Step by Step DOME CONSTRUCTION MANUAL

The following pages outline the recommended order of assembly for your new Dome. You will see that the framework or ‘STRUTS’ are represented by the colours, GREEN, BLUE and RED. Your entire Dome frame will be made using only 3 different length struts. * The GREEN is the LONGEST strut (approximately 80 struts) * The BLUE is the MIDDLE length strut (approximately 55 struts) * The RED is the SHORTEST strut (approximately 30 struts). NOTE : There will also be some short length braces that attach the entrance hoop to the geodesic frame. It is a good idea to place your struts into 3 separate piles because there is not an obvious difference between the length of the Middle and the Longest struts. You will see that the struts are marked at the crimped ends where the bolts go. Your Dome kit will also contain: Baseplates, Curved Entrance Door struts, Nuts &amp; Bolts, and the Dome Cover

Additional Notes: The previous steps show the assembly of a 3 V (also known as a 3 frequency) Dome using the “bottom - up” method. It should be noted that some Dome Builders prefer to use an alternative “top - down” method. This has proven to be the most popular way of assembling large Domes where a crane can be used to support and lift the structure as rows are added by workers at ground level. A smaller Dome can also be built using this method as the frame is relatively easy to lift with the help of 2 or 3 people. The main advantage of this method is that you are not working above the ground and the Dome does not need any support during construction - which may be required in the “bottom - up” method. REMEMBER - WHICHEVER METHOD YOU USE - DO NOT TIGHTEN THE FRAME BOLTS UNTIL ALL THE STRUCTURE IS FINISHED. DOME FRAMES NEED TO BE LOOSE ENOUGH TO DEVELOP THEIR ROUND SHAPE FIRST. ONCE ALL THE STRUTS ARE IN PLACE AND THE DOME IS SITED WHERE YOU WANT BEGIN TO TIGHTEN ALL THE BOLTS - YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT HOW STIFF THE STRUCTURE BECOMES ! When all the bolts are tight, you can then fit your new Dome Cover. Don’t be too concerned if it shows a few wrinkles. In time, these will stretch out and the cover will be tight. Don’t leave the cover sitting on the frame untethered. Wind can lift off your cover and you will have to start over. Secure the cover properly and then re-tension it again when the Cover has warmed and softened up a little bit. Now you can enjoy your new Dome. You have created a unique space that will reward you with a feeling of serenity as well as the practicality of being protected from the weather.

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