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Dome Homes

G

Glennman CBO

Silver Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
441
Anyone ever approve one of these "dome homes" in their jurisdiction?

http://www.intershelter.com/dome.cfm

We have a submittal for one to be used as a regular residence. They have submitted a complete engineered drawing including a foundation, crawl space, etc. The only issue we have at this point is that they are called "temporary" housing in the manufacturer's specs.

We are still lookng at it from an energy standpoint (Wa St Energy Code). Our plans examiner doesn't want to be the first on the planet to approve something like this. They appear to meet room size requirements, egress, and all the comforts of home.

The particular unit is approx 320 sq ft, and has provisions for a fold away bed, kitchen, laundry, 3/4 bath (shower, toilet, sink). We haven't performed a complete plan review on it yet, but it is so weird, that I thought I'd run it past you all, to see if any of you have been approached with one.

Thanks in advance.
 
I want one.

Heat it with a little woodstove and avoid the IECC

I would approve (given the limited info)
 
I wouldn't worry about the mfg. specs, as long as it met each code item on its own. Is there engineering for the structure itself, or only the foundation?
 
We haven't vetted the dome through our energy code just yet, but I remember seeing on the plans that is has R-21 throughout the dome (the floor is R-30). I asked the plans examiner if that will work with our energy code, but he hasn't gotten that far with it yet.

The engineering has everything from calculations on wind affects, seismic, etc of the dome itself, plus the calculations for the foundation. It is loaded with various rebar, connections to the foundation, the floor, etc.

I cannot see anything in the code that prohibits the thing as far as it's architectural features (combo kitchen, living, sleeping areas) egress, room sizes, headroom, etc. Of course it will need a smoke detector. The plumbing fixtures appear to comply and the wiring will need to be approved by our Labor and Industries.

Other than that, it looks like a go.
 
What is the insulation material? If it is foam plastic I do not believe a fiberglass gelcoat finnish (if I am ready the site correctly) is an approved thermal barrier.
 
Next thing, they will be adding your approval letter to thier website list of "credentials". Tread carefully.

I would be more comfortable with a stamped set of specs and drawings, rather than a letter. Also, the R-value would have to be increased to R30 for the ceiling. What constitutes the ceiling?

I like the idea though.
 
They have submitted a complete set of engineered plans and specs.

I don't know what the insulation material is. The plans examiner has the plans on his desk. I'll find out when I get a chance.

The "ceiling" is the same shape as the "roof".
 
You have a complete set of engineering plans and specs - much more than most builders will give you , and you don't know if you should approve it?

Perhaps you could quote a code section that you find it does not meet.
 
GHRoberts said:
You have a complete set of engineering plans and specs - much more than most builders will give you , and you don't know if you should approve it?Perhaps you could quote a code section that you find it does not meet.
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Just how many classroom hours do engineers and architects get during their collage days in code review? What code edition did the instructor use. Engineering principles and practices may stay consistant over the years but the codes change every 3 years and a plan reviewer/inspector can not just assume because it has an engineer/architect stamp that the designer's knowledge has kept up with 100% of the code changes/requirements. FYI I do provide specific code sections when something is not code compliant.
 
I don't know if it meets energy requirements.

It is not mine to approve.

It does sound though like an acceptible residential structure, if it meets code. If the plans examiner finds it meets code, then I think it will be fine.
 
mtlogcabin said:
Just how many classroom hours do engineers and architects get during their collage days in code review? What code edition did the instructor use. Engineering principles and practices may stay consistant over the years but the codes change every 3 years and a plan reviewer/inspector can not just assume because it has an engineer/architect stamp that the designer's knowledge has kept up with 100% of the code changes/requirements. FYI I do provide specific code sections when something is not code compliant.
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The engineer should be certifing to a certain scope of his/her work in the area he/she has expertise. Just like us, working engineers keep abreast of the codes and new technology & materials just like we do. Your statement is like saying someone who got their plans review cert 15 years ago isn't up to snuff (well, , , in fact they may not be!).
 
The engineer should be certifing to a certain scope of his/her work in the area he/she has expertise.
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That is my point. Engineers typically specialize in specific fields much like doctors and lawyers. Would you accept a letter from a dentist for an employee to return to work who was out because of a injured back. No. A stamp and a seal does not guarantee code compliance. GHR's post is questioning the need of due diligence by Glennman for reviewing and approving this structure just because there are engineered stamped drawings and specs submitted for this structure.
 
I understand these go for $4 million in California...

This would be a perfect candidate for ICC ER for prefabricated/component construction. ICC or 3rd party certification could answer a lot of these questions. The design engineering may help with a lot of the issues, but probably isn't adequate to ensure complete code compliance.

These give new meaning to the word "tacky".
 
Last edited by a moderator:
mtlogcabin said:
Just how many classroom hours do engineers and architects get during their collage days in code review? What code edition did the instructor use. Engineering principles and practices may stay consistant over the years but the codes change every 3 years and a plan reviewer/inspector can not just assume because it has an engineer/architect stamp that the designer's knowledge has kept up with 100% of the code changes/requirements. FYI I do provide specific code sections when something is not code compliant.
Click to expand...
I think you misunderstand what engineers do. They read the code book and then design to it. Most companies then do an internal code compliance review and then have an outside code professional do a review. (A code book costs less than the shipping on the structure and can be charged to every buyer.)

Ignoring any local code amendments these types of structures are code compliant.

My question arose because Glennman CBO expressed the opinion that he did not want to be the first to approve the structures. That is not a valid basis for not approving a structure.
 
Obviously the solution should be to follow the standard procedure of the ICC.

1. "encourage" industry members to join.

2. write 64 pages of prescriptive dome requirements into the IRC.
 
brudgers,

Can a domed home have just one smoke detector and one big sprinkler head and meet the code? Just asking?

pc1
 
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