The Ultimate Geodesic Dome Build Guide - Most Beautiful, Inexpensive, No Hubs
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- Find the Builder's Guide PDF and Dome Plans to follow along: TrilliumDomes.com
Music by Robin Carmosino
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In this video I show you step by step how to build a geodesic dome using the most beautiful, least expensive method that exists.
I have been designing and building wooden geodesic domes for years. Due to popular demand I have come out with plans for my most popular designs, and will be adding more. The techniques I present in this document will allow a hobbyist or professional of any skill level to build an incredibly unique a beautiful geodesic dome.
Included in the plans are all the specifications and measurements needed to complete the project, a list of needed tools, a materials list, and a thorough 15-page step-by-step walkthrough of how to build the dome of your dreams!
Quick overview of time, materials and tools:
--Tools needed: Beyond a table saw, miter saw and screw gun, only very basic tools are required.
--Material cost: Depending on where you source materials the 15' and 20' Dome will cost around $500-$1000 in materials. 10' Dome around $300-$600
--Time to build: This varies wildly between people. Give yourself a few weeks to complete if building in your spare time. But something like the 10' dome can be done in 2 or 3 days once you get the hang of the process.
These ideas are backed up by years of experience and many happy customers. After being asked online endlessly for tutorials and details, I have finally given it the time, so that the magic of dome building with this simple and beautiful method can be shared far and wide. IF you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to reach out.
These structures can be used for green houses, sauna, cabin, tiny house, glamping, off grid, trellis, garden art, etc!
Check out my website (Trilliumdomes.com) and instagram @trilliumdomes for more up to date goings on.
Johnny - Навчання та стиль
As a septuagenarian I find myself watching your video thinking about the 60’s and 70’s when B.F. was in high form and popularizing the geodesic dome. Embraced by the back to the earth movement and other self reliant minded individuals many domes were built. Most not very well constructed, but some absolutely beautifully appointed finished structures. I am pleased that you posted this video and to witness someone of your generation carrying on the tradition and offering your knowledge for anyone willing to take the challenge. This struck me in a very positive way.
Wow! I'm so happy you feel that way. Thanks for sharing those kind words :) We will do our best to continue the legacy!
Just a year shy of being 70,....I was in high school when those great books came out. Dome Books 1 & 2,.... ( and The Whole Earth Catalogs), we experimented with them in high school and the following years while I was in college. I was into the whole Ecology movement, too. Predating all the recycling going on these days,..it was a shame it took so long to be adopted. In high school we built "test domes" out of alternative materials, like heavy duty cardboard tubes, and card board sheet goods, PVC pipe, and wood. Buckminster Fuller used lecture on college campuses,.....I've see serval films on him, predating videos. He was a genius and wasn't appreciated, and mocked and called a con-man. A view I do not hold. After college in 1975,...my friends bought cheap land in Southern Ohio, and some learned to build cabins, like the earliest Pioneers,....others built Geodesic Domes. One friend built a dome and raised his family in it,...it was a constant learning experience, as there were no kits, or companies manufacturing, parts, connectors or juncture hardware. That has changed considerably since then.
@Trillium Domes I think this is your mom or auntie....
I'd love your feedback on my dome design. Check out my latest video here: ua-cam.com/video/RqYZ9yOth2k/v-deo.html
@@Davett53 I'd love your feedback on my dome design. Check out my latest video here: ua-cam.com/video/RqYZ9yOth2k/v-deo.html
bought custom plans from trillium domes.. VERY concise explanation and with this video anyone who can use a table saw, angle finder and measuring tape can do this despite it appearing quite difficult. if you are debating between hubs and these plans, go with these plans 100%. he's taken an extremely difficult project and turned into something totally doable.. great job dude!
Dude You just saved me a lot of time and money, You just got a subscriber for life. God Bless you man. I just can´t thank you enough
Thank the lord he taught to you how to rot your life away. Dont use wood
To be honest, I’ll probably never be involved in the building of a dome, but it’s always a pleasure to watch somebody doing something that they’re passionate about. Also thanks for not veering off into the woo-woo land of “dome frequencies”.
Thank you for the kind words ☺️
Is The Magic Degree 7.682 ?
The magic number is 42. Closely followed by 69.
whaaaa!!??? pleade DO TELL me MORE... whaat about dome frequencies????? jajajajaa
Uh, that's not a woo thing it's just a numerical measure of build complexity.
Nicely done.
My first dome was a 4-frequency that was 1 meter in dia. It came out so good I decided to duplicate it at 6 meters diameter.
I made it so it sets up & breaks down reasonably quickly. One person can set it up in under 2 hours, and break down is very fast, like 40 minutes.
