The Pantheon, the Taj Mahal — domes have been around for centuries and have made a comeback in recent times. Architectural domes make smart use of square footage and are economical to build and maintain.

Dome architecture to many is considered an art form and can be seen worldwide made out of different materials and in different styles. Glass domes grace museums and water parks, galleries and greenhouses. The Eden Project in England is the largest greenhouse in the world and features awe-inspiring geodesic domes. Monolithic domes are often seen in landmark theaters.

Dome construction is effective and efficient in the commercial building arena as well — for the same reasons that makes it popular in the residential world and for landscape design. Consider the following when planning your dome selection:

1. What type of dome shape and profile suits the building you are planning and/or the taste of your clients?

2. What type of floor plan will complement dome construction?

3. Can you hire a third party to construct your dome?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide on dome shape and profile taking into account cost before beginning dome construction

The dome shape and profile selected impacts the cost of materials as well as the efficiency of the dome. The oblate ellipse profile is most often a choice for residential domes, although there are many shapes and profiles from which to choose. It is important to determine just how much space your dome will require to best calculate dome cost. Because of the unique architectural elements of a dome, planning your round house is a little different than the traditional box house.

I recommend: The basic construction cost guide by Natural Spaces Domes is a chart that can help estimate cost per square foot. The online tool by Monolithic Dome saves you time by doing the math for you. Just select the options you want and the cost will be instantly calculated.

Choose a floor plan that complements the dome architecture you have selected

Once the size and square footage of a house has been agreed upon, it is time to start studying floor plans. Building a dome on your own may be daunting, so consider browsing floor plans with domes already included.

I recommend: Dome Dreams of Oklahoma's website provides a handful of small and large floor plans that include dome design. American Ingenuity Domes offers information about floor plans for residential, commercial and even handicapped accessible dome projects.

Hire a dome construction expert to build your residential or commercial dome project

Domes are an essential part of the design process for large-scale buildings like sports arenas, warehouses and even military facilities. Depending on the size and scope of your dome project, it may make sense to hire a dome expert to oversee the construction process.

I recommend: Yeadon Air Supported Structures specializes in large-scale recreational and industrial dome construction, which it refers to as air-supported structures. Summit Structures has tackled dome-style construction projects for many sports and athletic structures across the U.S.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Dome construction should be marketed as a choice that is not only attractive, but one that will save money and withstand the elements. Domes, by design, are naturally more energy efficient than alternatives like vaulted ceilings. Dome shapes are also naturally more conducive to tolerating high winds and strong weather conditions, which make them an attractive alternative in areas of the country where tornadoes and hurricanes are prevalent.