The owners are both photographers who envisioned a home that would
also act as a photographic studio, exhibition gallery and gathering
center for artists throughout their local area. One of their requirements
was that the design be highly resistant to hurricanes and be simple
to construct because the owners would act as contractors for their
home. The design consists of a central � sphere 50 foot diameter dome
interconnected with a smaller � sphere 30 foot diameter dome with
a third 16 foot diameter cylinder structure integral with the main
sphere. The domes are constructed using an inflatable balloon that
is custom-made to replicate the entire shape of the home. When this
balloon is positioned and inflated, steel rebar is set in place, wire
mesh is tied to it and spray-on concrete is applied to the exterior
surface. The entire structure can be completed in a day. This process
is patented by Monolithic Dome Company in Texas and is tested to resist
a minimum of 300 mph winds. Specially selected mica chips are applied
to the gold metallic and tan/orange colored outer surface of the house
to create a shimmering, crystalline quality not unlike natural mineral
crystals native to the area.
The light colored interior also features this reflective mica chip
texture. The house contains a sub-level basement photographic development
studio and exhibition gallery with an outdoor path that leads to a
loading/unloading area. Upper levels contain two large bedrooms with
two adjoining bathrooms, a large kitchen, "green" room, living and
dining spaces that open onto a south and west facing patio terrace
on the ground floor. Two stairways access the second studio level
which contains a bathroom, library and multi-purpose room. An outdoor
"look-out" tower is accessed from the second floor library and allows
one to view the forest at tree top level. The house has several ecological
technology features such as a rain catch roof gutter system that drains
to a sunken water basin which is the source of all grey water usage
in the house. A constructed wetlands pond, at the east side of the
house, filters and cleans black water coming through the house and
is recycled for grey water use. Three large photovoltaic panels at
the north side of the house supply electricity and are protected from
high winds by a semi-circular soil/grass berm which also protects
a large vegetable garden with an underground irrigation system feeding
off the roof rain catch gutter system.. This house is a self-sufficient
living system that directly utilizes and enhances its natural surroundings
as well as provides a functional and exciting artistic environment
for its owners. An ecological and spiritual setting for all who experience
it!