Since then I have made several domes, but the easiest one to set up & transport is a 2-frequency 4-meter dome made from 1-½" pvc electrical conduit. I throw a tarp over it, lash a hammock to a couple corners, and it's an awesome camping jobbie.
Sounds rad!
What is this frequency you speak of?
, ask Kenneth. 😅👌🏻
Dat music...
Thank you, quite straightforward explanation!
I liked the concept and wanted to build one with 99 percent certainty and then I heard a snippet where you were listening to floral and now I’m 100 percent on board! Excellent video
The fish-eye lens is a stroke of genius. No bevel, angle or straight line goes noticed.
Great video. The angles and bevels are... So nice to have such a detailed walk through on those.
Nice…🤔. Wood is the way…it’s beautiful, it takes fasteners well, easy to customize, and you can work it with tools you probably already have. I think people are afraid it’s too difficult to cut precise angles, but it’s not the space shuttle. ✊🍷🎩🎩🎩
Thanks for dumbing this down for non carpenters! I’ve looked everywhere for something like this!
Awesome mate, no problem! It’s not nearly as crazy as it looks.
Awesome video. Very well explained and articulated! Beautiful work, both on the dome, and the instructional video!
Thanks for the love and not safe gardening info you just help three friends find a way to peace
Love to hear it!
Outstanding job describing the process!
Thank you. This is the first of your videos I have come across. I will be starting a homestead come spring and have been watching all types of videos to get ideas. I think a dome will be the first structure I put up. Originaly I planned to buid a small cabin but this looks like it woul be much easier for me to do on my own and give me a place to live as I continue to develop.
Well done! Keep up the stellar work and thanks for putting this out into the world.
I fell in love with the one you did at sou'wester a few years back. Ever since I've been plotting and scheming to have one of my own. This video is wonderful and empowering! Thank you for sharing and for having such an open door policy on questions. You and your crew have created some really beautiful work here.
A very well done video. Thanks for the time , effort you have taken to produce this.
I have been wanting to do this for quit some time. Although this isn't the first video of this making, it is batter than the others I have watched in the past. You have earned another subscriber.
Just bought plans for the 12ft dome for a simple green house. This video really helped simplify what I needed to do as someone who has basically no skills with building. 👍
ua-cam.com/video/6VpzPdT_fOA/v-deo.html
Thanks for the video. It certainly demystifies building a geodesic dome.
Thats awesome. No intention on building a dome, but It was captivating to watch.
I love to hear that! Thanks for checking it out!
Seems like a zen done for my chickens is an easy way to start learning the architecture.
Thank for a very well explained, enjoyable, encouraging video with agreeable back round melodies.!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this. It gives me the confidence to attempt it myself now, especially armed with your detailed plans. I'm putting this on my project list for next summer. Thanks again!
Glad to hear it! Keep me posted on your project and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! Happy building.
When marking your table saw surface, they make a product for scribing layouts on steel. It's called 'blue marking dye'. They have it in spray form. It allows you to mark a surface easily without having scratches in the surface. AND, it cleans up easily with acetone or lacquer thinner. Cheers!
Hey thanks for the tip!
The scratching on the tablesaw killed me. It's one of my go-to flat references in my shop.
@@noiamhippyman I thought he scratched a mark in the tablesaw, but I looked again and it was just pencil. The saw top did have some pretty good scratches in it, but I imagine that is from cutting thousands of struts. I think you'll need a really good table saw and skills for this, but the nice part is this project is cheap practice.
Spotted the machinist!
@@umaikakudo hm... the machinist would have called it by name so you can easily buy it, "layout fluid". And I'm not a machinist, I just watched Adam Savage geek out about it, in ua-cam.com/video/n5laGi3GO7M/v-deo.html
Thank you for all that knowledge. That’s value for me. 🙏
You are a Wizard.I'm absolutely infatuated with your artwork! I wish i had a dome like that...
Patrick from Hamburg/ Germany
Love this!!!
Was trying to figure out a good greenhouse style, hated the PVC ideas, and found this!!!
Perfect!
Thank you!!!
(Instant subscriber and shared)
Awesome thank you! If you have any questions during your project feel free to reach out!
This is amazing, I’m definitely going to try and build one.
16' dimensional lumber is the best choice as they are most always from the bottom of the tree and is more stable then 14'-12'-10'-8' are from the top of the tree and is still twisting. Just saying to help! Great content! Love & Prayers...
I didn’t know this!
@@trilliumdomes Buds in big sawmills told me year's ago, so I pass this on to people who would benefit. Take care and have a great day
Thanks :)
"Bucky ball".
