In Saint Bernard, Louisiana, Max Begue has a deep affection for coastal living, but the haunting memories of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 lingered in his mind. Witnessing his home and neighborhood vanish like mirages, he faced a pivotal decision—to stay or leave.
Unlike many who departed, Begue opted to remain and devised a unique solution: a geodesic dome home constructed from over 300 interlocking triangles, designed to disperse the formidable forces of wind.
Explaining his choice, Begue remarked, “I built the dome because I didn’t want to go through the process of losing another house.” This innovative home can endure hurricane winds exceeding 200 mph, rendering it virtually impervious to such tempests. Initially met with skepticism, Begue’s spherical abode is now gaining recognition as an emblem of resilience and ingenuity.
The strength of dome homes lies in their ability to withstand the most unforgiving natural disasters. Their structural design, particularly when crafted from robust materials like concrete, equips them to brave wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
The distinctive dome shape not only allows for the dispersion of immense weight but also enhances their ability to endure extreme conditions. While the construction costs tend to be higher than traditional homes, the increased odds of survival make them a prudent choice in disaster-prone areas.
The advantages of dome homes extend beyond their exceptional durability. These structures are also exemplars of energy efficiency, as their reduced surface area minimizes heat exchange with the environment. Max Begue’s monthly electric bills, often less than $100, are a testament to the energy savings, amounting to about one-third of what his neighbors pay.
Dome-shaped architecture has a rich history in the United States, with iconic examples such as the world’s first domed stadium, the Houston Astrodome, and the stately iron dome of the U.S. Capitol. Abeer Saha, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., emphasizes the need to recognize the versatility of geodesic domes. “We really want to be able to show how geodesic domes are not just stable and resilient, but they are also imminently efficient, and portable, and practical,” she noted.
As the world grapples with the intensifying impacts of climate change, housing and structural choices take on greater significance. Saha believes that society must shift its focus towards more resilient and sustainable options.
To underscore this message, the Smithsonian recently resurrected Weatherbreak, the first geodesic dome built in North America, after spending four decades in storage. Originally constructed in 1950 in Montreal, Canada, this enduring structure serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and adaptability of dome-shaped homes.