I'm a young architect undertaking my first ever dome design.
I'm looking for UK based experitse to advise on the design of a 40'(12m)dia residential dome, 3 frequency high profile 5/8 profile. The dome is likely to be fully insulated, but also investigating simpler dome using roundwood struts as a rain screen only, with insulated straw bale 'boxes' under cover.
In particular I'm seeking experienced structural engineering advice - for the dome itself and the supporting structure - as construction is raised atop stilts on a sloping site. Are UK IStructE qualified engineers generally aware of geodesic issues?
I've researched kits from the USA i.e. 'Timberline' & 'Natural Spaces' and am considering importing the connectors only to use locally sourced timber. Are there any UK manufacturers that anyone's aware of?
Any pointers or offers of assistance will be very gratefully reecived.
Many thanks
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CAD modelling and an engineers report from the model will probably be useful. Suspect that building a strong structure may be the easy bit.
Meeting building regulations will thow up lots of issues- eg if the dome is insulated, as it will need to be, how do you ventilate the roof voids? (in a timber dome).
A dome on a sloping site might be tied into the ground using steel/concrete piers at the base hubs.
Please get in touch it would be good to brainstorm!
Mike
domeworkshop@yahoo.co.uk
Try:
http://geodesics-unlimited.com/index.htm
http://www.solardome.co.uk/
http://www.greenhouses-uk.com/