A structure consisting of a partial sphere (usually about half of a sphere) used to enclose space. Domes are commonly used for events, homes, greenhouses, temporary structures or to enclose equipment.

Geodesic refers to the use of points that share placement on a common curved surface and the chords (straight lines) that connect these points. The icosahedron is a platonic solid. Using the icosahedron and iterations of the icosahedron to smooth the profile, Pacific Domes structures retain the geodesic quality and the beauty and strength of the sphere, maintaining the geodesic principal. ↑ Return to top

When talking about domes, the definition of frequency refers to the number of pieces that each edge of the base figure is divided into in the process of triangulating its sides. For instance, we might start with a base figure of an icosahedron and divide each edge of each triangular face into 3 equal lengths. Those new points are connected to divide the original triangle into 9 smaller triangles. Since the original edges were divided into 3 parts, we call this a 3-frequency dome. The frequency is commonly abbreviated as “v”, so a 2-frequency dome is called 2v, 3-frequency is 3v, and so forth. The higher the frequency the more curved and sphere like the dome appears.

Read more about Dome Frequencies.

↑ Return to top

The geodesic dome geometry is one of the sturdiest and most aerodynamic structures ever designed! For areas with snow or strong wind, we will need to check our engineering program to calculate the tubing diameter required for your maximum snow and wind loads. You will need to contact your local County Building Department for your snow load and combined wind requirements as well as the seismic rating for the location. ↑ Return to top

Our dome frames are made from galvanized steel. The steel, in conjunction with the geodesic design, creates an amazingly strong structure using a minimal amount of material. Geodesic domes are world-renowned for their strength and integrity. Depending on your situation and needs, we offer ‘Extreme’ 1.9”, ‘Burly’ 1.66, ‘Heavy Duty’ 1.31”, in addition to our ‘Standard’ .92” frame. ↑ Return to top

The main consideration in choosing fabric for your dome is longevity. The two causes of deterioration are UV and mildew. If you live in a dry desert-like area with high UV, we recommend SunLite painted with Thermoshield, which reflects heat and UV off of the dome cover and dramatically extends the cover’s life expectancy. We also recommend SunShield because of its additional laminate coating protection against UV. If you live in a damp or wet area with high moisture, we recommend SunLite and SunShield (vinyl) fabrics because they have a smooth surface, are easy to clean and are more resistant to mold and mildew. ↑ Return to top

To insure your domes new and clean appearance and to prolong the life of your dome cover, do not allow dirt or stains to build up on the fabric. Clean your vinyl cover every 180 days, and your Tropical Plus fabric once a year. Be sure to clean both sides as needed. You can clean your dome using a power nozzle and/or a mild soap solution and scrub brush. Only use mild soap and water with a SOFT bristle brush or rag on your dome. NEVER USE SOLVENTS, HEAVY BRUSHES, WIRE PADS OR HIGH PRESSURE STEAM CLEANERS TO REMOVE DIRT OR STAINS OFF YOUR DOME. Always rinse the dome thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any traces of cleaning solutions. Regularly brush out the bottoms of all the window pockets where the rain will wash down dirt and leaves, and the bottom of the dome, where dirt collects between the cover and the floor. NEVER LET ANY TYPE OF SOLVENT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE OF THE DOME, AS IT WILL DAMAGE OR REMOVE THE TOP COAT. THIS INCLUDES MEK SOLUTIONS, PETROLEUM AND SILICONE BASED PRODUCTS.

↑ Return to top

To prevent mildew, keep your dome well ventilated and dry. Store your dome as dry as possible. Sponge down all mildew areas with a strong bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water). Wear gloves and have your dome well ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes. Mildew will turn pale when it dies. Always rinse with clean water following a bleach treatment! Natural mildew treatments: 1. One of our customers gave us this recipe as both a curative and preventative for mildew growth.

