James Moore Yes that would be my background but I have branched into other areas. I still remain involved in construction as I enjoy this type of work.
The dome structure would work here like any other planning application I would imagine. If you are surrounded by trees, it would be an advantage as many planning applications are granted in rural countryside on the condition the “unusual” house cannot be seen from the road.
The question I would have with the dome structure is what is it made up of. It can be of timber and/or concrete. Concrete would be heavy so the main structure would have to compensate for this- ie- expense. Concrete can also be porous unless it is of very high newton.
Timber sheeting could work using layers of insulation, waterproof membrane and supported by steel etc once it can withstand the ever increasing rainfall here….
Looking at the variety of dome structure designs around the world, I’m sure it would be possible to design one suitable for here at a reasonable price ….

      James Moore What would your application with this be? Would you build a solid structure within the geodesic structure or would you use the ETFE as part of your main building- ie, the roof of your home? Bearing in mind the ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is effectively a plastic.
      I’ve been interested in this product since the construction of the Eden Project in Cornwall which was the first to develop large geodesic structures and are now building them around the world.
      There is a a Dutch company that supplies ETFE and I got some samples off them in the past in different colours when I was considering building a similar structure for myself like a greenhouse.
      I would be interested in hearing your architectural plan…..

          IPQ A solid structure within the dome would be necessary for privacy because the entire dome is transparent. The 100% transparency obviously maximises heat absorption from the sun.

          I'm not sure I would swap transparent for coloured ETFE segments. I'll think about that one.

          I'm no architect and so I don't have an architectural plan yet.

          Any idea how much this dome would cost to build, please?

          • IPQ replied to this.

              James Moore Here is a company building (or about to begin building) dome houses that would give a good idea of prices. Very reasonably priced.
              https://www.geoship.is/

              Here is an article in Home Digest about the above mentioned dome homes.
              https://www.housedigest.com/1112427/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-geodesic-home-kit/

              Also this one, although I’m not sure if they are working now but their prices are on their website….
              https://dome4home.eu/prices/

              Another guide for pricing here….
              https://naturalspacesdomes.com/dome-system/pricing-and-planning/shell-kit-costs/

                a month later

                IPQ this video. https://youtu.be/wl_o-5gbHYQ

                The composite is a resin with dielectric (ceramic) and the principles of cement. The composite is "sintered" which involves pressure past the median state to make the material move to solid naturally. The composite is used in dentistry and the resin can be cured by UV light. The resin replaces bonds with the doped material and the doped material exchanges bonds with the cement agent, this creates a uniformly crystalline matrix. Its expensive because no one shares how to do it..

                I am looking at Basalt fiber (strong fiberglass) used in boat hulls. Its a Russian invention just like the solar cell technology that is currently held back. It is basically like fiberglass but stronger and uses less chemicals being based on a characteristic of the basalt rock used. The epoxy used in resin systems has quite a high strength on its own. The attraction for me - I can make one mould of a geodesic triangle and with a bit time have a strong geometric shape. The triangles can then have a surface like hempcrete on one side providing insulation. Finally the whole structure can have a skin of fabric applied making the surface as close to a ball as possible.

                I am intending to use polycarbonate as the clear surfaces - although the geodesic dome is not the design i am planning to build. I will need a marquee to keep my dirt dry for filling tyres, this will be a geodesic temporary structure.

                Salome.