Monolithic

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Image: Eye of the Storm

Eye of the Storm

View of “Eye of the Storm” dome home from the beach on Sullivans Island, SC. The “Eye of the Storm” is much more than a pretty house, it also demonstrates the practical aspects of a Monolithic Dome on beach front property.

Image: Foundation

Foundation

The dome sits on a foundation attached to pilings buried deep into the ground. All concrete and steel reinforcement are interconnected. Notice the drainage pipes embedded in the dome to drain water from the deck above.

Image: Storm shutters

Storm shutters

Powered storm shutters, designed to withstand a 2 × 4 at 100 miles per hour, protect the windows and the occupants inside. During a power failure, all the shutters may be manually closed in a short period of time.

Image: Garage

Garage

The bottom floor is completely open and the upper floors are actually suspended from the dome. During severe weather, storm surge can fill the entire garage without damage to the living spaces above. Repairs costs are limited to only the minor walls in the garage.

Return to Beach Front Homes: Building for Wind, Water and Corrosion story