No one ever has anything like a Special Bargain Sale on schools! On the other hand, with a Monolithic Dome school you can get your money's worth. Consider the benefits:

Near-absolute Protection: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has developed construction criteria which makes structures, built following these standards, able to provide "near-absolute protection" from injury or death caused by tornadoes and hurricanes.

Monolithic Domes meet or exceed FEMA's criteria. Tests as well as actual events have also proven the domes to be successful earthquake survivors.

In many locales, a Monolithic Dome facility is officially designated, either by the residents or by the Red Cross, as the Community Disaster Shelter.

Construction Costs: Generally, the construction of a Monolithic Dome school costs less than that of a conventional structure of a similar size. And if the conventional school is built to meet Type II Fire Resistive Codes, the Monolithic Dome, which automatically meets or exceeds that code, will cost significantly less.

In 2000 and 2001, construction costs for Monolithic Dome schools finished in the upper $70s and low $80s per square foot. Arizona has the greatest number of Monolithic Dome schools. There, conventional school construction prices out about 18% more than Monolithic Dome construction, and, obviously, the conventional schools lack the benefit of ongoing energy savings.

But in considering costs, inflation must be kept in mind. For some time now, construction costs have been increasing by about 9% annually. Location also makes a difference. Construction in California, the Northeast and prevailing wage states usually is costlier. The on-the-job experience of designers and builders is yet another consideration.

Energy Savings: Dramatic differences in energy use result in dramatic ongoing savings. Because of its superior insulation -- polyurethane foam sandwiched between a tough Airform and several inches of concrete -- the dome needs less energy for heating and cooling. That translates into lower energy costs, less equipment for heating and cooling, and less equipment maintenance, repair and replacement.

Such savings accumulated in a bond account could equal the total cost of the facility in less than 20 years. Gene Walker, superintendent of a Monolithic Dome school in Pattonsburg, Missouri, calculated that it would take 11 years of energy cost savings to equal the price of their new school.

The DOE (Department of Energy) maintains an Energy Star Program that awards structures built to conserve energy with an E-Star Rating. Monolithic Domes have gained this rating.

In one of his articles, Ward S. Huffman, Senior Financial Specialist, Denver Regional Office, U.S. Department of Energy, wrote, "The Monolithic Dome is an idea whose time has come. It is a structure that is extremely energy efficient and sustainable without sacrificing the quality of life that we have come to expect in our homes and buildings."

Fire Safety: The Uniform Building Code, used nationally, categorizes structures based on their ability to resist fire. Type I and Type II structures, built primarily of noncombustible materials such as concrete, steel, metal and masonry are most fire-resistant. Type III, Type IV and Type V are less fire-resistant because they use combustible materials such as wood.

Monolithic Dome schools are Type II or better. Noncombustible concrete and steel -- their main ingredients -- make it so.

Construction Time: Once its Airform is inflated, most of the construction takes place inside the dome, unhampered by weather or daylight. Work can continue, in most instances, in rain, snow or sunshine, during the day or night, so costly delays can be avoided.

Insurance Costs: Invulnerability to fire, natural disaster, mold, mildew and termites makes the Monolithic Dome a low-risk structure, so insurance premiums often are significantly less than those for conventional structures.

Feasibility Studies: When considering a Monolithic Dome facility, the most practical first step a school district should consider is a Feasibility Study. Commissioning a Feasibility Study, completed by Monolithic's professional designers and engineers, gives the school district a realistic preliminary program with sketches, design details and estimated costs. Based on this information, a school board can decide to accept, reject or change the plan. The school can still use a local architect for the final design and is not obligated beyond the cost of the Feasibility Study.

Longevity: The lifetime of Monolithic Domes is measured in centuries. Over the years as needs change, a Monolithic Dome school may need remodeling, but not replacement. In most cases, the clear-span interior of the dome makes remodeling relatively simple.

Free Information: Free literature and answers to specific questions are readily available. Call 972-483-7423 or Submit your request online.

Related Links:

• How To Buy a Monolithic Dome School-- A Letter to All Superintendents
• Printable School Information Packet [PDF]
• Superintendent of Grand Meadow ISD Produces Informational DVD
• Monolithic Domes Help Pass School Bonds
• Thoughts on the Bidding Process for Construction of New Schools
• It's A Hit: NCTC's Monolithic Dome Performing Arts Center
• Making the Grade
• Bait and Switch -- What happened in Hector, Arkansas
• Free Educational Facility Project Evaluation

177 Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
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