, you need to make horizontal waterproofing. To do this, squares of roofing felt are laid on a layer bitumen mastic. This operation is mandatory for strip, monolithic and columnar foundations, as it prevents capillary absorption of moisture from the soil by ground structures.

So:

• For vertical foundation surfaces, only coating waterproofing, which is usually performed either with hot bitumen or liquid glass. To protect the structure from moisture and low temperatures, V masonry mortar Appropriate additives must be added.

• As for the columns, they can be laid out not only from ceramic, but also sand-lime brick. The main thing here is its shape, and, if you don’t want to deal with plaster later, the decorativeness of the surface. To lay out cylindrical columns, it is very convenient to use shaped bricks of the same shape as in the picture below.
• It differs in configuration and, as a rule, has a higher grade than ordinary brick, since it is used not only for masonry, but also for cladding. There are no differences in masonry technology, and columns are erected similarly to foundation pillars.

• The rotunda is usually made higher than simple gazebo. With a diameter of 4 m, its height with the dome reaches about 4.5-4.8 m. At the same time, the columns are 2.8-3 m, and the rest is the roof. A classic rotunda can only have columns, or it can also have walls with openings. If you want to build just such an option, then along the contour of the circle, between the columns, you will have to pour a shallow strip foundation.
• Openings are made in the walls and usually they have an arched shape. To lay a brick arch, a special formwork must be used - circle. It is installed so that it rests on the walls and wedged. To lay the arched lintel, wedge bricks are used, which have a trapezoidal cross-section.
• The difference in the width of the narrow and wide edges can be 10 or 20 mm, making it convenient to lay out arches with different radii. When using ordinary bricks, the shape of the arch is given by increasing the thickness of the seams on one side. There are many nuances here, and it is impossible to tell about everything at once. Best help for those new to the job, this is a video from professionals.

• The upper perimeter of the columns can be tied by analogy with lintels - using formwork and brickwork- but it's quite difficult. It is much easier to make this, like the entire dome for the rotunda, from metal. It is better to use flexible plastic slats as sheathing under the roofing material.
• A wooden beam cannot be bent within the required radius, but the polymer analogue bends well and is not at all inferior in strength to wood. They are laid in two rows and, just like regular shingles, they are screwed to the rafters with self-tapping screws. All that remains is to choose a suitable flexible roofing material. And here it is hardly possible to come up with something better than roofing tiles.

• The easiest way is to order the roof frame separately, install it entirely on ready-made columns, and then make the sheathing and lay the roofing material. A complete roof will be made to order for you - just as lacy as in the picture above. It looks gorgeous, however, you can’t hide from the rain in such a gazebo.

Concerning finishing brick columns, then they can be decoratively plastered, for example, marbled, and various overlay decors can be used. As a result, you will get a real antique rotunda: the pride and beauty of your estate.

The domed greenhouse has the shape of a hemisphere. This is a reliable structure, which, thanks to its unique design, creates the most convenient conditions for plant growth. You can build a greenhouse with your own hands, but to do this you need to make accurate calculations and make drawings.

The main feature of a dome greenhouse is its ability to maintain above-zero temperatures even in winter. In this case, you can not use additional systems heating. The unique design of the dome allows air heated during the day to fall down at night and warm the crops. This is how air masses circulate in the greenhouse and evenly heat the entire space.

Another feature of the greenhouse design is the high stability of the greenhouse. A hemisphere with a solid base strengthens the greenhouse.

The high strength of the greenhouse allows it to be used in coastal and steppe climates. It will withstand severe wind and snow loads. At the same time, you can save on heating.

The domed greenhouse has the following advantages:

1. High strength due to strong base;
2. Design allows for even circulation warm air inside, warming up the room;
3. You can install a greenhouse in earthquake-prone areas;
4. Less materials are spent on building a greenhouse, since the side walls have a smaller surface area.

The disadvantages of a domed greenhouse include the inability to plant in a greenhouse a large number of crops due to sloping walls. The dome shape requires careful sealing, as many joints are formed. Special calculations should also be carried out in order to correctly build the greenhouse.

