Geodesic Dome Build - Part 2

In this episode we carry on with our Geodesic dome build. We manage to just about get the cover on with a lot of heaving and shoving! We install the panoramic window and wooden door and also get the solar vent in.
Our dome is from Trudomes and cost around £10500 and comes in kit form making it easy to assemble - preferably with more than 2 people!
Please get in touch if you have any questions!
Find us on Facebook or Instagram @tractorsandcream

[@gonzalvezalvez6572]

That's very nicely done! Thank you for sharing it with the world! Inspiring! Very nice to watch a familly joining forces, sharing a project and, facing the natural adversities of building an Hemisphear...or close to that...build another one and you will conquer the globe....well...I am not funny at all...just found out! But hey...and now I am serious...happy to see a Happy and functional familly joining efforts to achieve something beyond beautifull, a geodesic dome (Cúpula geodésica in my dialect!) Greetings from Matosinhos, Portugal!

[@TractorsandCream]

So glad you enjoyed it and lovely to hear from you over in Portugal! Vicki

[@jesperchristensen5888]

Thank you so much for sharing these videos! Great stuff..

[@TractorsandCream]

Pleasure!

[@bagobonecollective799]

You guys look like a dream team through all that hard work!! x

[@TractorsandCream]

Ah thanks! 😍

[@Peakfreud]

Vickey seems like such a lovely person

[@justicetruthvegan83]

Very helpful, thanks very much

[@barbblakey8244]

I loved watching the process. You both made it look easy ❤️🇨🇦

[@TractorsandCream]

Thanks! I'm looking back on it thinking it was quite fun but actually the reality of building 2 more this winter is dawning on me! Hopefully we've had enough practice now! Thanks, Vicki

[@rhkkhr2471]

Great job

[@VG-kn4tn]

Thanks

[@allenguimond4634]

It's hard work so it's going to be a greater reward. Thanks

[@TractorsandCream]

Absolutely! The reward is well worth all the stress! Thank you! Vicki

[@splitpierre]

That's Awesome! Thanks for sharing really, I've been wanting to learn more on the build process for steel framed geodesic domes, this is a find for me. Underappreciated video for sure, need more =D Keep the great work you two!

[@TractorsandCream]

Thank you so much! We've got 2 more domes to build next year so hopefully will be some more helpful content coming!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

You make it face South so you can get free heat in the winter from solar gain.

[@TractorsandCream]

Yes, that's why all the solar panels we have are south facing. It does get really hot in there in the summer though when the sun streams through the window!

[@rcbourlock1149]

You guys are amazing!!!

[@TractorsandCream]

Thanks! 😊

[@dailytheology1689]

Great job!!!

[@TractorsandCream]

Thank you!

[@user-zj2yl8dp6j]

Hello. I like your family attitude. I wish you success. I also want to do something like this in my country, near my house for tourists, but is it possible to make a bathroom?

[@TractorsandCream]

Thanks that's so kind! Yes we have build a bathroom inside the dome. Here is the link to the video we made about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJOzk5qofNhjgdEsi=bzG061759uCbnms- Thanks! Vicki

[@johnrogan9420]

Panoramic window!

[@thorningfarmglampingcampin7077]

Hi 👋 we’ve had a lovely evening watching your videos so much info so glad we found you 😀 we are going to purchase our first Geodesic done from Tru dome soon 😆We can’t wait. We were wondering do you keep your Domes up all year? And if you do how did you get on with storm Arwen? Thanks so much Carly

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi Carly, thanks so much for watching, glad we can be of help. That's so exciting that you are buying a Trudomes dome! Yes we keep them up all year, that was one of the main reasons we went with domes as it's a nightmare taking the yurts down and up each winter! The domes were absolutely fine during the storm, they have been amazing in any wind, it's such a strong structure. Where abouts are you guys? Let us know if we can help in any way. Thanks, Vicki

[@mariomatteis459]

I want one

[@RickyTinez]

I've been addicted to watching this process! thanks for documenting it. Question, I'm curious as to how the Dome Tent is along the bottom near the floor. Does it have a bit of an opening to the outside with extra fabric just hanging? or does it create a seal with the bolted bits?

