Dome Openings -- Different Ways to Add Windows or Doors to Your Monolithic Dome
April 5, 2004
by Kris Garrison
As you look through the myriad of Monolithic Dome home, school, business and church images on our website, you'll notice many different ways to add windows and doors. Where openings are placed and the type of opening is dependent upon the dome's design, purpose and function. Each type of opening creates different architectural styles. The choice is yours.
The Basic Four
1) Augments
An augment is an extension of the Airform which creates a vertical surface beyond the curve of the dome where a door or window can be installed.
A smooth augment is achieved through proper planning of the Airform and knowing the exact measurements of the window or door before the Airform is patterned. Augments will increase the cost of the Airform, however, the increased cost of the augment is often offset by the much easier installation of windows. Not only are the windows easier to install but they are more tornado resistance than standard dormer types and give more space within the dome. Augments are created using our standard dome constrution techniques. They will not rot, burn or attract termites.
The primary reason for the augmentation is to keep the Monolithic Dome right up to the edge of the window providing a vertical area for doors or windows without using up floor space. In order to do that a "blister" is patterned into the Airform to allow the window to stand straight up and down. At first, we always installed square window or door frames. But, the fight between round and square usually causes wrinkles.
To counter this, the Monolithic crew and engineers have improved the augmentation process by developing a simple and easy to assemble rounded corner buck. Rounded bucks, when done properly, produce a "near-wrinkle-free" augmentation.
2) Cutouts: Inset or Outset
An inset opening is designed to fit inside the line of the dome. In other words, the opening will be set back within the dome. During construction, the Aiform is marked where it will be later cut out-- and no foam or concrete is sprayed there. After the dome is solid, the Airform is cutout and you have your opening. One disadvantage is that inset openings take up floor space. But they can also become a maintenance issue (painting, termites, rot, mold, etc.) Finishing touches are up to you.
Inset windows or doors are achieved by simply building a conventional wall inside the cutout. This has been used very effectively.
An outset opening is similar to an inset, but a conventional structure such as a dormer is added to the dome's exterior and then the window or door is placed within the conventional addition.
3) Cylinder Openings or Gothic Arches
Cylinder openings can create a "Gothic Arch" entry or can function as a connector between domes.
An Airform inherently wants to inflate round. A cylinder also wants to inflate round. A cylinder entry is easy to construct when a partial cylindrical Airform is used to create the shape. A gothic entry is created by propping up the center of the partial-cylindrical Airform while it is being constructed. The gothic entry can be cut out at an inward angle or an outward angle - each providing a different look to the building.
4) Skylight Openings
Skylights allow windows for light or ventilation in the upper areas of a dome where other methods are difficult and usually used to flood a room with light or provide a view of the starry sky. We have had the best luck using 18" to 24" round skylights. Even though they're not large, they let in more light than expected. Skylights do not have to be round. The VeLux skylights or "roof windows" are operable and designed especially for sloped roofs. They also meet the code requirement for egress in bedrooms.
Proper installation of skylights is key to reducing leaks. Generally, skylights won't leak much if special consideration and attention are given to flashings and counter flashings during installation. With skylights there is a problem called condensation leaks. Moisture in the air can accumulate on the skylight and then flow to the edge and drop to the floor. If you live in high humidity and cold, you will battle this problem. To avoid this moisture buildup, an air stream can be pointed towards the skylight.
Keep in mind though that anytime part of a dome is cut away chances for leaks increase. Proper installation and sealing is required on all types of openings.
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