Скачать или смотреть Monolithic Dome Homes: Built Inside a Giant Balloon for Strength & Efficiency

What if the world’s strongest, most energy-efficient home started life inside a giant inflatable balloon? That’s the surprising reality of monolithic dome construction—a building method as innovative as it is resilient. The “balloon” is actually a custom-engineered Airform: a precisely sewn, PVC-coated fabric membrane designed to hold exact architectural curves under controlled air pressure. Once inflated, workers spray several inches of polyurethane foam onto the Airform’s interior. This foam serves a dual purpose: it provides exceptional insulation (R-values often exceeding R-60) and acts as a stable base to anchor a grid of steel rebar. Next, a specialized concrete called shotcrete is pneumatically applied in a seamless 3- to 6-inch layer over the rebar, creating a single, unified shell that merges walls and roof into one continuous structure. The result? A home that can withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes—thanks to its aerodynamic shape, lack of seams, and steel-reinforced concrete. While the Airform can technically be deflated and reused, it’s usually left in place as permanent, weather-resistant cladding. Though the concrete shell cures in about 24 hours, full build-out—including electrical, plumbing, and interiors—takes weeks, not months, and is still significantly faster than traditional construction. More than a novelty, monolithic domes represent a fusion of ancient geometry and modern materials—offering safety, sustainability, and speed in one remarkable form.