Monolithic Dome Institute - Recent Press Releases

AVALON, Texas, (December 17, 2001 ) The Avalon Independent School District will break ground on a new Monolithic Dome multipurpose building at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19th. The $1.5 million facility, which will seat 720 people, will be used for sporting and academic events. It is scheduled for completion in December 2002.

The groundbreaking will take place off Highway 34 in Avalon. If traveling south on Interstate 45, take the Highway 34 exit and travel 13 miles to Avalon. If traveling south on Interstate 35E, take the Italy exit, turn left and go seven miles to Highway 34.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete structures that are best known for their energy efficiency, longevity and ability to offer near absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Avalon is one of more than a dozen school districts across the nation that have opted for this unusual method of construction.

The Italy Independent School District, about 10 miles from Avalon, is putting the finishing touches on its own Monolithic Dome multipurpose facility.

David Del Bosque, associate superintendent and principal of the Avalon High School, said the board opted for the Monolithic Dome design because of its low cost, energy efficiency and safety.

"We knew the Monolithic Dome design offered monetary value in terms of low construction costs and on-going energy savings. It also offered safety for our kids," Del Bosque said. "After looking at all those factors and then visiting the Italy multipurpose facility, the board and Superintendent Pepper Wells decided it was right for our school district."

The Avalon building will measure 124 feet in diameter and will be constructed on 12-foot stemwalls. It will feature a full-size gymnasium and four locker rooms, and will replace the school district's existing gym, which Monolithic Construction Management of Italy, Texas is serving as a consultant on the project. Rick Crandall, a Mesa, Arizona-based architect who serves as a consultant to the Monolithic Dome Institute, designed the facility.

For more information about Monolithic Dome schools, visit www.monolithic.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895
cclanham@aol.com

Monolithic Dome School Buildings Completed in Texhoma, Oklahoma

TEXHOMA, Oklahoma, (December 7, 2001 ) The Texhoma School District in Texhoma, Oklahoma has completed construction of two Monolithic Dome buildings with classrooms for students in seventh through twelfth grade, in addition to a central administrative area, library, and cafeteria.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete structures that are best known for their energy efficiency, easy maintenance and ability to withstand natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Texhoma is one of more than a dozen school districts across the nation that have opted for this unusual method of construction.

The new school buildings in Texhoma consist of a 108-foot diameter dome and a 66-foot-diameter dome constructed on 10-foot stemwalls. The two buildings are connected to each other by a structure constructed using conventional methods.

Seven classrooms and a central administrative area are located on the lower floor of the large dome, while the upstairs houses a library, computer lab and a classroom. The smaller dome houses a cafeteria, with kitchen facilities and a lobby in the connector.

"The initial factor that caught my attention was the cost per square foot (of Monolithic Domes)," says Rick Kibbe, superintendent of the Texhoma School District in explaining his decision to build the domes. "Then we began really researching and learned about the storm factor. We do not have a facility here for protection from a tornado, so that became very attractive, not only for the school, but for the community."

The school's cafeteria will serve as a community disaster shelter, with local emergency personnel opening the facility as they deem necessary.

For more information about Monolithic Dome schools, visit www.monolithic.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: David South Jr.
Monolithic Equipment
972-483-7423

Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing Introduces New Concrete Mixer

ITALY, Texas (December 1, 2001) -The new Monolithic Portable Concrete Mixer concrete mixer, available through Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing of Italy, Texas, is a powerful asset for contractors specializing in small- to medium-sized jobs. The Monolithic Portable Concrete Mixer has a universal mount that fits any skid steer loader designed to lift 1,300 pounds or more. It can mix three-tenths of a cubic yard per batch, and weighs 1,800 pounds when fully loaded.

The mixer rotates in 3 directions. That means an individual on a loader can tilt the Monolithic Portable Concrete Mixer forward and single-handedly load it with aggregate by simply driving it into the pile. Water, cement and additives are then put into the mixer bucket. Once the batch is made up, it can be off-loaded to the desired location by tilting the mixer forward. A special right-hand door on the mixer allows the concrete to be poured into tighter spaces.

The Monolithic Portable Concrete Mixer is available exclusively through Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing. For more information, call 972-483-7423 or visit the Monolithic Marketplace.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: David South Jr.
Monolithic Equipment
972-483-7423

Monolithic Equipment Unveils Two Electric Concrete Pumps

ITALY, Texas (December 1, 2001) - Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing of Italy, Texas has introduced two electric concrete pumps that eliminate the frustration of keeping a gas-powered motor fueled.