[@TractorsandCream]

Hiya! So basically it doesn't create a good seal which means the grass grows up through into the dome and I keep having to weed in there! We could put membrane and slate chipping around the whole thing which I keep meaning to do! In the smaller dome we used pipe lagging around the edge of the ply and that has worked better to make more of an airtight gap. I'm yet to find a solution to make it have a better seal! Thanks for your comment! Vicki

[@HectorPerez-tb8hn]

new subscriber here !! thanks for sharing !!

[@TractorsandCream]

Thank you!

[@zz3804]

Hi great team work💪🏻💪🏻.. I wonder how the dome will react in extreme weather such as wind or snow...

[@TractorsandCream]

Thanks! We don't really get snow here but we get quite high winds and the domes have been absolutely fine. Much more wind resistant than our yurts.

[@gavinalexa6772]

Hae subscribed - love your work aand I am very keen to know where you purchased all of this from? - awesome effort btw - very insprired :)

[@TractorsandCream]

Ah thanks! - We get our domes and all the kit from Trudomes - a UK based manufacturer who are brilliant!

[@infocus-media]

Now the question is, how many of those sunsets will you enjoy in old Blighty? my guess is 7 or maybe 8 per year LOL!

[@TractorsandCream]

Ah, you are right, England isn't known for its sunshine but actually over the summer we get some beautiful sunsets most nights. It's the stuff holiday memories are made of!

[@jcfloreslumanog8033]

You guys are amazing!!! 🖤🖤

[@TractorsandCream]

Aww, thanks! 😊

[@jillystockton2934]

How have you found the dome compared to the yurts? i want to buy a couple of Domes for our property in Andalucia do you have a company you would recommend and how do you think they would be in high heats? really enjoy your videos they are a great resource

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, thank you! We have gone with domes because we can leave them up all year round whereas yurts need to come up and down in the uk as it is too damp. You might be ok to keep them up all year in Andalucia though. What is the wind like? The domes are much more wind resistant. If it is very hot I would definitely say you need a solar vent and insulation or better yet if you have electric you could put an air conditioning unit in. The company we use are TruDomes and we highly recommend them. They would ship worldwide and customer service is very good. Let me know if you have any other questions, we are always happy to help. Thanks so much, Vicki

[@jillystockton2934]

@@TractorsandCream Hey ! thanks for the reply, yes its pretty windy here in the winter and it would be great if they could stay up all year round. Air conditioning could be a great idea too. i have seen some domes that you can roll up the bottom of the yurt for extra ventilation too in the summer months. Thanks for the recommendation there are a lot of companies out there so its great to get your feed back. Love your channel too, you guys are doing a great job and your content is very informative, thanks lot for sharing it and keep up the good work xxx

[@TractorsandCream]

@@jillystockton2934 ah thank you so much, it's so good to know that we can be of some help to other glamping site owners. There is such a lot to learn so it's great we can support each other. If it is windy I think domes are the way to go and yes theoretically you could roll up the bottom of the canvas and tie it onto the layer above to give a breeze in the summer. Good idea! Best of luck with your venture. Vicki

[@rexmundi8154]

Very nice! Can you tell us where you got your domes?

[@TractorsandCream]

Yes absolutely, we get them from a UK manufacturer called TruDomes. We just did an interview with them about what makes their domes different. Which country are you in? Thanks, Vicki

[@anitanedeljkov3146]

Is this good for winter ?? Did it came with a door??

[@TractorsandCream]

I would say it depends on which country you are in! Our winters are damp and windy and guests wouldn't want to stay over the winter but I know people who do keep them rented out over the winter as they have insulation and a wood burner. I stayed in ours when in was about 2c outside and it was pretty chilly but fine with the wood burner on. Which country are you in? Thanks, Vicki

[@BarbaraGergely]

Hi Vicki! Loved watching the Dome episodes. They were very enetrtaining and educational at the same time. I am just building my own, planning since 2 years but now making it a reality :P I was wondering about the heat in the dome. Don't you get heat built up in the dome during sunny days? My experience is that in the morning is cold but when the sun is up is quite unbeareable to be inside :/ Does the air vent make a difference? And especially when it's hidden under the insulation liner? I didn't order one because I assumed it was going to be rather okeyis. But now really start to think about it.