Calculations of materials for a domed greenhouse

First you need to decide on the quantity and types of materials. The first step is to choose the material for the frame. Wood or metal is suitable for this. Metal carcass more difficult to install, this requires special tools and skills. Wooden base easier to do. It is necessary to prepare the treated wood in advance. The dome can also be made from glass reinforcement. The beams can be connected to each other using spade connectors.

Covering material for dome greenhouse:

• Film;
• Polycarbonate;
• Glass.

It is best to use polycarbonate. It is durable, lightweight and flexible. It's easy to work with him. You need to purchase fastening elements in advance. To fasten polycarbonate sheets, it is optimal to use self-tapping screws with thermal washers.

To calculate the area of ​​the dome, use a special formula. In practice, you will need less materials, but it is better to take it in reserve. The formula is as follows: S=2π*r2. In this case, π is equal to 3.14. And r is the height in hemispheres.

For quick calculation You can use online calculators. You just need to enter the initial data.

When making a wooden frame, the wood must be properly prepared. You need to treat it with antiseptics and make the necessary cuts. You should also make all calculations as accurately as possible. Otherwise, there will be many cracks that will lead to structural defects.

Creating a drawing for a dome greenhouse

For proper construction it is necessary to create drawings. The geodome is difficult to install, so you need to calculate everything in advance. If the drawings are incorrect, you can waste all the materials in vain.

To properly build a greenhouse, you should contact a specialist to create a drawing. He will be able to take into account all the features of the site and materials.

First you need to calculate the materials. To do this, use special formulas or online calculators. The formula is created based on the height of the hemisphere and the PI number.

Optimal dimensions for a dome-shaped greenhouse:

• Greenhouse height – 2 m;
• Hemisphere diameter – 4 m;
• For the greenhouse frame, 35 equilateral triangles are required;
• The size of the side of the triangle is 123 cm;
• You can also take 30 parts, measuring 109 cm.

The frame can be purchased ready-made from the manufacturer. This way, installing the structure yourself will be simplified. For ventilation, windows must be installed in the greenhouse. The window can be block-shaped, have a gear mechanism or special handles.

Building a domed greenhouse with your own hands

First you need to do preparatory work. You need to choose the right place and soil. The area should be well lit so that buildings or tall trees did not cast a shadow on the greenhouse. The soil should be leveled if necessary. Upper layer soil needs to be removed.

The sequence of construction of a domed greenhouse:

1. You need to prepare asbestos cement pipes 165 cm long. 10 such pieces are enough.
2. Holes should be dug in the ground 1 m deep. A drill is used for this.
3. Pipes need to be placed in the holes.
4. Next you need to start creating the base. The material of manufacture is wooden beam. When constructing the foundation, it is necessary to rely on the drawing.
5. Wooden elements must be treated with antiseptics so that the wood does not succumb to rot, insects or fire.
6. To connect the bars and strengthen the base, you need to prepare “heels”. The bars prevent the frame from moving.
7. “Heels” with bars should be inserted into buried pipes. The frame should be mounted on them. It is important to properly seal all joints. When all this has been achieved, you can bury the pipes with “heels”.
8. Frame elements should be created from wood. On the sides of the bars you need to make cuts for the connectors. They hide metal parts inside the greenhouse. Connectors can be bought at the store or made yourself.
9. We must not forget to process wooden elements.
10. Connectors must be mounted on the base at the joints. Metal bolts are used to secure them.
11. Then you can begin installing the frame. All work should be performed as carefully and correctly as possible. It is necessary to provide space for doors and windows. At first, the structure may seem completely unstable, but when all the elements are connected, the frame will be quite strong.
12. The base needs to be sheathed with boards and additionally insulated.
13. Next, you should make windows and doors and secure them to the frame.
14. The final work is covering the greenhouse with polycarbonate.

At this point, the greenhouse installation is ready. Further work will be associated with interior arrangement greenhouses. It is necessary to correctly form the beds and arrange the plants.

The beds in the greenhouse can be arranged using brick, wood, stone or slate.