• 2 ½ gallons water
• 20 drops Tea Tree Oil
• ¼ cup Borax
• ½ cup white vinegar

2. Spray mildew with hydrogen peroxide. Wash with a thin paste of lemon juice and borax to inhibit new mildew formation.

• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Lemon Juice
• Borax

↑ Return to top

Zoning issues vary from city to city and county to county. Our domes are far from a conventional home. We can provide a structural analysis document that will show that our domes meet county requirements for seismic, wind load, and snow load. This usually satisfies the building departments for rural areas. We have put up many small domes within city limits in back yards with no problems. A large dome for a primary residence within city limits will require approval from the local Building Department.

Read more about Permitting your Geodesic Dome

↑ Return to top

The shipping size and weight of each sized dome package can be found on the appropriate dome size page. Up-graded frames and added components will increase the standard weights listed on our website. Please contact us with your specific dome needs for the most accurate weights. ↑ Return to top

A structure consisting of a partial sphere (usually about half of a sphere) used to enclose space. Domes are commonly used for events, homes, greenhouses, temporary structures or to enclose equipment.

Shelter dome packages come with heavy duty anchors that connect the dome frame to the deck or floor of your choosing. ↑ Return to top

Yes, it will adhere to all of the Shelter dome fabrics.

Read more about Thermosheild Insulative Paint ↑ Return to top

Both ends of each strut are flattened and a hole is punched through the flattened area. Four to six of the struts meet at each joint, or “hub”, and a bolt with a washer and a nut run through the holes at the ends of the struts. ↑ Return to top

Geodesic refers to the use of points that share placement on a common curved surface and the chords (straight lines) that connect these points. The icosahedron is a platonic solid. Using the icosahedron and iterations of the icosahedron to smooth the profile, Pacific Domes structures retain the geodesic quality and the beauty and strength of the sphere, maintaining the geodesic principal. ↑ Return to top

We offer two insulation options: 1. A Liner with Thinsulate, which can be purchased “roof only” or “complete” 2. Thermoshield, painted on the inside of the dome instead of the liner.

Read our Guide to Winterizing Your Geodesic Dome

↑ Return to top

Re-skins are available for standard and custom domes. We have customers that have been living in their dome home for 25 years. ↑ Return to top

We will need information on the frequency and exact length of your homemade struts (center of the hole to center of the hole measurement) to see if our dome covers will fit. If your strut length measurements do not match ours exactly, one of our covers will not fit your homemade frame. ↑ Return to top

When talking about domes, the definition of frequency refers to the number of pieces that each edge of the base figure is divided into in the process of triangulating its sides. For instance, we might start with a base figure of an icosahedron and divide each edge of each triangular face into 3 equal lengths. Those new points are connected to divide the original triangle into 9 smaller triangles. Since the original edges were divided into 3 parts, we call this a 3-frequency dome. The frequency is commonly abbreviated as “v”, so a 2-frequency dome is called 2v, 3-frequency is 3v, and so forth. The higher the frequency the more curved and sphere like the dome appears.

Read more about Dome Frequencies.

↑ Return to top

Pacific Domes are designed with ventilation in mind. The roof, door, round windows, and portions of the sidewalls can be replaced with screens. If your environment doesn’t allow for screens, due to excessive rain fall, we recommend using a solar fan to aid in ventilation. ↑ Return to top

We provide floor plans for three styles of floors, along with material lists. These plans have been used by many of our customers and have proven to work very well with our domes. There is also information on using Perimeter Boards for an earthen floor or for a concrete floor. ↑ Return to top

The 16’, 16’Tall, 20’, and 24’ domes can be constructed with help from a few friends. It is difficult to construct domes larger than this without mechanized assistance. ↑ Return to top

The geodesic dome geometry is one of the sturdiest and most aerodynamic structures ever designed! For areas with snow or strong wind, we will need to check our engineering program to calculate the tubing diameter required for your maximum snow and wind loads. You will need to contact your local County Building Department for your snow load and combined wind requirements as well as the seismic rating for the location. ↑ Return to top

If you are using the wood flooring plans that we have provided, we recommend that you create a rock or sand hearth to put your stove on. To install your stove on the hearth, follow manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. The Deluxe Dome Package is equipped with metal stove flashing and a cap. For the Basic Dome Package, the wood stove set-up can be purchased separately. The piping will run from your stove through the flashing and above your dome. All of the piping that is used in association with the stove should be double walled pipe. The piping that runs through your flashing and above the dome should have an outer 8” diameter and an inner 6” diameter.

