Geodesic Greenhouse

[mamos]

I would build all the triangles and then cover them in sets of three or four depending on how it works out with the width of plastic I have then assemble.

I was thinking about this last night. If you lay three pieces down on a flat surface and cover in plastic when you curve the pieces in to form the dome shape it will tension the plastic even further.

I will have to experiment a little and talk to thee guy from geodome about it

If anyone is interested in the paper template for making there own model with the kids just let me know and I will post them up

mamos

[grahoom]

High Mamos,

I was looking at this design

http://www.geo-dome.co.uk/article.asp?uname=hinge_panel

thinking that it could quite easily be done using plastic sheeting cut to triangles and wooden beams for the frame.

I think I might buy some balsa wood to see if I can construct a model.

[mamos]

Do you have a table saw?

mamos

[grahoom]

Do you have a table saw?

mamos

nope... although for a balsa wood model I don't think I'll need one.

[Colin]

If you plan to cover it with poly the main issue (apart from waterproofing) is you`ll need to replace it at some point. If the design locks the poly between the triangles you`ll need to dismantle a good percentage of the structure to remove it.

[mamos]

What about if I used ETFE film

If it is good enough for the Eden project

I have been thinking about double skinned inflated pillows as well

As my Mum used to say "You don't know what to be on upon next!"

I have been worried about replacing the film as-well. I will put my thinking cap on

mamos

[Colin]

If you have a few grand to spare for the ETFE, that`ll solve the issue unless it gets damaged
Inflated pillows will cost twice the price plus another 500 for hardware and control. Triangular pillows don`t work too well. The Eden Project had a budget of £50m to work with

[mamos]

I know. I was only dreaming

I am trying to come up with a way of replacing the poly without dismantleing the whole dome.

Any ideas?

Mamos

[grahoom]

If you plan to cover it with poly the main issue (apart from waterproofing) is you`ll need to replace it at some point. If the design locks the poly between the triangles you`ll need to dismantle a good percentage of the structure to remove it.

But, of you had the frame and the poly triangles cut and stuck to the frame as individual (so that the frame isn't locking the poly) then you could use water proof taping along the frame where the edge of the poly triangles meet. This would mean that if you needed to replace one you could remove poly triangle from the frame and then put a new bit of poly in it's place and re seal it with tape.

It would be quite fiddly, if you are using this method

http://www.geo-dome.co.uk/article.asp?uname=hinge_panel

... not entirely sure it it's a good idea..... (I'll get my coat).

[Colin]

I wouldn`t rely on tape staying put for very long with rain and ice, especially with 60 joints to seal. A mechanical clamping method is better long term although its more expensive than tape.

Mamos, it can be done but the cost/complexity soon adds up plus it`ll be higher maintenance... doesn`t cost anything to dream though

[southeast-isher]

Not sure if already mentioned or how useful it is but seeing as the Centre for Alternative Technology is trying to raise some money thought i'd mention they sell a little factsheet on Geodesic domes which you can download as a PDF here:

http://www.cat.org.uk/catpubs/pubs_cont ... ku=PUBS_30