Geodesic Dome Structures and Geometries
Round geometric shapes came into our lives from nature. Today, dome construction forms an integral part of biophilic design, which has 6 principles:
1. Environmental features.
2. Natural shapes and forms.
3. Restorative patterns and processes.
4. Light and space.
5. Place-based relationships.
6. Evolved human-nature relationships.
1. Environmental features.
2. Natural shapes and forms.
3. Restorative patterns and processes.
4. Light and space.
5. Place-based relationships.
6. Evolved human-nature relationships.
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Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983) was an American architect and philosopher who developed numerous inventions, mainly architectural designs and popularized the widely known Geodesic Dome.
VikingDome Technologies
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Possible Dome Structures and Geometric Shapes
VikingDome has a wide range of geometries to offer - our many years of experience allow us to provide unique solutions to suit your needs.
Geodesic Dome Shape & Frequency
Geodesic domes are created from triangles, hexagons, and pentagons. When six equilateral triangles come together at a single point, they form a 2-dimensional hexagon.
Each dome is part of a whole sphere. Numbers denote the part or division of a sphere during the slash. Dome 1/2 means it's half a sphere. Dome 1/4 means it's a quarter of a globe.
Each dome is part of a whole sphere. Numbers denote the part or division of a sphere during the slash. Dome 1/2 means it's half a sphere. Dome 1/4 means it's a quarter of a globe.
A dome of the same diameter and height can be made of a smaller or larger amount of parts. The higher the frequency, the more parts are used for the same area, and the rounder and more beautiful the dome. This is called the dome frequency F (others are denoted by V). The most popular frequencies are F2, F3, F4. The number is unlimited. But there is a relationship between frequency and the physical size of the dome. It's impossible to make a small dome with a very high frequency, and a big dome with a low frequency. Here the properties of materials and the size of a building are connected to mathematics and geometry.
Think of the triangle plate's size when choosing a dome F (frequency) and size. Many sheet building materials have limited dimensions. If you want a facade with a triangular panel in one unit, the triangle must fit on the boards. Therefore, the optimal size of the triangle, where one side is no longer than 1000-1500mm. Larger triangles are suitable for PVC tarpaulin coatings or custom projects.
Geodesic Dome Strength
Geodesic domes are exceedingly strong when considering both vertical and wind loads. But this only applies to the entire dome when geometries are divided by triangles.
However, if cuts are made in the shape of the dome, when it is desired to install wide doors or otherwise change the dome's architecture, it is necessary to install reinforcements. For reinforcements, VikingDome usually recommends wooden or steel custom made dome constructions, door or gate frames
ICO Geometry
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ICO – Icosahedron – is the most common, classic dome structure geometry.
Part of a sphere, dividing the carcass into triangles.
The higher the frequency of knots and details, the rounder and more beautiful the dome looks.
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After removing the panoramic window from the ICO dome, we get the original shape of the roof-stage-gazebo.
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HEXA Geometry
HEXA – Truncated Icosahedron – is a modified Icosahedron. Part of a sphere.
Hexagonal division of the frame. One of the latest and most modern geometries in frame constructions.
The smaller the honeycomb, the more STAR connectors are needed. For HEXA dome constructions, STAR assemblies must be in two layers.
ZOME Geometry
ZOME is an imposing dome with top geometry.
Part of an irregular sphere with a pointed top. Dividing the carcass into diamonds.
OCTA Geometry
OCTA – Octahedron – has an excellent symmetrical geometry that allows you to “cut” the OCTA dome (which makes it more complex with the ICO).
OCTA geometry allows you to create a half or fourth of a dome. Part of the sphere ½, and vertical cuts. It is dividing the carcass into triangles.
TUNNEL OCTA Geometry
TUNNEL OCTA – a hybrid geometry consisting of a split-side OCTA with an embedded arched tunnel. The total length of the TUNNEL OCTA can be easily changed by inserting or removing arches. Thus, dividing the frame into triangles and rectangles.
TUNNEL ICO – a modified Icosahedron. The total length of the TUNNEL ICO is fixed. Dividing the carcass into triangles.
QUADRO geometry
QUADRO – modified ICO or OCTA geometries. Rectangular roof dome constructions. Dividing the carcass into triangles.
Freeform Geometry
FREEFORM - If none of the geometries fits your needs, we are open to any custom projects – we can make pretty much anything you can imagine.
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