You can install hanging beds in a domed polycarbonate greenhouse. Shelves for such placement can be purchased in special stores or made independently. For irrigation in the greenhouse, you can organize a drip system.

Assembling a domed greenhouse (video)

The round shape of the greenhouse has many advantages. It's warm and reliable design for plants. But installing such a greenhouse may have some difficulties. Sometimes it is difficult to cope with the work on your own, because you need to correctly calculate the materials and make drawings.

Examples of a domed greenhouse (photo)

At the beginning of the twentieth century, rotunda gazebos were present in many noble estates. They still amaze with their beauty and sophistication. Today, the rotunda gazebo is back in fashion.

The rotunda gazebo is a building located on several columns and having a dome-shaped roof. Many famous world architectural creations are made in the form of a rotunda. Currently, gazebos with this architectural form can often be found on personal plots. For their construction, various Construction Materials. In this case, one of the selection criteria is the unity of style with the house and the entire surrounding area. The most optimal place for its location is a part of the garden hidden from prying eyes. In this case, the rotunda will become a wonderful retreat for spending time with your loved ones and guests.

Choosing material for a rotunda gazebo

Wood is a beautiful natural material for a rotunda. It will create cozy atmosphere and will give a special warmth. The choice of wood for construction depends on material opportunities owner. The most the best option combination of quality and price is a pine rotunda. The structure of a tree growing on a hill, and not in a swampy area, is durable. Pine is quite common, and at the request of the customer, logs of various diameters can be used.
Deciduous trees are also suitable for building a rotunda and give it a majestic and presentable appearance. Oak crowns serve as an excellent base throughout for long years. The upper part of the gazebo is made from less expensive types of trees - maple, ash, birch. Depending on the customer’s wishes, the rotunda can be made of logs manual cutting or rounded logs. In this case, all wooden components of the rotunda are treated necessary compounds to maintain the appearance unchanged long time. Other materials are also used to build a rotunda: concrete, brick and others.

Laying the foundation for the rotunda gazebo

The initial stage of building a rotunda gazebo with your own hands is the construction of the foundation. For of this building A columnar foundation will be sufficient. Depending on the nature of the terrain, the depth of the foundation is also different. The main thing is to install it strictly vertically load-bearing pillars to the freezing level. To give the structure reliability and protection lower crowns from moisture, the foundation is raised 30 cm above ground level. In this case, the pillars must be the same in length so that the shrinkage is uniform and the structure does not sag.

Construction of the walls and roof of the rotunda gazebo

Depending on the style and design, rotunda walls are made. They can be completely solid, but this option is rarely used. More often they make a semi-open veranda, where low walls will protect from the wind, create a corner for privacy, but at the same time, the space around the gazebo will be visible and will provide an opportunity to admire nature. The upper half of the wall between the pillars may be missing or made of wooden slats, when fastened together, a lattice is formed. In this case, the lattice cells can have the shape of a rhombus or a square of different sizes.

The roof of the rotunda resembles a dome, which gives the building a special style. In addition, this shape of the roof does not allow snow to linger on it, thus not creating additional load on the foundation in winter time. When choosing classic roof consisting of four triangles, it is necessary to install snow holders for its portioned convergence. Roofing material for a rotunda can be different and its choice depends on roofing material main building. Made in the same style, all the buildings on the site will look harmonious and create a certain image of the entire space.
The size of the rotunda varies, but its design takes into account its capacity. Yes, for reception small companies For 5 people, a rotunda with a diameter of 3 meters is enough. To accommodate more people, it is necessary to increase the area of ​​the veranda accordingly. The standard building height is about 2.5 meters, but, taking into account the capabilities and desires of the customer, this figure is not a standard and may vary.

Decorating a rotunda gazebo

When designing and building a rotunda gazebo, you must adhere to a certain style. Classic style will create strict columns without any patterns. Such a rotunda can be given individual look, decorating it with curly decorative flowers or grapes. Such a living corner will please the eye and create coziness. Capitals on the columns will help make the style of the gazebo less strict. The dome of the rotunda can also be decorated with carved patterns around its entire perimeter. The balusters supporting the railings can be decorated with the same ornament. The uniform pattern of the various parts of the rotunda will emphasize its stylish, unique design.

