Living in a Dome

  • Domes are more beautiful, more efficient, and safer than the average conventional home, all for about the same total build cost.

    You get an open living space, panoramic views, a structure that uses fewer materials, saves on heating and cooling, and stands up to almost anything mother nature can throw at it.

  • The high ceilings, open round layout, and wraparound windows create a feeling of spaciousness and freedom you don't normally get in conventional homes. All of the space that's traditionally used for an attic is brought down into the living area.

    Pictures and video usually don't do it justice, you have to step in one and experience it for yourself.

    Dome homeowners are incredibly proud of what they've built, and when visitors walk in for the first time, they're usually amazed by how big and open the space feels.

  • Simple: you can use what's popular in your area.

    Domes are 30-50% more efficient than conventional homes, so you get smaller energy bills and smaller heating and cooling systems.

    Our customers have used all kinds of heating and cooling systems, and we encourage efficient HVAC planning during our design phase.

  • Domeworthy homes are built to endure what traditional buildings can't. In extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, tornadoes, and windstorms, we're one of the last structures standing.

    As weather patterns continue to change, we're committed to helping you build a home that's designed to last through whatever comes next.

    Wherever you choose to live, Domeworthy can help you create a home that's built to last, no matter what conditions you face.

  • Designing and furnishing a round space can take a little creativity.

    Some areas have lower headroom, but that low space is usable and is extra square footage gained by building a sphere instead of a box.

    Some finish details are simply more custom. Interior walls meeting the curved exterior wall create compound angles, cabinetry on exterior walls takes more fitting, and finishing the inside of the triangular shell panels (drywall or tongue-and-groove) involves working with angled seams.

    Beyond that, a Domeworthy dome is built and maintained like any custom home, while being far more efficient, resilient, and aligned with nature.

  • All the photos on our website come from real dome homes and real builds.

    Our designer simply enhances them to reflect the inviting, peaceful atmosphere people experience inside.

Getting Your Dome

  • A Domeworthy kit includes the expertly crafted components that make your dome a Domeworthy dome: the structural frame, shell, and custom windows.

    Everything else like plumbing, electrical, and finishes are standard materials that can be sourced locally like any other home.

  • Building costs vary significantly based on location, size, number of windows, and finish level, generally ranging from $150 to $600 per finished square foot.

    In most cases, a custom-built Domeworthy dome is around the same price as a tract home in your region of the same size and level of finish.

    Our dome kit typically represents around 25% of your total build cost, with long-term energy savings.

  • Getting insurance is straightforward when you describe your home as a "custom home" to providers. This ensures they have plenty of comparables to work with.

    Your dome uses standard materials, meets building codes, and qualifies like any other custom home.

    We also have a list of insurance providers that dome homeowners have used in the past.

  • It depends on factors like whether you've secured land, the complexity of your design, your builder's schedule, etc.

    That said, most custom dome homes take 10-18 months from start to finish.

    It's a big investment, and taking the time to do it right means you get a home that's truly built around your life.

  • We've spent 40 years perfecting dome design and have helped restore domes from dozens of companies that no longer exist.

    We're in it for the long haul with American-made quality and a commitment to domes for life.

    We want to help build your home, not just sell you a kit.

    You get the best product plus a team that truly cares about you.

Building Process

  • You can build a Domeworthy dome almost anywhere in the U.S. Our kits are engineered to meet residential codes nationwide.

    The only restrictions we've encountered were properties that required a specific architectural theme (e.g. Spanish tile roofs).

  • We can help you through the entire process.

    First, we'll confirm your site is properly zoned for residential use. Then we'll guide the design of your home to meet your local building department's code requirements for a 'custom home.'

    To the building department, you're just building a custom home that happens to be dome-shaped.

  • Yes, you'll want an architect because even if you want to copy one of our floorplans, the land should guide your home's design.

    You could start with where your dome sits for the best view, then how the driveway flows to your entrance, then the land determines where entrances and exits make sense, which shapes the entire interior floorplan.

    We'll work with the architect to finalize a design you love and create code-compliant blueprints for permitting.

    You can work with one of our trusted dome-savvy architects, or we're happy to collaborate with a local architect of your choice.

  • You could, but we don't encourage it unless you have construction experience.

    In the 70s and 80s, many people DIY'd their own domes and many of the old dome companies encouraged their customers to as well. We love the idea of people building their own shelters by hand, but that led to a lot of flawed construction which gave domes a bad name.

    We've been building domes for over 40 years and have learned from the mistakes of the pioneers before us. We would rather help you partner with the right builder and roofing crew, so you get a roof that'll last 40+ years rather than a leaky dome from day one.

    That said, there are parts of the process that are worth considering. For example, a dome raising is a memorable event where you can gather friends, family, and neighbors to erect the frame in a day or two.

    No matter what you choose, we're always here to support you.

  • Look for experienced builders within 30 miles of your site who are excited to partner with you. They don't need any specific dome building experience.

    We provide detailed assembly manuals and any support needed throughout the process.

  • Usually no.

    Our domes exceed code requirements nationwide, including Miami-Dade County, Buffalo snow loads, and seismic zones. We provide structural reports for your building department.

    If your site requires engineering, we can connect you with a trusted structural engineer licensed in your state.

  • Look for land that excites you, ideally with views, water access, or natural beauty. Consider proximity to town, family, and services.

    If you have choices, prioritize the view and how the land makes you feel. We can help you ensure the land is buildable and suitable for your dome project.

  • Domeworthy has a specialist geodesic dome roofing crew that travels nationwide. We also have dome specialists that can work alongside your local roofing crew.

Special Projects & Partnerships

  • Yes.

  • Yes, we're able to support the creation of many kinds of custom geodesic structures, from salt storage domes to greenhouses to art installations.

  • We're always looking for partners to help people create dome homes.

    You'll get to offer your clients something truly unique: homes that are stronger, more efficient, and more beautiful than conventional builds.

    Please contact us for a discovery call.

  • Absolutely! People are increasingly interested in unique experiences, and experiential rentals are becoming very popular.

    A Domeworthy dome would be a big upgrade from a glamping dome where you can charge higher accommodation rates. The energy efficiency means lower operating costs, and the durability means less maintenance. Plus, the "wow factor" helps your listing stand out.

  • Yes! We can build any size dome down to 14' in diameter (~150 sq ft).

    We can help design it so it's as efficient as possible—maximum living space with minimal footprint, making them perfect for smaller lots or as accessory units.

    Some county’s don't require permitting under certain square footage amounts.

  • Definitely! These projects have a special place in our hearts because they embody our values of sustainable living and making the world a better place.

    We're actively looking to help eco villages or community projects.

    Domes align perfectly with sustainable living goals, and we can help design multiple structures that work together.

    From individual family domes to community gathering spaces, we're excited to help bring intentional communities to life.