Virtually Indestructible Spray Foam SAFE DOME Provides Hurricane Protection

Unique Design Creates Self Sustaining Energy Use

Introduction

Most people are un-aware of foam domes, and although they are extremely efficient, and potentially popular, chances are slim you will be able to find local contractors capable of doing the work. There are some contractors capable of building high quality Foam Dome homes, however, there are very few, and they are spread throughout the USA.

Below: The custom 30 foot Safe Dome below, built by DRD Enterprises in South Florida, is a virtually indestructible storm shelter. The dome is a completely off-the grid, self sustaining structure.


Foam is relatively new technology, and foam dome homes are economical to make. However, until the public is more informed about their availability, and until contractors can make such homes efficiently while keeping them aesthetically pleasing as well, we probably wont expect such structures to catch on and become main stream.

The Hurricane Proof “Safe Dome”

Due to the disasters caused by hurricanes such as Katrina and Ike, the demand for superior, disaster-proof storm shelters has been on the rise. DRD enterprises of Davie, Florida built the “Safe Dome”, a weather-proof disaster shelter, ten feet in diameter, capable of withstanding 200+ MPH winds. The dome is self sustaining, and capable of lasting off the gird indefinitely, with a custom system of solar panels, capable of supplying the energy needed to heat or cool the dome to 78 degrees Fahrenheit year round.


Below: This safe dome below is a pre-built structure with the dimensions 10 feet in diameter, 9 feet high, and weighs 8 tons. A dome is several times stronger than a square structure, so this an optimal design for a virtually indestructible storm shelter.

Self Sustaining Green Building

Three inches of 3lb closed cell polyurethane sprayed foam help insulate the dome, minimizing the amount of energy required to heat or cool the structure. In addition to the self sustaining green environment, the dome is transportable. The dome includes a grey water system and a compost toilet as well. And should the owner decide the dome is not aesthetically pleasing enough, a stucco finish or other material may be applied to the exterior of the dome. Although heated water is not yet part of the dome design, a hot water exchanger is being researched, and will hopefully be integrated into the design soon.

This is interesting. As many in the industry know, foam dome homes have been in existence for decades. However, foam dome disaster proof shelters are a new and interesting trend. With all the natural disasters in places like Florida, it's no surprise that the public interest in such shelters has grown with the increasing rate of hurricanes and other disasters.

I think it's only a matter of time before some people start demanding more weather proof homes-at least those who can afford it. I think right now there is not a lot of knowledge of foam dome structures, but I think developments like this are helping to make the public more aware than ever before.