Eleventh Annual Monolithic Conference Attracts 150
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March 7, 2005
by Freda Parker
Sign up now for Conference 2006! Feb. 17 - 18, 2006.
One hundred fifty dome enthusiasts attended Monolithic's eleventh annual conference, on February 18 and 19, 2005 at the Ft. Worth Plaza Hotel in Ft. Worth and at Monolithic's headquarters in Italy, Texas.
Attendees included builders, designers and future owners of Monolithic Dome homes. Geographically, they represented 16 states and Oslo, Norway.
Friday
On Friday morning, Monolithic's president David B. South, vice president Gary L. Clark and consulting engineer Dr. Arnold Wilson gave the welcoming address and this conference's theme: Think Round.
Attendees then chose one of four, 50-minute sessions:
- Dome Building 101 - Monolithic's vice president Larry Byrne presented basics of dome construction, such as shapes, planning and the process of reaching your building goals.
- Energy Efficiency - David B. South discussed the thermal battery of a dome, CO2 (carbon dioxide) monitoring and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV).
- Natural Disasters and the Monolithic Dome - Dr. Arnold Wilson answered: Would a Monolithic Dome survive a disaster such as the recent Indian Ocean Tsunami?
- Shotcreting - Gary L. Clark talked about shotcreting mistakes and how to avoid them.
Friday afternoon began with a General Session featuring David Passey, Regional Public Affairs Officer for FEMA's Region IV, encompassing Arkansas, Louisianna, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Mr. Passey began with a video cartoon of a monstrous chef -- possibly Mother Nature -- stirring up a disastrous concoction of tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. He then stated FEMA's resolve to "promote disaster-resistant construction," such as Mark and Valerie Sigler's Dome of a Home, that survived Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.
As he concluded, Mr. Passey said, "It takes courage to go against the grain," and showed another comical, but thought-provoking, visual: a picture of a small cat, scared but determined, striding across the path of 15 German Shepherds.
Eight different afternoon sessions followed:
- Dome Building 102 - Larry Byrne goes beyond the basics of Monolithic Dome construction.
- Decorating a Dome - Melinda South presented practical suggestions based on real-life experiences in thinking round when decorating.
- EcoShells for Developing Countries - David B. South discussed on-going projects around the world.
- Foundations and Inflations - Randy and Andrew South, owners of South Industries in Menan, Idaho, led an in-depth discussion on various facets of dome construction.
- From Concept to Completion - Larry Byrne answered: How long will it take to build a dome?
- Curb Appeal - Consulting architect, Rick Crandall presented the new shape of the dome.
- Success Stories - Three Monolithic Dome builders discussed their experiences: Dan Sutterfield of Sutterfield Services LLC; Andy Gee, owner of Starship Pegasus; Andy Barnes of Alpha Omega Builders.
- Openings and Coatings - Gary L. Clark presented the ins and outs of dome openings and coatings.
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Only $95.00 (includes banquet and pass to all workshops and vendor booths. Must purchase Bus Ticket for Saturday Tour separately.)Monolithic Dome Builders Association
Highlights of the MDBA (Monolithic Dome Builders Association) meeting included an opening address by David B. South, that encouraged members to review the association's bylaws and make needed changes.
Old business and an election of new officers followed: Andrew South as president, Linda Ware as vice president, Jack Price as treasurer, Andy Barnes as secretary.
New officers were seated and a discussion of various plans and motions began. Rick Crandall suggested the formation of a marketing committee to spearhead the MDBA's marketing efforts and "put a human face on the industry."
The seconding of this motion led to two others: One named Rick Crandall as chairman of the new marketing committee. Another elected a board of directors: Ray Ansel, Alex Korales and Charles Zipper.
Friday concluded with a banquet and a keynote speech by David B. South.
Saturday
On Saturday, conference attendees traveled to Italy, Texas where they toured Monolithic's headquarters, several Monolithic Dome homes, the Avalon Gymnasium, the Italy Gladiator Coliseum and Starship Pegasus, where most enjoyed an out-of-this-world lunch.
Throughout the day, Monolithic also provided demonstrations: Shotcrete Fence Construction, Tile as an Exterior Coating, Inflation of a Dome, Chainshell and Concrete Coatings, Dome Building Equipment and Omega Ball.
At the conclusion of these two very busy days, Conference Coordinator Anne Sutherland remarked, "We presented a simplified format in the sense that it encompassed two, instead of three, days. But we packed it full of really good information, and from the feedback I'm getting most people really liked it."
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177
Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
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