Garden Dome 1

Try out the paper model for a quick mini dome that demonstrates the unique shape and symmetry.
Cut out around the perimeter, bend a slight crease using a straight edge on each interior line,
then tape the pieces together on the inside.

Print 5 of the model pattern section below to make the paper dome, taped together in the pattern above.
Use thicker paper for best results. Match up and tape adjacent lines to obtain the dome shape.
More info on paper model making

With plenty of room and height, this dome is practical for use in areas of limited space. A unique design not seen very often. The 12 foot model is shown here, covered with colored poly-tarp, Woven Super-Poly and standard non woven greenhouse film.

Garden Dome 1 is a Class II 2 frequency icosahedral dome. It makes a great looking, strong and functional dome.

This pictorial illustration (scanned from a pen an ink drawing) of the original frame
shows the height/diameter relationship and how simply and effectively a volume of space is enclosed
with a minimum of materials.

The revised dome - top, front, side profile views and a pictorial.

Click above image to see a larger photo of the 2 x 4 frame work. Practical sizes:  about 8 to 28 ft. diameter, available in complete Frame Kits or Connector Kits.

• If the longest struts  are 8 ft,  (blue in above drawing) diameter is 23 ft. and this size dome can be conveniently covered with right triangle panels made from 4 x 8 ft sheets, with X1 subdivision struts dividing each triangle in half. Applies to the GD1 E.Z. also.
• If the longest struts are 10 ft, dome diameter is almost 29 ft.
• 12'- 6" is suggested for a good small dome size, where two struts are cut from a standard length 8 ft board.

One level of triangles could be deleted for a shorter dome. Specify your size requirement and wood size- 1 x 2 to 2 x 6 or other dome type: aluminum, steel etc.

This 12'-6"  diameter dome is approximately 9 feet tall = 75% of diameter.
Domes have a wonderful glow when lit up at night:

I remodelled this dome with the new Base Option "Evolution" design, with plywood siding and new 10 mil Super Poly to replace the orange and blue poly tarps that had deteriorated over the years. An aluminum storm door was fitted in a hexagon area. Total height was raised about 1 foot.


EVOLUTION of the Garden Dome 1
The dome has aquired a door retrofit, base extensions, more floor area, and two cupola types.
Click to see several pages of illustrations and descriptions of the Garden Dome 1 Evolution

Illustrations of the 26 ft dome and X1 type

New Image Album of the 2 x 4 16 ft Garden Dome 1 and Garden Dome 1-X1

The Garden Dome 1 E.Z. is the Edge Zenith version of this dome.

Related: check out the Dodeca House and the Dodecapod

With shortened slanted base of the Dodecapod design

The 26 ft dome with VBO, door and window

GD1-X1 H.Z. Hexagon Zenith version

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