Monolithic Domes
EcoShells Solve World Housing Problems
I recently ran across a site on the web that deals with Monolithic Dome construction. We are beginning the research into building a Monolithic Dome as our primary retirement home. It is an concept we have envisioned for years and are just now seriously considering.
Below is a drawing of a basic plan for, what the Institute calls there "UN House"
The Monolithic Dome Institute at: http://www.monolithicdome.com has come up with a concept in solving the world housing problems that I feel merits attention. I will provide a summary of the main article: Reprint from the 1998-99 Winter Roundup.
David B. Smith is the President of the Monolithic Dome Institute. He suggests that an EcoShell can solve world housing problems. I had not thought of this concept until reading the article but it has changed the direction of my thinking.
The article states: "The EcoShell UniShell provides family housing at an affordable price. In most areas, a unit can be built with native labor and materials for $3,000 to $5,000, including all costs. Many working people who keep a country's economy going can afford UniShell homes."
The first thing that struck me was the extremely low cost of construction. One of the major problems in the United States, not to mention the world, is adequate housing. People are living in substandard housing all over the world. This could provide a safe, stable, sturdy place to live.
The article goes on to report: "In countries such as the Union of South Africa, Korea, Mexico, Ghana, Philippines, Honduras and others, the need for low-cost housing is staggering. Reported housing shortages range from 500,000 to 1,000,000."
I think this information needs to get into the hand of Habitat For Humanity. Just think of the savings in materials and labor that this kind of housing can provide to this organization.
The article continues: Can you imagine the effort it takes to initiate a project for 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 units? Example: Building 25,000 homes in a timely manner, with a goal of 20 completed units per day, for 250 days per year, requires 5 years. The logistics are enormous and the financing presents another problem."
Even if we started today, we would be facing the logistics of time, man power, financing and materials. It is a daunting task, but the need is great.
Again the article states that "In many areas, families must maintain themselves with an annual income of $1,000 to $5,000. If a home costs two years' salary, it will sell for $4,000 to $10,000-- and that price must include land, roads, utilities, etc."
The affordability of homes is the primary reason financial institutions are not bursting at the seams to fund these projects. The dome housing can solve that problem by reducing the cost to a level that will provide adequate housing at affordable prices.
Then the article explains that these are not the only problems. There is often the danger of fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, rot and decay.
We have certainly seen that just here in the south with it heat and humidity. Between the pests like termites and moisture, that both do a number on all housing, I see the dome construction as a way to fight this battle and win.
The article states: "By our standards, a 20 foot diameter dome with a floor area of 314 square feet is small. But, exactly that size is considered adequate for low-cost housing. On the world market, the concrete and rebar required for such a dome costs about $1,000. Windows, doors, finish out inside, labor, overhead, equipment, profit, infrastructure, add considerably to the cost.
"Obviously sponsorship and financing are needed. To hold the line on costs and still solve the shortage problem, each project must be for hundreds and thousands of units. To the direct costs, overhead costs, training, and infrastructure financing must be added. So, to make the project a reality, sponsors with millions of dollars, who have political connections or are political units, must be found."
The article explains: "In most developing nations, housing is tied to politics. consequently, nothing happens unless it's cleared by government bureaus and political units. In many locations, the governments will have to be the sponsors. EcoShells are the
physical answer to the dream of solving much of the world's housing problem. But sponsors must be found to make that dream a reality."
Anyone interested in this subject can contact the Monolithic Dome Institute at: 177 Dome Park Place, Italy, Tx 76651 USA
Telephone: (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662