As Florida has been hit by several devastating hurricanes, homes designed to withstand these extreme storms have gone through a serious test.
Monolithic's buildings are constructed not from wood, but from concrete and steel, starting with a circular ring beam on the floor of the structure. Then an air form membrane made of PVC-coated fabric is attached to the ring beam and inflated to create the shape of the structure. Closed-cell polyfoam – known for its strength and water resistance – is applied to the interior, and steel reinforcement is attached to the foam surface, which is then sprayed with layers of concrete known as shotcrete.
"We don't think the price of a dome is much different than that of a standard custom home," says Clark. But over the long term, Clark says a domed home can be cheaper once maintenance, operation, longevity and insurance costs are factored in. The domes can also be very energy-efficient, Clark claims, potentially saving owners a considerable sum. However, "most folks only consider constructions costs", says Clark.
There are other challenges to an unconventional design too. "One of our biggest hurdles is getting banks to see the advantages and allow people to take out mortgages for the Monolithic Dome," says Clark. "It is difficult to find financing. It is not impossible, but it is definitely not as easy as a stick-and-brick home."
The domes aren't completely disaster-proof. Debris carried by winds can damage the surface membrane – which happened to Monotholic Dome homeowner Margaret Clayton. Although one dome in Port Arthur, Texas, was hit by three hurricanes and emerged unscathed, according to Monolithic's records.
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