As part of the visionary Acorn Farm project at St. Columb’s Park in Londonderry, VikingDome is proud to supply a stunning 20‑metre diameter glass dome, designed using our robust and versatile T‑STAR frame system.
This geodesic glass dome serves as the striking architectural centerpiece, anchoring an innovative urban growing space dedicated to sustainable practices, community engagement, and environmental education
The Acorn Farm initiative, backed by a £6.2 million investment, will empower local communities by delivering resilient infrastructure, a Green Skills learning hub, and a dynamic platform for horticultural innovation.
The glass dome is envisioned not just as a greenhouse, but as a beacon of climate-smart design and public inspiration.
Building specifications
1. General information
Dome shape/pattern – ICOSAHEDRON geodesic dome
Frequency – F6
Dome diameter – 20 m
Height – 10,4 m
Floor area – 290 m²
Volume – 2100 m³
2. Cover – glass units
Total glass cover area – 593 m²
Total number of glass units – 350 pcs
Openable windows – 20 pcs
Clear glass units – 230 pcs, 371 m²
Tinted insulated glass units – 100 pcs, 167 m²
Opaque insulated glass units – 16 pcs, 22.2 m²
Total weight – 28207 kg
Average weight per glass unit – 67 kg
3. Steel frame
T-STAR connectors – 199 pcs, weight – 1485 kg
T70 Struts – 548 pcs, 8301 kg
T70 Struts total length – 997 m
Bolt M16x45, Zinc, 10.8 Class – 2250 pcs
Nut with nylon M16, Zinc, 10 Class – 2250 pcs
Washer M16, Zinc – 4500 pcs
Anchor bolt,HILTI 2333577 HUS4-H 16x165 80/35 – 120 pcs
Steel frames for entrances – 2050 kg
Total steel weight – 11840 kg
Country of raw materials - Italy
4. Aluminum profiles for glass unit installation
Quantity – 548 pcs
Total length – 997 m
Total weight – 499 kg
ALU transom fixing bolts, M5x10. Quantity – 2650 pcs
5. EPDM gasket for glass unit installation
Level 1 – 455 m
Level 2 – 385 m
Level 3 – 420 m
6. Additional fall arrest stainless steel frame on the top of the dome
Total weight – 180 kg
Material – Stainless steel
Total quantity of elements (single parts) – 27110 pcs
Why Our T‑STAR System Is the Perfect Fit
-
Exceptional Structural Strength & Versatility
Our T‑STAR system features precision-engineered star-shaped connectors (hubs) paired with a variety of frame materials—steel, aluminum, glued timber, or fiberglass—ensuring adaptability to diverse design requirements
-
Clean, Light-Flooded Aesthetics
The minimalist metal connectors allow for maximum transparency—ideal for a glass dome where uninterrupted views and daylight are essential.
-
Fast, Accurate Assembly
With numbered, CNC-cut connectors and pre-cut, marked struts, the T‑STAR system enables smooth logistics and on-site assembly—a practical advantage for a large 20 m dome installation.
-
Proven Load Performance
Engineered to endure snow loads up to 10 kN/m² and hurricane-force conditions, T‑STAR ensures the longevity and safety of our glass dome—even in challenging climates
-
Customizable Design
The system supports complex geometries—from high domes to icosahedrons and customized architectural forms—allowing Acorn Farm’s dome to be as structurally sophisticated as it is visually compelling
Video