UnityDome Most efficient dome free plans

After a huge response from my last video about a dome with only one frame type I've finally managed to put together the plans.
This dome is maybe the most efficient structure possible using 8X4 sheets.
It has only one frame type.
It can be cut in half to go against a wall. (or go on a corner)
It has a flat base.
You don't need to cut into frames to make a door.
Very efficient use of 8X4 sheet material.
The door will also serve to join multiple domes together.
Two possible door openings opposite each other.
No hubs
Oh and the plans are free
View/Download here: wangerflange.c...
Enjoy!

[@markmilne3967]

I wish I could like this video 100 times. This exemplifies how great KZbin is when people like Paul can share boundless amounts of expertise to anyone in the world for free. Thank you.

[@sgardner]

Paul you are a genius and so very generous with your time and ideas. So glad I found your KZbin channel via Pinterest.

[@GunnarsGames]

This is the best design I have seen for any geodesic dome. I will build this one on a concrete platform so the door is square. The ability to combine multiple domes is amazing. Such a simple design with readily available materials.

[@mattbooth92]

I built this in my garden at a 0.57 scale factor so the footprint fit my garden. Had to raise it a little to make it so I could get in but it works perfectly. Great plans thank you for sharing Paul.

[@jamesmartin5357]

what math did you use to scale it if you don't mind me asking? i'd like to scale this up to 30 ft in diameter.

[@ornametrics]

​@@jamesmartin5357use a triangle calc to find the angles then size up the struts accordingly.

[@MrBacte]

What wood you used? I cannot find what wood dimensions to use for the triangle?

[@mattbooth92]

@@MrBacte I used 50mm X 50mm and then cut it down to the correct dimensions

[@petefoster4244]

Thanks for sharing such an elegant design with the community Paul. I see so many possibilities to explore brilliant

[@klausjack-h4l]

Hi Paul thanks for your amazing work !!! every video is an inspiration greetings from Spain

[@adriancozumel2022]

Greetings from Cozumel Mexico 🇲🇽 this is an awesome start project!!! Thanks for your work and specially for sharing your knowledge!

[@susanneschauf7417]

I am very impressed. Best channel for geodetic domes. I want to built this in my garden. Thank you so much for your explanations ❤️

[@queenelcene638]

Wonderful, beautiful, ThankYou for the free plans download. Peace, respect, love.

[@mackyb27]

Maybe it looks like simple and from the math point and linking it is along with flat bottom. But there are actually 6 different pieces from engineering standpoint that has to be build, also triangles are bad gor any kind of openings like windows. I was thinking in the same direction but ultimately I came to a conclusion that less elements the better. My approach was mixing triangles penta and hexagon shapes to form modular structure. I ended up using only 5 elements with 3 od them not being prismatic (forming triangles) that are used for static load. Kudos for your work and sharing it. Really good work.

[@zerkco9280]

Great Job, very usefull for me ! Thank you so much for sharing and working for the community. I was looking for a good dome to build and this one is one of the best model I saw. I mean easier to construct for a good average size. Ideal for me. Thanks. I am still watching your channel with great attention and pleasure.

[@pokkrongphasukyued8851]

This is the best I have ever seen. Thank you very much.

[@prairiemountaineer]

Great design... hope I get to try it out (maybe next summer, as this one already has enough projects). Thx for sharing

[@dilpickel22]

where is the sketchup Model? A friend and I are planning on scaling this up slightly and building it! How can you get the triangle dimentions, we want to form our own insulation inserts from Mycelium to fit in the triangle and overlap eachother like shingles. Coat them with liquid rubber on the outside and give it a sunken foundation

[@harlemsar]

Thank you for your generosity, greetings from Colombia : )

[@josephKEOarthur]

Truely a godsend.. Much respect and thanks!

[@kathleen8167]

So cool. Looking to build a frequency reverberation structure.. I do sound therapy in Montana in the woods. Thank you for your work.

[@donedoer]

This is awesome! Bang up job. Is there a Sketchup file available for scaling the dome? I'm looking to build an 8.5m half dome to cap a hoop house that I'm building around my camper and this is PERFECT! Thank you for sharing!

[@parsonswoodworx]

Paul, this is a really cool plan, and I plan on building a scaled down version (with a knee wall) as a playhouse for my grandchildren. Thank you for sharing it. I have a question on the frame triangles though. I assumed from looking at the frame measurements diagram (on the 4th page) that the angle between the 1828mm side and the 1214mm side was a 90 degree angle. However, if I plug the three leg dimensions into a triangle calculator, I get that angle at 86.79 degrees and the other two angles at 34.56 degrees and 58.66 degrees. Is that correct? Thanks.

[@sparc5]

That's what I got too. The longest side was 2137mm and that's the square (un-beveled) piece. Is that the same as your measurements?

[@ornametrics]

Correct. I've just done the same thing and can now use my own strut lengths to downsize.

[@DavidPaulNewtonScott]

I am building a dome but covering it with polyethylene and growing ivy over it. No maintenance and the ivy will eventually become structural. I am doing the same thing in Portugal with cork oaks to produce a house that requires no heating or cooling at all.