I learned this phrase in my pre-med biology studies.
I wonder how many people know what a Bucky ball is?
Great video.
Dude! Those things are freaking beautiful. You are an amazing soul.
🥰
Phenomenal craftsmanship and presentation. Good guidance on all the steps. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Glad you found it helpful!
This video provides a thorough description of the exact steps that need to be taken to construct a geodesic dome! I love the level of detail that you have provided!
I disagree. This video gives a good explanation of how to make the cuts (and on an assembly-line basis), but if you don't already know what you're building, you are quickly completely lost in trying to follow. The video starts with the assumption that you already know what size and shape to make the triangles. It's not a step-by-step of building a dome; it's about how to make the beveled and angled cuts -- assuming you already know what cuts you need to make and why they need to be beveled and angled.
Great build. Keep working hard.
Just bought your plans. They are wonderful. We look forward to building our dome this Spring. I know the plants will love it!!! You are an amazing carpenter. Thank you for sharing your hard work, ideas and tips.
Thank you Shannon! Feel free to reach out with any questions over the course of your project!!
WOW, finally a description I can wrap my mind around. I never liked the idea of a hub and this looks like something I can manage mostly on my own. Thanks, I will be going to the web page for plans.
Glad it makes sense! If you have any questions as you go along, don't hesitate to reach out!
Amazing explanation and visual demonstrations! I'll definitely be building one in the near future. Thanks!
I love that you are giving instruction and video free. I would do a small for a green house. I saw a family in Norway that built a cob house of mud and straw, and built a dome over it for a huge green house. It was beautiful by the beach.
I saw that too! Wild! Thanks for the kind words
So cool! Best of luck with the sail! We're in Grenada now and just selling our boat after three years of cruising. You'll love it!
Wow great to hear! Thank you. Good lucking selling your boat!
Super Cool Man! Way to go! I've been building & designing for over 40 yrs some pretty cool stuff and your work is very good, especially the attention to simple instruction and giving it away. Hats off to you
Thank you sir!
Great work! You explained this project very well. This looked like such a fun, challenging and somewhat tedious project and I'm adding this to my infinity growing UA-cam video list so thank you! I think this dome would be awesome as a top to a fire pit with proper venting of course.
I'd love your feedback on my dome design. Check out my latest video here: ua-cam.com/video/RqYZ9yOth2k/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/6VpzPdT_fOA/v-deo.html
And I guess for cold weather an extra layer on the inside should provide a ton of insulation
Very interesting !
I’ve always wanted to do this . Thank you .
The details are on the plans ,
You're awesome dude!! 🙌🙌🙌 love ya passion and that you share 💓💓💓👏👏👏👏👏
Very informative video thanks for sharing!
Great video! I'e always loved the concept of the geodesic dome building. Very well thought out and practical methods for compensating for potentially cheap materials. Mr. Fuller would be proud.
I appreciate you saying so! Take care
I'd love your feedback on my dome design. Check out my latest video here: ua-cam.com/video/RqYZ9yOth2k/v-deo.html
Love what you are doing here. I'm in the process of living off grid and looking at different types of homes. There is so much out there! I'm an artist and I do think the geodesic dome build would be ideal for my studio.
ua-cam.com/video/6VpzPdT_fOA/v-deo.html
Thanks for sharing your information about building a Dome Green House.
Any time!
Fantastic. Thanks for posting this. I’ve wanted to build my own since I saw the one you built at Sou’Wester.
That’s awesome to hear! I know I’m not the best UA-camr but I wanted to get something pretty comprehensive out there! That being said, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out! Can’t wait to see how your dome turns out!
We just recently built a home on a site with two grain bin silo pads (36'+ diameters). We plan to erect a dome on one of the pads and have a fire pit/BBQ/Pizza oven sitting area on the other. I am glad I found your video and site. My family is looking forward to a relaxing area with greenery and a hot tub. Your site should help make that dream a reality.
Excellent video.
Thank you and greetings from Portugal.
Glad you liked it! Cheers
I am 66, so I recall hearing about domes in the 70s and even seeing a couple of them in rural VA. One dedicated eccentric was building a spherical boat in his backyard. It consisted of two domes connected to form a geodesic ball. He had a theory that there would be a major flood which would reach the mountains south of Charlottesville, where he lived. The boat ball would be his family's survival ark.
Being about 19 at the time, I didn't know what to make of it all. His family seemed to be along for the ride (float), though I now realize they were humoring the survivor of a breakdown. I don't know whether the boat was ever completed.
I'm just at the first FRAME of this video... Absolutely Thunderstruck am I. This is gorgeous. Really makes me appreciate the excellent work of the man cutting all the struts.
