Monolithic

How To...

Sometimes folks who like the look and shape of a Monolithic Dome and really would like one hesitate. They begin worrying about the finishing and upkeep of a nonconventional structure. For that reason, Monolithic maintains this How To Section. It includes articles that deal with construction-related issues, such as a “Start of Construction Checklist.” Other articles give detailed descriptions for doing the finishing, such as framing the dome’s interior, installing an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), and cleaning an Airform. We frequently add topics to this section and work hard at keeping all the information easy to understand and current.

  

Spray-in-Place Concrete Fences: How to Get Just the Look You Want

How-to Articles

Image: Spray-in-place security

Monolithic has a 25-page manual that details the start-to-finish steps for building an attractive, permanent and economical concrete fence. It comes with diagrams and photos of the construction process and includes a discussion of shotcrete and concrete design mix. (Continued…)

Basic Steps for Applying Shotcrete to a Monolithic Dome

How-to Articles

Image: Fully Equiped

In the construction of a Monolithic Dome, it’s best to follow time-tested, basic steps when spraying shotcrete. (Continued…)

The Foundation: Using an Integrated Floor System

How-to Articles

Image: Airform Ready

When it comes to building a Monolithic Dome’s foundation, do-it-yourselfers have a choice: they can contract the concrete work, or with able-bodied help they can tackle the job themselves. (Continued…)

Starting a Monolithic Dome Construction Company

How-to Articles

Image: Applying Shotcrete

Starting and operating a Monolithic Dome construction company is a challenge. It is not for the faint of heart. But how else can you have the sense of accomplishment you get from building such fine structures, using your own skills? Your efforts will benefit others, and you will leave a legacy of buildings that will be used throughout the next millennium. (Continued…)

If it's merely a matter of manpower...

Residential Plan & Design

Whether you are a seasoned Monolithic Dome Builder or building your first EcoShell, sometimes you’ll need a little help. That’s where we come in. (Continued…)

Exterior Window Treatments: A Primer

Residential Plan & Design

Image: Side shapes and arch shapes

When designing your dome for residential or commercial use, it’s worth thinking through multiple construction possibilities early in your planning. Floor plans and fixtures might take up the bulk of your time, but an often overlooked issue is the dressing out of your exterior windows. (Continued…)

Considerations for Arched Window Bucks in Airform Augments

More About the Monolithic Airform

Image: Side view of augment showing height difference of window buck

So after all the back-slapping, hand-shaking and fan fair during the Airform inflation, you’re finally ready to get down to the business of interior construction. From inside, you’re admiring the eye-catching, organic shape of the inflated Airform and the ethereal translucence as the sunlight filters through fabric, when a contractor derails your train of thought. (Continued…)

Patching Airforms

How-to Articles

Image: A Tear in an Airform

When dealing with something as “delicate” as an Airform (Airforms are as tough as a boot but because of their weight they seem delicate), rips and holes will happen. The best way to deal with these problems is to be prepared for them. This article reviews a few of the things you can do to fix such problems. (Continued…)

How to Cover a Monolithic Dome with Tile or Rock

How-to Articles

Image: Morelia, Mexico

Covering a Monolithic Dome with tile can be both practical and beautiful. (Continued…)

Metal Cladding For Domes: The Why And The How

How-to Articles

Image: Bruco

Why would someone want to cover a Monolithic Dome with metal cladding? David South, Monolithic’s president, says, “Metal cladding is an arrow in the quiver – a problem solver – that’s especially useful when things get really nasty.” (Continued…)

Blistering - Taking Care of a Common Problem

Airforms How-To

Blistering on a Monolithic Dome is usually minimal because of the materials used. Nevertheless, at times blisters will occur. Each time the sun gets hot on that same spot, it increases the size of the blister as the vapors expand. (Continued…)

Do-It-Yourself Inset Openings

How-to Articles

Image: Figure 10

Openings in a Monolithic Dome can be made in several ways. (Continued…)

Installing Augment Frames

How-to Articles

Image: Attach Stakes

In a Monolithic Dome, an augment is an extension of the Airform. That extension creates a vertical surface, beyond the curve of the dome, where a door or window can be installed. A smooth augment is achieved by properly planning the Airform. (Continued…)

Shotcrete Mix Design for 9 cubic foot mixers

How-to Articles

Concrete mix design varies from job to job due to different types of materials and other conditions. However, we have found a mix design that works well in most areas. (Continued…)

How to Attach an Airform

Airforms

Image: Preparing Ring Beam

The Airform is a highly engineered fabric structure that should be handled with great care. Many factors enter into its attachment to the concrete foundation. (Continued…)

Do-It-Yourself Monolithic Cabin

Cabin Articles

Building the actual shell of the Monolithic Cabin takes a lot of specialized equipment, trained manpower and a specialized form called a casting bed. Therefore, we suggest that you consider having Monolithic build the shell and you finishing the Cabin. (Continued…)

A Monolithic Anchor Point Provides Safety

Dome Building Accessories

Image: Anchor Points

Tasks such as cleaning, repairing, painting or covering the outside of a Monolithic Dome often means workers must climb to the dome’s top and move along its curved roof. For working atop any Monolithic Dome, a correctly installed, permanently set Monolithic Anchor Point is the simplest and most secure. (Continued…)

Inflating an Airform and Regulating Air Pressure

Airforms How-To

Image: Done!

When constructing a Monolithic Dome, proper inflation of the Airform and continual regulation of air pressure are as important as clean foam and Shotcrete application. (Continued…)

Airform Handling and Repairs

Airforms How-To

Image: A Monolithic Dome Airform

An Airform is a highly engineered fabric structure. Because of its expense, extreme care should be taken not to damage it. The most likely time to damage the Airform is while transporting it to the job site; spreading it; attaching it; and inflating it. (Continued…)

How to Build a Monolithic Dome

How-to Articles

Image: Step One: Foundation

Monolithic Domes are constructed following a patented method that requires a tough, inflatable Airform, steel-reinforced concrete and a polyurethane foam insulation. Each of these ingredients is used in a technologically specific way. (Continued…)