The Monolithic EHP 1500 is a small, lightweight pump that uses a 3 horsepower motor. It can pump up to 3 cubic yards per hour yet weighs only 760 pounds and is small enough to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. Its 1.5-inch hoses are light enough to be easily handled with lengths of 50 to 75 to 100 feet.

The Monolithic EHP 1500 provides a feasible economic alternative on jobs that require a concrete pump, but are too small to warrant the expense of a large expensive pumping unit. It retails for $8545 and is available exclusively through Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing.

For larger jobs there’s the new Monolithic Monolithic EHP 2000. Powered by a 10 horsepower electric motor, this pump can spray 6 cubic yards per hour. It weighs 1,740 pounds, and the 2-inch diameter hose can be reduced to a 1.5-inch hose.

The pump, which retails for $11,131, is also available with gas or diesel engines.
For more information about both pumps, call Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing at 972-483-7423 or visit the company’s web site at www.monolithic.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895
cclanham@aol.com

Monolithic Dome Home Featured in November Issue of Builder Magazine

ITALY, Texas, (November 20, 2001) The Monolithic Dome home of architect Rick Crandall is featured in the November issue of Builder, the magazine of the National Association of Home Builders.

The six-page article entitled “The Next Round,” chronicles the construction of Crandall’s unique double-domed home in Mesa, Arizona. It also discusses Crandall’s efforts to change the public persona of dome architecture.

The article points out that dome homes are normally only accepted by half of one percent of the population. But Crandall found that when he talked to people about the energy efficiency and lower cost of Monolithic Dome homes, he found that five times as many people expressed an interest.

“Builders will switch over to dome construction if there’s a demand,” Crandall says in the article. “When they do, their profit margins can improve.. We can build a complex (dome) home with seven subs, not the normal 13 used in stick building. Roofing, insulation, framing ---- the same crew can do all of it.”

The article on Crandall’s home will soon be available online at www.builderonline.com. For more information about Monolithic Dome homes, visit www.monolithic.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carol Cirulli Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895

WORKSHOPS TO TEACH PARTICIPANTS HOW TO BUILD A MONOLITHIC DOME

ITALY, Texas, November 1, 2001 - The Monolithic Dome Institute is holding a series of workshops aimed at teaching participants how to construct their own dome homes. The next workshop is scheduled for March 19 through March 23, 2002 in Italy, Texas.

Monolithic Domes are super-strong, insulated, steel-reinforced concrete buildings that are energy efficient and disaster-resistant. They can withstand tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and even fire.

The five-day workshops include both hands-on training and classroom instruction. Participants will actually be building a Monolithic Dome by applying the principles learned in class. Past attendees have included people who want to build their own dome homes and well as contractors who want to build domes for others.

Monolithic Domes are built using an Airform, an inflatable balloon made of single-ply roofing material. It is attached to a circular foundation and inflated. Insulation and steel rebar are then put in place and covered with several inches of high-density concrete, creating a strong, energy-efficient and permanent structure.

There are hundreds of Monolithic Domes throughout the United States and the world. They are used as homes, schools, churches, industrial plants, and storage facilities. Nearly 1000 people have attended past workshops at the Monolithic Dome Institute to learn how to build dome buildings.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895

Fall Dome Home Show-- Monolithic Dome Homes Across the U.S. Open for Tours on October 20th

ITALY, Texas, October 2, 2001 - On Saturday, October 20th, Monolithic Dome homes throughout the country will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the Fall Dome Home Show. Nearly 50 homes in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces will be on the tour of homes, which is co-sponsored by the Monolithic Dome Institute and the Monolithic Dome Builders Association. Go to www.monolithic.com to find a Monolithic Dome home open for tours in your area.

Monolithic Domes are round, steel-reinforced, concrete buildings known for their energy efficiency, durability and strength. They can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool than traditional structures of the same size, and are strong enough to withstand tornadoes, hurricanes and even earthquakes.
“I wanted to give the general public the opportunity to get a first-hand look at Monolithic Dome homes, and hear about their advantages from people who actually live in one,” said David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute.

Anne DeMoss of the Monolithic Dome Builders Association said the home show will showcase the best that Monolithic Domes have to offer. “We will have dome homes open for tours from Alaska all the way down to Florida,” DeMoss said. “I can’t think of a better way to inform the public about how versatile these homes can be. “ A donation of $1.00 to $5.00 may be requested at some residences to help offset expenses associated with the home show. No more than $5 per family will be charged. Call 972-483-7423 for more information or visit www.monolithic.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895

Speech to Focus on Energy Efficiency of Monolithic Domes

FREDERICKSBURG, (September 27, 2001) - The energy efficiency of Monolithic Domes will be the topic of David B. South’s presentation at the Second Annual Texas Renewable Energy Roundup, a Green Living and Sustainability Fair scheduled for September 28-30 in downtown Fredericksburg. South, who is president of the Monolithic Dome Institute in Italy, Texas will be speaking from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Friday at the fair’s White Arena.