You have to be able to work methodically and love the process. In both music and animation, I finally learned that there are some things that will work ONLY if you're able to apply Disciplined Precision, and other areas that reward creative excursions from that discipline... within LIMITS. I've never worked with an animator or a musician that was able to improvise, without having invested countless hours in rigorous exploration of the craft. And I don't mean just doing mind-melting scales, but at least taking the time to really master certain mechanical or _"structural"_ fundamentals.
The worst that could happen with fiddling was having a string break and smack your face. With animation -- a paper cut. I took welding & metal fabrication classes, and saw some *turble* injuries from people "screwing around," or just losing focus.
Definitely saving this video. Thank you so much!
Beautiful video! Inspiring for an aspiring domesmith!
Glad to hear it!!
thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU for simplifying the process and for presenting your approach here. Finally, I believe I could actually build one myself by replicating your method. You rock, dude.
I love to hear that Steve! I believe in you!
Johnny you are super and your arms grow from where they should. And the head works! Thank you very much for giving the opportunity to study and build your own dome for free. That's what Bucky Fuller bequeathed! Health to you and your wife! And new achievements in dome construction.
He’s married? 😪
Amazing video, thank you!
Outstanding. I've search for someone who knows not only how to do it, but how to explain what the considerations and plannig are when designing and building a dome. Thank you for being here
I appreciate that!
Awesome video and I definitely learnt some very useful info. I can see myself building one in the next couple of years, so great timing.
Glad to hear it! I hope you do
so cool gotta build one some day.
Just discovered this video, and subscribed, great work, simple instructions. Well done
Why do you want a square door in a geodesic structure?
@@paulbrouyere1735 great question. It’s very difficult to make functional doors that don’t hang limb and level. When doing that, if you were to do a non square door, you may only be able to get one hinge on it, which is not ideal. The easiest solution is to find plumb lines through the frame and hang a door there.
Just awesome! Thanks for your creative inspiration :)
I've been watching the development of domes fort about 5 years now and you are so correct on the lack of plans on the internet for them... Thanks for sharing!!!
I seriously appreciate your "evolving balance between form and function" in your designs! keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words, Justin! Just trying to help people skip over years of trial and error I had to go through building these things!
I remember being really interested in this subject a few years ago but, like you said, all the info was not very accessible. Idk why this was on my recommended but its awesome that someone is making this type of content.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Pretty awesome, I want to try this.
Appreciate this. As you mentioned most videoes on youtube don´t cover all of this. I´ve learned more from this video than the last 50 or so I´ve watched previously. I´d like to see how you go about insulating a dome for permanent resident. But anyway, thanks, keep up the good work!
Thanks! Any insulation works! Trilliumdomes.com/faq has some more info as well
Wow. That was great to watch. It seems like once you figure out the first few pieces of each step the process really speeds up.
No I gotta get one of these!
I know someone who could build one for ya :P
Great video. The flush trim jig you made for the tablesaw was really smart. Just subscribed
I appreciate that! Got some really cool builds coming down the pike and I’m going to out some more effort into video production! Cheers
Very nice presentation to quite possibly an insurmountable mind bending project. I'm inspired to replace my aged hoop greenhouse with a beautiful dome. Thank you.
Thank you and I hope you do! Please keep me posted if you do!
This is probably the best vid I've watched this year! I have an interest in geodesic domes, and to see the care and attention paid here, not just to the design and build, but to the imparting of information to us is wonderful. Clear, concise, to the point, articulate. The only fly in the ointment, and it is a very small fly, is the background music, but hey, that's just my taste, or the lack thereof. Many thanks.
Nah I think I bungled the background music a bit. Sorry about that! Live and learn. Thanks for the kind words, cheers!
Check out the guys restoring a French farmhouse. No music and it works perfectly. Saying that, Ship Happens and Tally-Ho both use music to great effect.
I'd love your feedback on my dome design. Check out my latest video here: ua-cam.com/video/RqYZ9yOth2k/v-deo.html
Truly an underrated channel, it has all the features to be a top one. This video was most informative and well done, thanks for sharing it and taking the time to describe it all!
I appreciate you saying so. I'm working on taking the videos to the next level so hopefully each one will get better and better.
@@trilliumdomes looking forward! And hopefully I’ll be sooner or later able to get one of your plan and start making a dome. May I ask how do you calculate what kind of base/foundation is required for holding straight and still a dome ?
@@hardstylelife5749 the domes do gain a great amount of strength from being attached to the ground. There’s a lot of different ways to do that. That being said, I’ve witnessed many domes of this type just set on the ground and staked into the earth rebar doing fine after years of service and inclement weather, snow. Depends on your area and how hardcore you want to get.