Read about Efficient Ways to Heat a Dome

↑ Return to top

The most common method of heating is by wood stove, but any modern heating method will work in a dome. Radiant heat, solar, electric and gas are all compatible with our domes. Read more about Efficient Ways to Heat a Dome. ↑ Return to top

Yes, although our Owner’s Manual has enabled our customers to set their own domes up with ease. We do recommend hiring one of our staff members for 36’ and larger diameter domes, although we have had customers accomplish the set-ups on their own. Please contact us and give you a quote if you require assistance. ↑ Return to top

Our dome frames are made from galvanized steel. The steel, in conjunction with the geodesic design, creates an amazingly strong structure using a minimal amount of material. Geodesic domes are world-renowned for their strength and integrity. Depending on your situation and needs, we offer ‘Extreme’ 1.9”, ‘Burly’ 1.66, ‘Heavy Duty’ 1.31”, in addition to our ‘Standard’ .92” frame. ↑ Return to top

There are many ways to use the space that a dome offers. Sizes 24’ and larger allow space for a loft to be built. Traditional walls can be built within your dome if you desire. All lofts, walls or partitions should be built free standing and self-supporting. Some people have used screens to separate the space. ↑ Return to top

The domes are designed with several window screens, base screens, and a roof screen. This ventilates the dome well, helping to keep it cool. A solar fan is included in the Deluxe dome package and it can also be purchased separately. It is recommended for helping to exhaust hot air from the top of the dome. Traditional Air Conditioning units may be installed as well. ↑ Return to top

You will need to speak with your representative to find out what our current lead time is. ↑ Return to top

The main consideration in choosing fabric for your dome is longevity. The two causes of deterioration are UV and mildew. If you live in a dry desert-like area with high UV, we recommend SunLite painted with Thermoshield, which reflects heat and UV off of the dome cover and dramatically extends the cover’s life expectancy. We also recommend SunShield because of its additional laminate coating protection against UV. If you live in a damp or wet area with high moisture, we recommend SunLite and SunShield (vinyl) fabrics because they have a smooth surface, are easy to clean and are more resistant to mold and mildew. ↑ Return to top

Yes! Our pre-hung door opening creates a space that will allow for you to install a conventional door.

Read more about Dome Home Security. ↑ Return to top

If you have access to utilities, they can be run into the dome. Typically this is done through the floor. Outlets can be placed on the floor, or on any walls or partitions that you build inside. If you drill an appropriate diameter hole you can run pipes up through the floor wherever you want them. ↑ Return to top

Our standard Production Schedule is 6 months (for each dome) from the date the 50% deposit is received. We always do our best to meet client deadlines and work as quickly as possible, but please be aware that any orders placed with shorter delivery times will be charged a Rush Order Fee of 20%. ↑ Return to top

To insure your domes new and clean appearance and to prolong the life of your dome cover, do not allow dirt or stains to build up on the fabric. Clean your vinyl cover every 180 days, and your Tropical Plus fabric once a year. Be sure to clean both sides as needed. You can clean your dome using a power nozzle and/or a mild soap solution and scrub brush. Only use mild soap and water with a SOFT bristle brush or rag on your dome. NEVER USE SOLVENTS, HEAVY BRUSHES, WIRE PADS OR HIGH PRESSURE STEAM CLEANERS TO REMOVE DIRT OR STAINS OFF YOUR DOME. Always rinse the dome thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any traces of cleaning solutions. Regularly brush out the bottoms of all the window pockets where the rain will wash down dirt and leaves, and the bottom of the dome, where dirt collects between the cover and the floor. NEVER LET ANY TYPE OF SOLVENT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE OF THE DOME, AS IT WILL DAMAGE OR REMOVE THE TOP COAT. THIS INCLUDES MEK SOLUTIONS, PETROLEUM AND SILICONE BASED PRODUCTS.