Monolithic Domes are a new form of design and construction used in building homes, schools, churches, gymnasiums and other types of facilities. These round, steel-reinforced structures can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool than traditional buildings. They also are cost-effective, designed to last for centuries, and offer near-absolute protection from tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters.

South will be discussing how a Monolithic Dome is constructed, as well as the features that provide advantages over traditional buildings. The Monolithic Dome Institute will also have an exhibit at the fair where people can go for more information.

The Texas Renewable Energy Roundup, which will take place in Marketplatz in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, will feature more than 100 exhibits - including one on the Monolithic Dome - as well as 40 one-hour presentations over the fair’s three days. There also will be a Family Activities area and mini-carnival energy-game booths.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895

State School Convention to Focus on Monolithic Domes

DALLAS, (September 18, 2001) - Monolithic Domes: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional School Buildings will be the topic of David B. South’s presentation to the 41st Annual Convention of the Texas Association of School Boards/Texas Association of School Administrators on Monday, September 25th. South, who is president of the Monolithic Dome Institute in Italy, Texas, will be speaking from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Dallas Convention Center.

Monolithic Domes are a new form of design and construction of major interest to those considering building a school facility. These round, steel-reinforced concrete buildings offer many advantages over traditional structures. They are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and designed to last for centuries. They also offer near-absolute protection from tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters.

South will be discussing how a Monolithic Dome is constructed, as well as the features that provide advantages over traditional buildings. He also will talk about the many schools and colleges that have blazed new trails by building Monolithic Dome facilities.

Since 1960, the Texas Association of School Boards and Texas Association of School Administrators have partnered to bring school board members and administrators the state’s premier annual education-related convention.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895

Decorating Guru Christopher Lowell "Digs" Monolithic Domes

ITALY, Texas (September 1, 2001) - A Monolithic Dome home will be featured on the Discovery Channel’s Christopher Lowell Show on Friday, September 7th at 2 p.m. central time on an episode entitled “Unique Digs.” The nationally-televised program will feature a decorating segment in the dome home of Creig Lasley in Nevada City, California.

Monolithic Domes are round, steel-reinforced, concrete buildings known for their energy efficiency, durability and strength. They can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool than traditional structures of the same size, and are strong enough to withstand tornadoes, hurricanes and even earthquakes. Because of these advantages and others, Monolithic Dome homes have been growing in popularity in recent years.

Lasley’s 3,000-square-foot home, christened The Triad, consists of three Monolithic Dome buildings. There are two 36-foot diameter domes on either side of a central 46-foot diameter dome. The home is situated just 100 yards from the shoreline of Scott’s Flat Lake in Nevada City.

For more information about Monolithic Dome homes, visit the Monolithic Dome Institute’s web site at www.monolithic.com Call the Discovery Channel’s programming department at 1-888-404-5969 with questions about the Christopher Lowell Show.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carol Cirulli
972-814-6322

ITALY, Texas, April 5, 1999 - Florida architects can earn continuing education units by attending a Monolithic Dome workshop, a five-day program aimed at teaching participants how to build their own dome buildings. The workshops are sponsored by the Monolithic Dome Institute, and are scheduled for May 4 through 8, September 7 through 11 and October 5 through 9 in Italy, Texas.

Monolithic Domes are reinforced concrete structures designed to duplicate nature’s architectural ideal: the egg. They can withstand tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and even fire. Domes also are more energy-efficient and easier to maintain than traditional buildings.

The five-day workshops include both hands-on training and classroom instruction. Participants will actually be building a Monolithic Dome by applying the principles learned in classes. Past attendees have included people who want to build their own dome homes and well as contractors who want to build domes for others.

There are hundreds of Monolithic Domes throughout the United States and the world. They are used as homes, schools, churches, industrial plants, and storage facilities. More than 500 people have attended past workshops at the Monolithic Dome Institute to learn how to build their own dome homes.

The cost of the workshop is $750 per person and it includes: five days of instruction and training with experienced dome builders; daily lunches and a Texas BBQ on Saturday; classroom notebook which contains helpful information and supplies; and a free Monolithic Dome Institute jacket. Reservations may be made by calling 972-483-7423 or online at www.monolithic.com.

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