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi Barbara, wow that's so exciting that you are now about to build a dome! So glad you enjoyed the videos. Yes we've had a couple of people ask about heat in the dome. The hotest it gets here is about 25/26c and it does feel very warm in the dome but the solar vent definitely helps. You really notice when it's not on. What I've found though is that on nice hot days, people don't spend time in there, they are off exploring or enjoying the outside areas and when they come back in the evening it has cooled down a lot. So my advice would be to encourage the outdoor living side of things, make a lovely outside space so they want to spend time outside on nice days. You could always open the door and unvelcro the panoramic window to allow a bit of air flow on a hot day too. Hope that helps. Keep us posted on how you get on! Thanks so much, Vicki

[@mistereearly1141]

I’d recommend tap into the geothermal temps 10ft underground. Dig a trench like 200 ft long , throw a pope in there and naturally temper air to 55F. Use a solar fan to circulate

[@8thsinner]

It seems like you're the sort of people that might do this a few more times over the next decade, so here is an idea for the cover, though it may or may not work... If you had laid out the cover as flat as possible, and roll the edges into the centre so it's basically one central lump. Dump the lump into one of those one ton fabric builders bags, and then build a temporary plywood ramp up along one side of the dome. Then with someone on top to keep a tied to it centered, tie the other end of the rope to the tractor then use the tractor to pull the weight up the plywood bridge. Or even under the one ton bag, attach that to a little plywood platform with some caster wheels on it. The tractor is certainly powerful enough to drag all the weight up the sides, and when it's on top, just cut the one ton bag off and dismantle the plywood carriage if you had to use one. and in theory, that should enable you to let the whole thing unroll itself over the whole structure. Though it would require someone with rock solid balance to stand on top to guide the rope, and a damn strong rope too. And obviously it has risks but I think the dome is certainly strong enough to hold the weight of this temporary plywood bridge thing.

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi! Ok yes that's an interesting theory. I see what you are saying about getting the cover to the very top and then rolling it over the whole thing. And yes you are right, that definitely won't be the last dome we build!

[@8thsinner]

@@TractorsandCream It's a lovely place you have, I am not surprised you're building domes and keeping them occupied. It's nice to see a build of this size without it just being all timelapse

[@8thsinner]

@@TractorsandCream I just had another thought too, have you heard of leonardo's bridge? Using stacked beams in a way that it makes a bridge without fixtures? They might be something to invest in instead of ladders. That would enable you to get standing room to the upper bolts with superior stability. Do you know what I mean?

[@TractorsandCream]

@@8thsinner thank you, we have been really busy this season! That's interesting, yes I know what you mean. Would make an excellent KZbin video!

[@8thsinner]

@@TractorsandCream Yes it would, for me though, any dome content is good. I am trying to figure out how to do 14m wooden build domes...and very few videos even come close to that size in wooden builds especially.

[@jordannewell8903]

Is the dome strong enough to hold a 180lb person? I'm trying to imagine a different approach for the cover

[@TractorsandCream]

When we asked Trudomes about this they said possibly but they couldn't guarantee it. I have seen people climbing domes before. We've got the process down a bit quicker now, in our latest 6m dome we did the cover in 35mins! kzbin.infoDjLH1be3dl8?feature=share

[@mehmetakbas3751]

You can see the original dome and equipment on my channel, friends.

[@zhigangxu2007]

Where did you buy these pre-made metal bars?

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, we bought the whole kit from Trudomes which was the alluminium framework, cover, insulation, wooden door and solar fan. They also had excellent instructions on how to put it together otherwise we really would've struggled! Thanks, Vicki

[@bashaozayu6707]

Hey guys! Are you all worried about theft at all? Because the walls aren’t hard, what do you all do to protect your belongings? We are looking into building one ourselves.

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi! To be honest there isn't really anything worth stealing. I would be more upset if they cut the canvas than if they stole anything because that's the most expensive part! There is always someone on site here as we live here so that helps. Guests don't tend to bring anything valuable apart from phones which they have with them if they go out. We are also in sleepy Somerset UK so feel pretty safe. Where are you from? Thanks, Vicki

[@ArchersPlace]

great videos, except i nearly crapped my ducks watching that drill bit pass through your fingers lmfao

[@TractorsandCream]

🤣🤣 luckily I could tell where he was going to drill - I always get the fun parts!