@@trilliumdomes it make perfect sense, thanks man, appreciated!
fellow dome builder dude. Glad I was able to find you. Just subbed up.
You my friend are an insane carpenter.
Damn Jonny good stuff! So great to see you putting out content about your domes, I'm so stoked about your path. Still have great memories from the sauna dome, Beltane 2021! Hope to see ya soon!
Hey Teddy thanks! Hope you’re well
you're both the coolest
Thank you! Want to build one of thies for years. When this spring arrivesI I'll start.
Love to hear it! Keep me posted on your project!
my uncle who wrote logans run built a dome out of plywood sheets, amazining audio in it!
Very good stuff brother!
great video, a lot of useful information that I should have seen before I built my dome ;-)
Thanks - this was mad helpful.
You got a new subscriber!
Would love to be able to build one around my fish tanks, so the water won't get too cold in winter... will give it a thought!
Anyway, just watching the video was very nice!
Cheers from Portugal
This was a really great video! Thanks for sharing.
I love the joinery !
awesome video, thanks
Amazing! 🎉🎉 Thank you 😊
really cool. thanks
Thank you for your amazing work and awesome Website and help resources!!
That’s what I’m here for! Let me know if you have any questions!
So true, I've been interesting in domes since the 1970's as a kid, and every time I've looked into it, they seem to make it as complicated and full of jargon as they possibly can.
From what I've been able to determine, there is the basic form of the dodecahedron which is subdivided and modified to expand it and make it more spherical. But all the angles are very confusing, but not impossible to understand, and should be able to be reduced to a formula, or even a computer program. I applaud your work and your attitude!
You look a lot like Eddie Van Halen.
ua-cam.com/video/6VpzPdT_fOA/v-deo.html
Thanks a lot for sharing!
This is the best dome tutorial out there. Wow.
I appreciate you saying so!
Have you tried glass panels set into rebates in the struts? They could be set in clear silicone sealant. Use trim strips over the joint after joining the panels. Also set on silicone.
My grandpa built his dome house in the 70's. All held together with dowels. 24 ish feet tall, super cool buildings.
Just subbed definitely interested in this thanks for what you do.
Sir, best timing ever...You have a great product there...i am very into it...been juggling for the last year an a half on what type of green house...had the dome option in my back pocket and also sent plans to municipality to see what they would say, they were slow this year to respond, gave me a chance to discover a better dome...I am trying to figure out the rough cost, i know i should buy the plans but just still trying because of the price of wood now...but i have to admit...i will push really hard to get your concept accepted so i can build one...and of course, i will buy the plans...i want it to be perfect and want the project to go as smooth as possible..Thank you again..great video and amazing idea...
Price of wood is falling rapidly and down to a very reasonable price. As little as $500 in lumber for a 20' dome. Sounds good though, let me know if you have any questions!
@@trilliumdomes Thank you Sir..for the response...i am looking at price sheet from the mill close to where i live, will not go to Big Box Store..will be using Hemlock...also since i have to stay below 192 sq. ft. if i don't want to ask for a permit...i will go with 15ft. Thanks so much in advance, now all i have to make sure it that the municipality says yes..my house is not traditional i also want my greenhouse to Rock...be well and have a great 2023...will keep you in touch, thanks again Sir
Terrific job. Good for you. I have the orginal Domebook from 1970. I made my first dome model in 4th grade in 1960. I never built a large dome and still fantasize of doing it. My house is kind of junky, structurally, and an attached truncated dome would be really cool.
Figuring the attachment geometry seems to be the hardest problem.
Well I think you know what I’m going to say… you should go for it! If you want help designing something like that, let me know
@@trilliumdomes Thanks for the encouragement. One trouble I have is too many dreams. I got boat dreams too.
THe intersection of the dome and existing structure is the most interesting/difficult technical detail. I might build a cardboard scale model for the fun of it.
Where is your home? Again, since I have been looking at domes, and Fuller ideas for most of my life, it is very cool to see someone like you taking things into your own hands. Have you seen Geoship?
Awesome! Thank you!
Awesome vid. Thanks, I’ll be buying plans and reporting back
Keep me posted on your project!
The dope growers out west would go bonkers for these things. Red wood, western red cedar, & yellow cedar would all be ideal lumber choices. Love your dope domes.
Awesome mate! You're a man after my own heart. I love your product and video. What about condensation issues. I could see myself living in one of these.
I appreciate that! Yep condensation is an issue in all greenhouse just need proper ventilation so that’s no problem. Twin wall poly helps a lot vs single layered materials!