[@maggiesmith979]

This one is really beautiful

[@peterkoh1129]

Thank you very much... a lot to learn from and amazing design...

[@HemonDey]

Hi Paul, thanks for this bang up job, excellent work and very interesting. As you can split it into halves and quarters so easily, would this not make a great tunnel as well? I remember from your previous tunnel videos that was a difficulty with some of the 3V because they don't have a flat bottom and difficult to slice. Indeed this done would solve those problems the way I'm seeing it. I'll see if I can have a crack at it on Sketchup :) thanks for the plans! it is really appreciated!

[@TomGould-cz1vh]

Hi Paul, I've seen the design but can't work out all 3 angles with the exception of the 90 degree? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@robert.peyroux]

Hi Paul, Thanks for your time and for sharing so nice ideas with us. Just a little stupid question. I first imagined all triangles were right-angled triangles, but then I went on the slide concerning the frame measurements and 1214, 1828 and 2137 do not fit with Pythagore! May be I misunderstood or perhaps these dimensions are not in the same plane.

[@stevengarrett5953]

CAN I GET THE IMPERIAL MESUREMENTS. I LIKE THIS ONE BECAUSE IT LOOKS SIMPLE TO DO. THANK YOU

[@tools144]

Brilliant!! Thank you for the free plans.

[@mathwithnikhil]

So, if you are cutting those pieces on 8x4 you can directly use solid panels instead of creating struts. Have I got that right? Please I am a complete beginner in this, want to build something like this on my land.

[@zomesargentina]

Thank you so very much Paul! Cheers!

[@Wishwader]

Out of interest how rigid is this compared with a geodesic dome? I saw some stress testing somewhere in the past for a geodesic dome (may even have been this channel) so would be interesting to compare the strut stresses with this style of dome. Cheers.

[@Geo-Dome]

I would say more rigid, it has all great circles which will guid forces down to the ground. I would need to do some tests though.

[@Wishwader]

@@Geo-Dome If you do get around to testing this, I'd be more interested in how well it copes with some struts missing. So eg this dome (minus struts for door) vs traditional dome (minus struts for door). It wouldn't surprise me if this dome is stronger once the doorway is factored in!

[@Ludifant]

@@Geo-Dome I built a model in paper, seems to be quite floppy until you put the last bits in place and even then it doesn´t take a lot of side force. The shallow angle decagons have a tendency to invert.

[@EzequielBaltazar]

Good design! Thank you!

[@ancapftw9113]

6900 mm, or 6.9 meters, or about 20 feet. Good size. I'll have to think about building one. Though I might alter it a bit to work with steel tubes instead of wood.

[@dingo5842]

Paul, I have a question about the angles in the triangles. Based on the 1214/1828/2137 lengths, instead of 30°/60°/90°, they're ~34.5°/~58.5°/~87° (much more complicated to cut and inefficient to cover with right-angled plywood, fabric, etc). Was this for reasons intentional, was it simply by chance, or is it an unintended rounding error? If we can use 30°/60°/90°, it would be a lot easier to fabricate (fewer cuts) and cheaper to source (as we could make more optimal utilization of right-angle substrate sources). We'd probably have to reset the bevel angles, however - but maybe that would not be a hardship. Your thoughts? Thank you!

[@Geo-Dome]

Ah yes a very interesting question, if we changed the angles to 30°/60°/90° we could only produce a flat tiled surface. The small difference in face angle makes it possible to tile a sphere. If I force the 90° angle the others have to be 31.7° and 58.3° respectively and form the faces of a Rhombic Triacontahedron divided in four. Hope this helps.

[@larrypahl5756]

how are hubs necessary? how about fasteners?

[@douglaskrummrey1175H]

Any updates to this? More details? looks great!

[@SKDChurchWYD]

This is AWESOME, Paul... thank you for sharing! Quick question... would you recommend 2x4 for struts or would 2x2 be ok?

[@Geo-Dome]

I don't recommend 2x4 as it's the wrong ratio, just a bit wide for getting screws into. You can use 3x2 cut with the bevel angle down the centre and get two pieces, or 2x2 same cut down the centre.

[@SKDChurchWYD]

@@Geo-Dome That's a big help, Paul! Looking forward to making a model first... beautiful and simple design...

[@botanicalvibrations2728]

@@Geo-Dome I can only get 3x2 in 8' lengths. For these struts could I rip a 2x6 to 2x3 (actual size 1 1/2" x 2 3/4") then cut the bevel down the center of the 1 1/2" width? Would a 2 3/4" depth be strong enough for the 7' length struts? Thanks for all you do to make the world less square!

[@dannysuru]

thats awesome thanks mate! from NZ

[@mainetalent9690]

Imperial, please? Thank you!

[@rowanshole]

Hi Paul, I notice your plans show a square profile timber as stock, but what thickness should it be? Thanks!

