Frequently asked commercial questions answered:What is the advantage of the SOLARDOME® glasshouse geodesic dome?SOLARDOME® geodesic domes are aerodynamic, wind resistant and enormously strong – even in hurricane force winds and high snow loadings. They also have superior air circulation compared to traditional square glass buildings. Are they only used for growing?Although a SOLARDOME® glasshouse is scientifically proven to be the best environment and shape for growing they are also elegant, and create a calming, light and airy environment perfect for any outdoor use. What have they been used for in a commercial setting?Any outdoor project you can think of from a roof garden or skylight, to a community project centre piece, visitor centre café, observatory, butterfly dome, patient rehabilitation centre, research centre or outdoor classroom. Any where that needs a glass structure that makes a design feature. Are they structurally sound?They are designed to comply and exceed British wind and snow loading standards. No other glasshouse is as strong in extreme weather conditions. Please ask if you would like to see our certificate of design conformity or our structural analysis. What are SOLARDOME® geodesic domes made of?SOLARDOME® geodesic domes are made from non corrosive mil finished aluminium components and 4mm toughened glass cladding. The frames have a grey powder coated finish to all exterior surfaces, and all fittings are made with stainless steel. Do you do bespoke sizes or designs?We have a design department available for bespoke projects ie different sizes or if you would like to merge or link two domes together. We can design any dome size up to 25m diameter. For the larger domes from 10-25m we can build to your exact project specification. We can only design using geodesic shapes. Please ask us for more details on any individual requirements. Do SOLARDOME® Industries install the domes?We either offer an install service for any of our geodesic domes or you can use a local contractor with our detailed assembly instructions. If we build the dome we provide a 1 year installation guarantee. Do you need a solid base or foundation for a SOLARDOME® geodesic dome?We recommend our geodesic domes are put on a level concrete base. Please ask for a copy of our base specification sheet when you know what model you are interested in. At a minimum there must be a level solid base under the circumference of the dome's foundation plates – if to be used for growing purposes. Is it easy to enter a SOLARDOME® geodesic dome in a wheelchair?Yes. The entry has a very low sill which allows easy access for wheelchairs or wheelbarrows etc. The door width depends on the model chosen but has a minimum aperture of 750cm. We can also design double entrance ways if required. Do SOLARDOME® glasshouses require planning and building controls?You will need to liaise with your local planning authority to see whether planning is required in the proposed location. Building controls are generally not required in the two smaller models as they are less than 30m2. For the larger domes it depends on usage if they are not being used for growing it is best to check with the local building control department. We can provide you with a full technical document you can use for Building Controls. How suitable are they for a public setting?Our SOLARDOME® geodesic domes make a real design feature and generate much interest in a public setting. Although they are still clad in glass they are much more robust than a traditional single glazed glass building. 4mm Toughened glass is used as standard and panes of glass rarely break due to the unique way the glass is held in the triangles and is never under tension. Domes can generally withstand large balls bashing against them or stones hurled from a distance. However, in extreme cases if you are worried about vandalism we recommend a safety film over the glass to hold it in place in case of breakages or if necessary you can use polycarbonate panels. What services do you provide?
What other cladding options are there?We can provide any 4mm thick section ie wood, metal, obscured styppolite glass, acrylic or solid polycarbonate; we can also provide a UV reflective film to go over the glass. These are additional costs and will need a separate quotation. Do the domes get really hot in summer?The dome will get hot in the summer if the sun is out as it will always be several degrees hotter than the external temperature, however, it won’t get as hot as a standard glasshouse if all the ventilation is open. Ventilation is provided at base, mid and roof levels so the hot air can escape and not build up. When all the ventilation is open the normal difference in temperature between inside and out is about 7-10°C, in the shade. The dome is perfect for a minimum of spring and autumn use to extend the time spent in the outdoors. Do SOLARDOME® glasshouses stay warm in winter?In winter close down the windows and the dome will heat up several degrees, especially when it is very cold but the sun is out. It is also ideal for cutting out the wind chill factor. It will require roughly 40% less heating in the winter than a standard greenhouse due to the geodesic shape with reduced overall volume for its area and as two panes of glass are always at right angles to the sun’s rays even in low winter sun heating it up naturally. Can I put facilities in the dome?Yes we recommend you install electrics and a water supply if needed when the base is being constructed. Our base specification sheets provide recommendations on where to put the ducts. Please note - If you put electrics in the dome they must be rated for outdoor use. How long does a SOLARDOME® glasshouse last?Solardome geodesic domes have been in production for 40 years and the original models are nearly all still going strong. The current domes are made with non-corrosive materials and are virtually maintenance free. A Dome should last well over 30 years if looked after. How do you clean them?We recommend washing the dome with a telescopic pole with a window cleaning kit attached or a jet power wash from a distance at least once a quarter – to keep it looking as good as new. Can I have extra doors and windows?Yes you can have up to 3 doors in a dome at a 72 degrees difference to each other. Can I build it on a wall?Yes a small wall roughly 30cm high. It would need to be wide enough for the base plates to sit on roughly 23-30cm wide (refer to site prep info). It is advisable to only have one door if it is on a wall. We need to know if you are building it on a wall when the order is placed as you will require a bespoke longer door and doorframe to fit it. Is it water proof?If sealed properly around the nodal points and along the glazing bars when erecting the dome it will be water tight. The dome must be sealed in the dry to ensure a good seal. You will also need to flash the dome between the base plates and the concrete base. What about condensation?They are single glazed outdoor rooms so there will be condensation inside on the glass when there is a temperature differential and the glass is colder than the dew point. This is more noticeable in winter, especially when there is no sun. To reduce or clear condensation open up all the ventilation in particular the roof vents. If the sun is out this will be enough to clear it quickly. In the winter you may need a dehumidifier and or a heater if you want it to clear fully. I hope this has given you a good understanding of how to use our domes in a commercial setting. If you have any other questions please do get in contact and we will be happy to help. For other questions please see our domestic and school FAQs. All information above copyright of Solardome Industries limited. |