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Everyone knows well how the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral ends - with a cross! However, not everyone knows how the dome of the US Capitol ends. Back view...

This is not just a sculpture, it is a “statue of liberty” and not just a statue of liberty...

This is some kind of Indian woman.

On the head totemic sign and feathers, the face is of course Caucasian, there are stars around, she is wrapped in a flag and she also has a shield and a sword (saber). But it's not that. I was interested in domes in general and what was up there.
As it turns out, in America, on the domes there are either statues of women, a spire, or an ear of corn. :::-)))

Here is Texas, the dome of the Capitol... some kind of scary woman!

Here's an ear of corn...well, at least that's what they say! By the way, according to the old Russian tradition, the dome is covered with gold!

For example, in Havana now there is at least just a spire.

All these domes are built according to the same scheme; in principle, the construction of domes is the same everywhere in the world!
The dome of the Capitol in Washington is often compared with the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral and there is a legend that they are technologically identical and even the drawings are almost Montferand's...
Here circuit diagram dome devices. Look at it carefully - the dome is a very complex structure and it consists of two domes - an internal and an external one, on top of which there is a booth where a person can go out!

Here is a photo of the insides of the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the space between the domes with the stairs.

Eat good opportunity consider similar designs in the vicinity. During the destruction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Soviet workers took photographs of everything.

As the architects describe - cast iron - base and forged steel small parts, bolted connection. You can clearly see that the bolt heads are still square, very old!
In the construction of most of the Great Temples, there is an amazing period when they began to build and then for some time, even for decades, everything was abandoned and then everything was quickly completed in the middle of the 19th century, in the 50s - 60s.
There are a lot of photos of the construction of the US Capitol...
However, in other states, capitols were completed at the end of the 19th century, but these are minor things, let alone.
All capitols, with rare exceptions, have an internal painted dome.
In those capitols where the paintings on the top of the cross have a simple plot - bible god and all sorts of angels. But in the USA the murals are local, for example in Washington, on white clouds surrounded by 13 virgins, it is not Christ who ascends to GOD, but Washington! The painting of the rotunda is called "The Apotheosis of Washington" http://litturist.blogspot.ru/2015/05/blog-post.html?m=0

Here's humble Texas...

Here is the dome of a more “ancient” capitol - Les Invalides in Paris.

All the same!
Once again I will show the structure of the domes, so that it would be clear why everything is so cleverly arranged.

The inner dome has a hole in the vault so that a painting like “The Apotheosis of Washington” can be seen, the effect of a high sky appears, everything is very beautiful.
I suggest that all these capitol domes were built at approximately the same time - the middle of the 19th century, when they had already mastered complex metallurgy and could make the metal structures needed to build such domes.
What am I leading to? I am trying to prove with my whole magazine that antiquity is the 18th century and even the beginning of the 19th century, respectively, Christianity as a religion arose at the end of the first quarter, and maybe even in the very middle of the 19th century.
I propose to conduct an experiment, so to speak, to confirm the theory with practice.
There is the most famous and oldest dome of ancient Rome - the dome of the pantheon. It was made, as historians assure us, almost two thousand years ago!
Let's figure it out. I was always surprised by the hole in the dome. Why is it needed? It rains in Rome and I think it rained all those two thousand years that the pantheon stood.

This is how the structure of the dome is drawn.

And now the Capitol dome in Washington...one more time.

The Roman pantheon is the same capitol, only the upper dome was dismantled into pieces of iron, or for ancient history. There must have been some kind of apotheosis there! And a woman with a sword on top - some kind of fire!
By the way, the tradition of putting a sculpture on top is a Masonic tradition. My readers probably remember the amazing temple in Simbirsk that survived the Great Fire... http://vaduhan-08.livejournal.com/256597.html Here it is... I didn’t know then what could be there at the top, but now probably I know....well, not an ear of corn, that's for sure! And not Jesus Christ!

