Dome Structure

Structural units of the Dome are made from select Douglas Fir, chosen for its strength and durability, treated with Linseed Oil, a natural preservative, ready to fasten to connecting hubs of 1/8" aluminum.

Foundation Wall

The wall is constructed from timber treated with Linseed Oil, and clad with Cedar faced siding. It is insulated with moisture and frost resistant rigid foam insulation and lined with metal flashing to prevent the soil coming in contact with the timber, thus ensuring long life for the structure.

Outer Glazing

* Standard quality - Twin wall 8MM polycarbonate rigid sheet pre-cut in triangles ready for installation. Life expectancy of 10 - 20 years and is guaranteed for 10 years.

* Premium quality - Triple wall 16MM polycarbonate rigid sheet pre-cut in triangles ready for installation. Superior insulating properties and a life expectancy of over 10 years. Recommended for domes above 8000 Ft Altitude.

Features incorporated in the Dome structure

* North wall insulation - Reflectix insulation pre-cut panels are provided to cover the northern 2/5ths of the Dome, cutting down heat loss in the winter months. The reflective surface increases the available light inside the Dome.

* Automatic vents - Solar powered activators open and close the vents and prevent the Growing Dome from overheating. The activators are adjustable and work by heating and cooling a tube of compressed gas. The 33 & 42-foot domes have thermostatically controlled 110 Volt exhaust fans. For very windy climate we provide a hydraulically dampened opener for an extra cost.

* Under soil heating - A small fan blows warm air under the soil, raising the soil temperature to enable plants to grow better during cold winter conditions. The kit contains the fan, distribution box, and photo voltaic cell together with connecting hardware.

* Water tank - The main thermal mass of the Growing Dome is a large Vesica Pisces shaped water tank. This has been found to provide the most efficient shape to provide the maximum thermal stability for the least amount of space loss.

Suggested dimensions and plans are provided by Growing Spaces, which also provides the tank liner and stainless hardware to fabricate the tank. Items not included in the Growing Dome Kit. The Dome kit does not include ground perimeter or foundation wall insulation, under soil ventilation duct and water tank sheet metal, as these are bulky and expensive to ship and are available locally at a builders supply. The Dome is provided as a kit and comes with an instructional video and booklet. uk