Re: Alternative Building Concepts..

The cal-earth site is very interesting. It reminds me of the coil method for doing pottery. In fact, it looks to be a lower cost alternative to this:

http://www.monolithic.com/

Look around this site a bit, don't let the first page throw you off. This is the same basic dome design, but made out of concrete. It is my husbands dream to build one of these...but you need to buy the balloon form, plans & a shot-crete machine. That's the machine that sprays the concrete. Of course, I suppose you could rent one...?

The dome structure in and of itself is marvelous. Wind, hurricane & tornado proof. Well insulated because of the thick walls. We had the opportunity to see a dome home near us and it was fabulous being surrounded by curves rather than walls. The funny thing was that the owners had decorated in traditional american style, heavy dark wood furniture, lace, etc. It looked kind of strange with the organic curves and the desert light...:)

Thanks for that link, Ladylove! That definitly looks like a viable alternative to the monolithic! although my husband LOVES machines...(lucky for me)... :) Tweet