Earth Base Zero

Phase 2

Geodesic Dome Project Photo

1981

Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The neighbor’s youngest son, Paul Dudley, and I assembling dome triangles in early spring 1981.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Framed up triangles ready for 1/2” plywood sheathing.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
In the summer of 1981, this was to be the site of a new 39 foot diameter dome.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
With gravel brought in by David Merry, formwork could begin.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Pipe stubs-ups in place.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Screed guides, furring strips, and wire mesh in place.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Brother-in-law, Neil Willis and I screeding.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Neil power trowels the slab.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Using a 12” radial arm saw and abrasive blade to cut 36 degree corner blocks for the dome base.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Placing a base wall of concrete blocks.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Using a better idea, Al Carter and I assemble the bottom pentagons flat on the ground.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
It’s a cold Columbus Day weekend, and my parents shiver as they watch.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Al and I keep moving to keep warm.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The first pentagon is walked into place.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
With two pentagons propped in place, it’s time to bring hexagon triangles to bridge the gap.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The center hex triangle will lock everything in place.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Working our way around, bridging the propped up pentagons.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
End of first day’s work.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Ron Hunter came from New Sharon to help on the second day.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Paul Dudley manning one of the 2×4 support posts.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
End of day two from Neighbor Dudley’s back yard.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The backyard in October colors.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Closing in the top on day three. Al Carter’s staging was invaluable.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The final top pentagon left to go.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The top will be about 18 feet above the slab.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Each panel was held in place with C-clamps while being drilled and bolted.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
One more to go.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The final panel is pulled up the outside.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
It takes persuasion with a sledgehammer, but it fits.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
End of day three from in back of Dudley’s.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
My Farmall Cub reared up while pulling on a boulder.
I was able to tip it on its side just before being crushed between the tractor and boulder.
That finished work for that day.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
David Merry came to the rescue again, and righted the tractor with his backhoe. No damage done.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
First snow while framing wall openings for doors and windows.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Shingling is very time consuming. It’s November already, so Joseph and Weldon Brown were hired to help.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Staging was of little use. Roof jacks became necessary.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Shingling took from November 3rd until December 1st.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The 35′ semi trailer had been purchased from Micky Marden the previous year to store my Taylorcraft and the prefabbed dome panels.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The start of an office in the back part of the new dome.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
The snow really drifts around these round buildings.
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
Geodesic Dome Project Photo
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