So putting a cross on the top of the temple is a fairly local tradition, which was instilled by fires and all sorts of “cholera pestilences”. The riots of the people over cholera were strangely suppressed by the soldiers, they are not afraid of cholera... it’s probably not for nothing that harmful women are called “cholera”:::-)))
You shouldn’t be surprised by the abundance of Masonic symbols on churches; he who builds and paints them.
American Marmons also have a tradition of placing on the top of the temple not a cross, but the angel Moroni with a trumpet.

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In the minds of most people, a residential building is rectangular box under a pitched roof.

The attitude towards structures of spherical and dome shape is twofold. Attracting the attention of many with their unusual “space” appearance, they raise doubts about the reliability and convenience of living.

To overcome the existing “cubic” stereotype, objectively study the advantages and disadvantages of domed houses, evaluate the possibility of their self-construction This article will help you.

House sphere - an architect's whim or a hint from nature?

Let's start with the fact that man borrowed many outstanding inventions from nature, observing the life of animals. Let's pay attention to the “technologies” used by birds in the construction of their homes. It is easy to notice that there are no right angles anywhere here. Hemispheres, balls, circles - only such forms are recognized by nature. It turns out that our beloved living “box” is not at all the crown of creation.

Paying attention to this natural phenomenon, engineers investigated mechanical properties spherical and dome structures. It turned out that they not only have excellent aerodynamics, but are also much stronger than rectangular ones.

The energetically spherical surface is flawless. At maximum internal volume it has minimum area. Therefore, in a domed structure, heat loss during external environment several times less than in an ordinary house. It’s not for nothing that the Eskimos, inhabitants of the Arctic, have been building spherical “igloos” out of snow for centuries. Practical experience told them what a wind-resistant and energy-efficient design should be.

Nowadays, spherical houses have moved from the realm of theory to the category practical technologies ecological construction. Thousands of people around the world have managed to appreciate their advantages and do not regret their choice.

Examples and varieties of dome structures

A spherical structure can be built in two ways:

• In the form of a geodesic dome (assembled from triangular frame cells joined together using nodal elements - connectors).
• From bent racks or segments arched shape, connected by vertices (stratodesic dome).

Geodesic dome

Stratodesic dome

Bent-laminated wooden posts for assembling a stratodesic dome

Using the technology of a stratodesic dome, “poppies” are collected Orthodox churches. The geodesic dome came to us from America. Engineer Fuller is considered its inventor.

Despite the differences in appearance, these structures are characterized by minimal weight, high rigidity and stability.

Houses in the shape of a sphere can be built from any material, from foam plastic to concrete. The choice of a specific option depends on the technical equipment of the contractor. For the construction of residential buildings, structures with a wooden frame are most often used.

There are several reasons for this. Wood – environmentally friendly and durable material with high elasticity. Geodesic domes are made from wooden beams, connecting them with steel connectors.

Frame of a house based on a geodesic dome

Stratodesic residential structures are built from bent-laminated beams.

Building frame based on a stratodesic dome

Japanese spherical building technology is based on the use of bent foam blocks with locks. Small one-story buildings are assembled from them. Polystyrene foam in such a house performs two functions at once: construction material and insulation.

A modern “igloo” house is built not from snow, but from a foam “shell”

The minimum weight of the sphere house allows it to be erected on a shallow belt or pile foundation. To insulate the sections, use mineral wool, straw, ecowool or polystyrene foam.

The most common type of roofing is soft bitumen shingles. This material fits perfectly on curved surfaces.

Sphere house covered with bitumen shingles

Green building advocates are opting for wooden shingles– thin planks forming an original scaly coating.

Wooden shingles look natural on a spherical building

Two-level house based on a stratodesic dome with shingle cladding

Recently, new materials have appeared on the market that are ideally suited for creating a seamless roofing carpet. This is a “liquid plug” (particles balsa wood in acrylic polymer) and liquid rubber.

As we have already said, the material for building a spherical house can be varied. If you prefer concrete, no problem.

