Aircrete Domestead

Project Overview for AircreteDomestead

This is an open source project, sharing everything about how to build your own aircrete dome home. Status will be presented in the next post.

The location is in the western Ozarks. It is a heavily forested place, mostly oak, with some nice topography.

The main living area is a 30 ft inside diameter aircrete dome with 7-3/4 inch thick outside walls. The equator is on top of a 39 inch tall cylinder (the first 3 coarses of 13 inch tall blocks). The inside apex will be 18 ft 3 inches. There will be a loft to be used for an office. Above the center will be a cupola with plexiglass roof and screenedvents. It includes 4 arches on the perimeter for a large south facing window and passages to the bedroom (east), sunroom (west) and front entry (nne). There will be additional smaller windows. A wood stove and propane will be used for heat. A stained cement slab floor will provide natural cooling in the summer. AirCrete domes have very little air infiltration and this wall thickness provides at least R19 insulation, like fiberglass batts in a 2×6 wall. A heat recovery ventilation system will assure fresh air inside. It’s unlikely that AC will be required.

The spacious bedroom is 20 ft diameter with a closet and large south facing window in an arch. It also has a 39 inch high equator and cupola. There will be additional smaller windows. A propane heater can be used for heating, if needed. There are fans through the entry door wall to exchange air with the big dome.

A sun room is opposite the bedroom, connected to the main dome, all on the same level. All three have passive solar from the shade of large trees on the south side which drop their leaves in the winter. A patio with grill is adjacent to the sunroom.

A 30×40 ft metal building is 20 ft north of the main dome’s front entrance, connected with gradual stairs uphill and landings outside both doors. It will have 10 and 12 ft doors, plus 2 walk through doors and 3 windows. The roof will be used for water collection and solar. Water will be stored, filtered and purified inside the building. Insulation and a propane stove will be used to assure it stays above freezing. A wood stove may be added later.