Posted on 01/04/2012 4:03:06 PM PST by smokingfrog
Normally, when someone asks for the remote, it’s because they want to undertake some serious TV channel surfing. But in one unique home located just 90 minutes north of New York City, playing with the remote control will set the entire wooden house spinning on its axis.
This dome home was, in fact, built on an electronically-controlled axle. So with a push of a button, the 3,000-square-foot New Paltz home for sale can rotate 360 degrees. In five orbital minutes, the house, which is on the market for $1.2 million, will turn one full rotation.
The owners of this circular domicile aren’t constantly on the spin cycle. The feature is used to take advantage of the sun for the home’s solar energy needs. Each season, the home is rotated for maximum efficiency, explained listing agent Anne Rajs.
While the home looks similar to geodesic dome homes, it was built using a kit from France called Domespace and is the only structure like it that has been constructed in the U.S.
“It does look like a space ship,” said Rajs, “But it’s an amazing home. It’s the coolest home I’ve ever seen.”
(Excerpt) Read more at pressherald.com ...
Actually domes are increasingly efficient, and there is no wasted space. Also they are almost indestructible in a tornado or hurricane, as the wind just zips right over the shape.
And a bif one is yo don’t need surround sound for movie watching.
We rented a geodesic dome house in Juneau, Alaska back in the early 80’s - lived there about 2 years, liked it but not enough to build our own.
Oh good grief, is everyone supposed to walk on the walls?
Can only say; ‘there’s no place like dome’. . .
Rather inconveniently shaped attics at the least I’d think.
Any shape envelope can be made (energy) efficient given time and/or money. However, other considerations must take account, too. As far as space goes, I doubt that a sphere can ever be as effective for living space as thoughtful conventional housing. One might appreciate the ‘spaciousness’ of the dome and consider that a wise use of space but a waste is still a waste - even in homes with vaulted ceilings. I used to think a dome would be cool back in my Buckey Fuller days, but practicality has been brought home to me too many times to follow those dreams anymore.
However, to each his/her own.
Well, that is a good point, no attic.
>> “But how did this, with its need for flexible piping and wiring, ever get past the code bureaucrats? <<
.
Rotating plumbing and electrical fittings are not particularly unusual.
We moved from a 2200 sq ft regular place to a 2000 sq ft dome, and have been unable to even fill up the draws and cupboards.
The dome has more storage that I ever imagined possible.
However, we have now moved to a beach community and that has great appeal as well, not very much storage though.
There was an in depth article on this house in Fine Home Building about 10 years ago. Its not all spherical.
Who needs pictures when you have such a nice view?
And that would be the COOLEST part of it.
And I'd walk the house to new places.
Kinda like a hamster ball, but for humans.
A REAL Man-Cave
This man spent a lot less - got a lot more - super well insulated by nature, catches/captures sun/heat from the south...stays warm in winter, cool in summer.
I’d take this over the other one any day...and he even gets free peaches ;o)
http://www.newsandjava.com/watchfoxnewslive.htm
scroll down for video - LOVE this place!
He bought an old abandoned, brush choked quarry/abandoned ‘homes’ - and created an ‘Eden Estate”...all it took was some initial vision -
I have no doubt that what you have experienced is true. Of the millions of homes available today, I would regard very few as being “thoughtful” designs. Your success in storage is due to the number of “drawers and cupboards” not, necessarily, the actual utility of the space.
A fixed axis with the plumbing?
True. And Fanny Mae and Feddie Mac have put the kiss of death on dome home, hay bale and log homes.....they will not insure/invest in them so they have become valueless,
so if you try and refi or get a new loan you can’t.
We really enjoyed our dome, but really living in a beach community is way more fun.
I dunno ... I know some people who are as round as that house. Maybe they fit a little better.
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