Using spray technology, it is possible to build domed buildings from lightweight concrete

Modern technologies make it possible to build such houses using PVC pneumatic formwork, onto which foam insulation is applied. Then a reinforcement frame is placed over the insulation and applied to it concrete mixture shotcrete method.

You cannot build a sphere house from straw blocks alone. This material is used as insulation. Straw is densely stuffed into cells made of boards and a dome is assembled from them.

The spatial frame is made of wooden cells filled with straw

Construction Features

Just recently, a dome house was an exotic construction item. Its construction was undertaken by enthusiasts of the environmental movement and amateurs original designs. Today the Internet is filled with factory kits of spherical houses. An unusual dwelling based on a geodesic dome and a stratodesic structure can be purchased without leaving your city apartment.

For those who prefer to do everything with my own hands, we recommend going with a geodesic dome. It is a little more complicated to assemble than a sphere house made of semi-arches, but it does not require complex equipment for bending and gluing wood.

The most important structural unit is the connector. The spatial joining of all elements depends on the accuracy of its manufacture. Therefore, for work it is better to buy a ready-made factory kit.

The next step is to prepare the frame ribs from wooden blocks 50 mm thick. Their width should be equal to the thickness of the insulation (minimum 10 cm). The length of the ribs is selected based on the assembly diagram of the geodome.

Required explanation: in calculations of dome frames, the term “frequency” or “section” is used, denoted by the symbol V. It determines the density of the dome surface divided into triangles. The higher the frequency, the less “angular” and more spherical the dome structure becomes.

However, an increase in frequency causes an increase in the number of ribs and connectors, significantly complicating the design. Therefore, in practice, domed houses are most often built with a frequency of 2V.

The breakdown frequency (V) of the dome surface is a basic element of calculations

In addition to the frequency, you need to decide on the diameter of the dome and its height. If you buy ready set connectors, then use online calculator You don't have to to calculate the lengths of the ribs. The manufacturer makes connectors to assemble a frame of a given height and diameter.

As practice shows, a dome with a diameter of 8 meters and a height of 4 meters is optimal for the construction of a two-level country house with total area 64 m2, winter garden or saunas.

In order to build a domed house with your own hands, you need to perform several operations:

• Mark the foundation for the frame on the site (strip, column, Swedish slab or pile).
• At the concreting stage, place anchors in the foundation. They are needed for attaching the backing beam, to which the first row of “triangles” of the frame is fixed.
• Assembly is carried out in parallel rows, connecting the frame ribs into spatial design using connectors.
• Having completed the installation, the dome is sheathed from the inside wooden clapboard or drywall.
• Insulation is placed in the cells of the frame and covered with windproof membrane and sheathed on the outside with slabs or OSB.
• There is no cladding in places where windows are installed. In the area where the doors are installed, the frame is “torn”, leaving a niche in it the right size. The stiffness of a geodesic dome is very high, so doorways cannot significantly reduce it.

Two-level house-sphere at the stage external cladding OSB board

Some developers make the first floor in the form of a polyhedron, and crown the second with a geodome.

The doorway fits perfectly into the design of the spherical building. And here triangular windows and additional elements door frame are more expensive than usual. They have to be ordered as non-standard products.

Advantages and interior of domed houses

In addition to the mentioned advantages - unique strength and wind resistance, spherical structures have other advantages:

• cost-effectiveness (due to a lightweight foundation, assembly without the use of cranes, and the use of effective insulation);
• opportunity open plan living space due to the absence of internal walls;
• excellent soundproofing qualities;
• attractive appearance and a unique interior.

Inside, the round buildings are surprisingly spacious and beautiful. The large height makes it possible to place a second floor in them without any problems.

Even under a small 4-meter dome you can place comfortable bathhouse. The spherical shape and central location of the stove ensures heat savings and uniform heating of the rooms.

Sauna under the dome - compact and convenient

The nature of the reviews domed houses mostly positive. The owners like the original shape, comfort and spaciousness of these buildings.

Energy savings and low construction costs of spherical buildings are also often mentioned in the comments of their owners.

Among the subjective positive emotions, one should note the peace and tranquility felt by a person in such a house.