Dot Earth Blog at the New York Times reports that schools in USA’s tornado zone could affordably build domed structures to survive storms. They also happen to be good candidates for green houses.
They are cost-efficient, earth-friendly, extremely durable and easily maintained. Most importantly, a Monolithic Dome uses about 50% less energy for heating and cooling than a same-size, conventionally constructed building.
– via Monolithic Dome Institute
How strong are domes?
the US Federal Emergency Management Agency rates them as “near-absolute protection” from F5 tornadoes and Category 5 Hurricanes
The Wikipedia page detailing monolithic domes includes this photo of a bombed government building in Bhagdad:
“Iraqi dome“. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
The 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) bomb put a hole in the roof, but the structure remained intact.
A Dream About a Sky Whale
They call it “The Pod” – a small house in Australia
That’s one gorgeous mid-level solar flare
US EPA and Google Earth team up with new online Tool