↑ Return to top

To prevent mildew, keep your dome well ventilated and dry. Store your dome as dry as possible. Sponge down all mildew areas with a strong bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water). Wear gloves and have your dome well ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes. Mildew will turn pale when it dies. Always rinse with clean water following a bleach treatment! Natural mildew treatments: 1. One of our customers gave us this recipe as both a curative and preventative for mildew growth.

• 2 ½ gallons water
• 20 drops Tea Tree Oil
• ¼ cup Borax
• ½ cup white vinegar

2. Spray mildew with hydrogen peroxide. Wash with a thin paste of lemon juice and borax to inhibit new mildew formation.

• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Lemon Juice
• Borax

↑ Return to top

Zoning issues vary from city to city and county to county. Our domes are far from a conventional home. We can provide a structural analysis document that will show that our domes meet county requirements for seismic, wind load, and snow load. This usually satisfies the building departments for rural areas. We have put up many small domes within city limits in back yards with no problems. A large dome for a primary residence within city limits will require approval from the local Building Department.

Read more about Permitting your Geodesic Dome

↑ Return to top

The shipping size and weight of each sized dome package can be found on the appropriate dome size page. Up-graded frames and added components will increase the standard weights listed on our website. Please contact us with your specific dome needs for the most accurate weights. ↑ Return to top

Yes, it will adhere to all of the Shelter dome fabrics.

Read more about Thermosheild Insulative Paint ↑ Return to top

Re-skins are available for standard and custom domes. We have customers that have been living in their dome home for 25 years. ↑ Return to top

We provide floor plans for three styles of floors, along with material lists. These plans have been used by many of our customers and have proven to work very well with our domes. There is also information on using Perimeter Boards for an earthen floor or for a concrete floor. ↑ Return to top

The most common method of heating is by wood stove, but any modern heating method will work in a dome. Radiant heat, solar, electric and gas are all compatible with our domes. Read more about Efficient Ways to Heat a Dome. ↑ Return to top

The domes are designed with several window screens, base screens, and a roof screen. This ventilates the dome well, helping to keep it cool. A solar fan is included in the Deluxe dome package and it can also be purchased separately. It is recommended for helping to exhaust hot air from the top of the dome. Traditional Air Conditioning units may be installed as well. ↑ Return to top

If you have access to utilities, they can be run into the dome. Typically this is done through the floor. Outlets can be placed on the floor, or on any walls or partitions that you build inside. If you drill an appropriate diameter hole you can run pipes up through the floor wherever you want them. ↑ Return to top

Both ends of each strut are flattened and a hole is punched through the flattened area. Four to six of the struts meet at each joint, or “hub”, and a bolt with a washer and a nut run through the holes at the ends of the struts. ↑ Return to top

We will need information on the frequency and exact length of your homemade struts (center of the hole to center of the hole measurement) to see if our dome covers will fit. If your strut length measurements do not match ours exactly, one of our covers will not fit your homemade frame. ↑ Return to top

The 16’, 16’Tall, 20’, and 24’ domes can be constructed with help from a few friends. It is difficult to construct domes larger than this without mechanized assistance. ↑ Return to top

Yes, although our Owner’s Manual has enabled our customers to set their own domes up with ease. We do recommend hiring one of our staff members for 36’ and larger diameter domes, although we have had customers accomplish the set-ups on their own. Please contact us and give you a quote if you require assistance. ↑ Return to top

You will need to speak with your representative to find out what our current lead time is. ↑ Return to top

Our standard Production Schedule is 6 months (for each dome) from the date the 50% deposit is received. We always do our best to meet client deadlines and work as quickly as possible, but please be aware that any orders placed with shorter delivery times will be charged a Rush Order Fee of 20%. ↑ Return to top

It depends on dome types. Below is a link to brochures that will give the dome prices and the various accessories and options.

• All Dome Brochures
• Consult with our Team for guidance
• Review products in the store while in consultation