geodesic dome

battgirl · Post by **battgirl** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 4:46 pm

anyone know where to get a cheap and/or used geodesic dome?

thanks

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:45 am

You could try posting in the I NEED IT WHO GOT IT thread.

Or pick up a used dome KIT at the scrapyard. You might need to make a few minor adjustments, like cutting the tubes, flattening the ends and such.

Dardanian · Post by **Dardanian** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:47 am

Follow up question on the same note:

Anyone know how to make one/have a link that will demonstrate how to do it?

I've poked around on the "structures" portions of the main page and have seen a LOT of pictures and picked up some good tips regarding already built ones... but none showing how to actually do it.Google is no help BTW-- not for domes or for quanset huts. Lots of pages on them, no directions how to make them. I'm thinking I may have to fall back on an Army Field Manual though I'm not sure which one to use or where to get it?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:33 am

Depends.... type of space (shade v jungle gym v rain-proof shelter), how big, experience building anything, experience in the desert, etc. Hope there's not an assumption that you have to have a "dome" of some sort at Burning Man just to fit in.

Every structure is different because every group's needs, skills, inclinations & experience are different. Some weld up custom pronged stakes with tie loops to anchor great-circle hoop domes covered with parachutes and camo. Some buy kits w/ fitted vinyl covers from left-coast mail-order outfits. Some are all scrap electrical parts and stove bolts, and some are all wood poles and cables.

No lack of "instructions" out there. Check the library under title/subject = [dome], the links at the BFI (Buckminster Fuller Institute) web site, etc. Might find a copy of "Shelter" or "The Dome Builder's Handbook" somewhere out there. Best to actually go to Burning Man early, see how other people put stuff together, and see if it suits you & the weather conditions.

Dardanian · Post by **Dardanian** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:43 am

Bob,

Will do, thanks! I'll go looking for the book.

If I were a braver man I would take your last suggestion and go out with materials and watch others for inspiration. <Sigh> Thats me, always trying to take a leap of faith in several safe, premeasured steps!

gregori · Post by **gregori** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:17 pm

If you've got a couple hours (and the inclination) to do it yourself, there are excellent instructions here:

http://www.desertdomes.com/

Hope this helps!
Greg

meee_bot · Post by **meee_bot** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:26 pm

Hsving tried both ways, I have had more luck going Top --> down

Have 2 dome maps and your dome engineer handy. I can put the things together but without the guy who says put this pole on that pole I'm lost. so put somebody who knows the layout in charge.

NF

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:13 am

Color-coding the struts helps IMMENSELY. Even though they're different lengths, a buncha struts in a pile is confusing! I always just go bottom-to-top, which is easier for me to visualize and doesn't chew up the playa as much....I have three domes that stack, with a deck in the middle, and it seems easiest to build the first (bottom), put up the deck, assemble the top two domes on the ground and then haul them up on a rope to install. Doable by one person in a couple hours!

griffingirl · Post by **griffingirl** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:23 pm

I found excellent, detailed, illustrated instructions here. http://www.stevelerner.com/geometry/

I haven't used them yet, as I just got my PVC today, but the test run is in about 2 weeks.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:06 am

I'm partial to conduit geos myself, but those are a LOT kinder on first-timers. Everything's the same length, for starts. Playa Tested, Mother Approved!

Happy Building.

lookout · Post by **lookout** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 1:04 pm

http://www.strombergschickens.com/starp ... _index.htm
We put the frame together in an afternoon. Now we are using tyvek for the covering.... it's tough stuff and paintable.

geodesic dome

geodesic dome

DIY version request

The Big Bad Playa Wolf will not blow this piggys house down!

Want a Dome? Build your own!

Instructions for a geodesic dome

Easy way out