[@juliana.rilveria5518]

If you dont mind im a paraplegic and my name is Julian Rilveria. I was wondering what are the lengths on the bars for the hexagon and the length on the pentagon bars. I am looking to make a green house grow and I've been looking around for measurements that is well more simplistic which I really love the simplicity of these domes. If you could please let me know much blessings

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi Julian, nice to meet you! I can go and measure the spokes of the dome but I'm not sure that's going to be all you need as the end of each pole needs to be bent at the correct angle to create the dome shape. You can get plans online for geodomes. I will direct you to a good website in my next comment. Thanks, Vicki

[@TractorsandCream]

geo-dome.co.uk/domeshop/Artsearch.asp?selfield=srnm&idx=4&txtvalue=dome%20plans&btnsearch=Search This has lots of plans which are not too expensive buy but will give you a really accurate way to build. We were thinking about building our own but then decided a kit would be much easier!

[@jobotmang]

Superwoman moves at 7:47.

[@TractorsandCream]

Ha! Thanks!

[@darylgarrett1324]

What brand of dome is this? I like the replaceable bay window.

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, it's a UK manufacturer called TruDomes. Where are you based? They are hopefully starting up in the US soon.

[@darylgarrett1324]

@@TractorsandCream I'm in the USA. I've been looking at domespaces domes. I think you have to replace the whole cover when the window wears out though. Your vid was great by the way!

[@TractorsandCream]

@@darylgarrett1324 oh that would be a pain. Yes we love these domes and customer service is brilliant. Definitely worth enquiring as to when they are coming to the US. The lady we deal with is Kelda - [e-mail] Glad you liked the video! Vicki

[@carlosyaguachi4919]

Donde se compra

[@TractorsandCream]

Compramos este domo a TruDomes, que es un fabricante del Reino Unido pero realiza envíos a todo el mundo.

[@nezarbondoq9130]

How did it cost??

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, the whole project cost about £25000 but the dome with the insulation kit, wooden door and solar vent was around £10500 from Trudomes. Thanks, Vicki

[@kaysworld2687]

HI guys, WHat size is this dome?

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, this dome is a Trudomes 7 metre dome which actual diameter is 6.7 metres. Hope that helps and thanks so much for watching. Vicki

[@renzmartingesmundo2394]

I am wondring where i can buy the same dome kit if i am planning to do one

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, this dome is from TruDomes who are a British manufacturer but ship worldwide. www.trudomes.com The whole kit including insulation, wooden door kit, solar vent and curtains was £10500 Thanks, Vicki

[@mirena717]

How much did all this cost?! My partner and I want to build one!

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi! This kit from Trudomes cost £10500 for a 6.7 metre one, including curtain kit, insulation, solar vent and wooden door kit. Would you buy a kit or build one from scratch? Thanks, Vicki

[@billyyarborough]

About how much is only for the dome in us dollars

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, it's was $14600 but that included all the insulation, curtains, solar vent and wooden door kit. I'm not sure how much just the poles and the cover would be but Trudomes would happily give you a quote as they will be launching in the US soon. Thanks, Vicki

[@TheLeek94]

What is the measurements of your dome?

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, this one is a 6.7metre diameter and the height is just under 4 metres

[@nature_and_adventure]

This is 2v or 3v dome?

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi! I'm pretty sure it's a 3v 🙂

[@katiepi3518]

What is the difference between 2v and 3v?

[@13ChroniclesOfDagger]

what size dome is that?

[@TractorsandCream]

It's 6.7 metres diameter and just under 4 metres high. Thanks, Vicki

[@13ChroniclesOfDagger]

@@TractorsandCream Looks fantastic! I want one!

[@mistereearly1141]

That plastic will rip in 3 years

[@TractorsandCream]

Hi, thanks for your comment. The cover is amazing, it's really hard wearing pvc and the manufacturer has guaranteed it for 10 to 12 years. We've had our first dome up for nearly 3 years and still looks as good as new.

[@mistereearly1141]

@@TractorsandCream that’s really good news. Did you consider a dome with fixed panels rather than plastic tarp ? Also can you share a link to manufacturer?

[@brianrundle2875]

building is always more complicated than planned and always costs more than expected,, lots of problem solving ,,, you two sure like to winge alot,,,maybe that is cultural..

[@user-ny1jd3by8y]

hii sir/madam. i need your help to fix LDPE sheet on geodesic dome. can you give ur mail id

[@TractorsandCream]

Sorry I'm not really sure we can help with that