[@Geo-Dome]

It needs to be around the same cross sectional area as the other beveled frames, I us 45mm x 75mm (3x2) to get two beveled struts or two square edged pieces from each timber. Hope that helps

[@rowanshole]

@@Geo-Dome it certainly does! Big thankyou. Will be purchasing a number of your plans soon, and while im commenting... big thankyou for the video on resizing your plans as well. I think you unity dome is stunning as well. Im going to try to work out a way of stretching it a little, simply to get better passive solar heating. I'll be facing the door apertures east west and glazing the lower frames sunside (north in Australia) so low winter sun penetrates efficiently, wheras high summer sun will reflect from the same glass with its high incidence. Hopefully I can work it out. Would only be after an additional meter or two. Thanks again Paul.

[@TheErmerm999]

I don't understand the angle choise would a 90 degrees angle for the intermitate corner angle not make a stronger joint and panel skinning with glass or sheeting a lot easier while not making other dia angles anymore complex and they are, it might cause more sheet waste but more usable wastage

[@hanstophjbork4721]

A very interesting plan, Paul. Where would you suggest that I place the windows, if I want them to open. I plan to make one or maybe two (one 3 meters in diameter and one 5 meters in diameter) greeenhouse models with solid polycarbonate, both of them with a higher base, than shown. By the way, does your KZbin name (pauly1060) give away, that you were born in October 1960? If, then happy 60 years anniversary very soon.

[@magapefarmshomestead6453]

This sounds like a fabulous design. It should also be relatively easy to make into a tunnel. Could it be made larger?

[@jerrysmith7251]

I’d love to build one but need link to imperial measurements, please . Thank you .

[@freemansoutdooradventures3152]

Great video

[@ronoxner5491]

Paul, what an interesting design. Could not get it to download. Would like to build it but has to be smaller to meet our local codes.

[@paulgdlmx]

Dome free is just fine but I personally would like to have a dome.

[@neiljoy8465]

Is there a calculation for making a canvas or pcv cover?

[@mael6834]

Great Design ty for posting this/'

[@michaelfirneno6686]

Enjoying your videos, good idea for a one man build,still possible to get plan in imperial measurements thanks

[@KayvanChan]

Wow!! Simply Amazing!!

[@kathrynralli4557]

Nice....thank you.

[@Berkana]

Is there some way of turning the Unity Dome into a tunnel dome using the same right triangle frames? Since the dome can be bisected, you could split the two halves, but you would need some way of making a tunnel. I'm curious about whether you've explored how to make a tunnel caped with dome halves using these frames.

[@q.e.d.9112]

@Berkana I think you could but they would have very slightly different bevels and one of the shorter sides would need to be slightly longer. (I think)

[@seamus33cork]

What's the Thickness of the lengths 2x2

[@d.a.t.4699]

looks great..how strong are these, we have a heavy snow load here in canada. are they expensive to build over conventional timber homes?

[@Geo-Dome]

I would say this shape is the most efficient possible, especially if you are using 8x4 sheet material to cover it. You can use any size timber you like for the struts so snow load should't be an issue.

[@d.a.t.4699]

@@Geo-Dome thx for the quick reply paul, i think the knowledge and effort youve put into all these vids and plans are amazing. thx. i am building this next summer for sure. i did see that you said square lumber is the steongest for the framing...like 2x2 or 4x4s...do you think 2x2 will be strong enough after the plywood is on? id most likely go with 4x4s for the feaming struts, but dont know if i can afford it

[@hansthompson]

Does anyone have ideas for a door? I'm not very experienced in construction but want to give this a shot.

[@richNfit4life]

Hello, Ms. Doubtfire, is that you?

[@JohnKrakatoa]

thanks!

[@CuchBe]

❤

[@GDFourcade1]

Superbe!

[@SXVWT]

Gives all he has for free. This man deserves a big statue. LEGEND!

[@SpeedmasterNZ]

Yes Thank you Paul. Im going to look at making one in Thailand when my wife and I turn for our holiday home.

[@mikebeutner798]

This is the best design I have seen for a dome because, as you clearly state, it maximizes the use of 4x8 sheets of plywood and eliminates the cost of hubs while providing enormous design convenience and flexibility. Really excellent work! Thanks for your willingness to share. It's wonderful to see innovation on display.

[@jasonbell6079]

Thank you for the time and effort you put into teaching people about this subject. I’ve learnt a lot and I’m looking forward to taking on this project.

[@markroeder2491]

Could you put out an updated download with imperial measurements?

[@bwillan]

This is a good looking dome layout. Perhaps a calculator could be constructed for the strut lengths for different size domes.

[@Ludifant]

Sure I can do that. But if you know what it is called, you can find one online. These type of domes are derived from catalan solids. This is for instance a disdyakis triacontahedron, which is a deltoidal hexecontahedron where the deltoids are split into two triangles. If you wikipedia them, you´ĺl see the similarity between the two. Here is a calculator for a deltoidal hexecontahedron: rechneronline.de/pi/deltoidal-hexecontahedron.php

[@JohnGuest45]

You dont learn anything if everything is done for you. Any calculator can be used to find the chord factors , Strut Length / Radius equals Chord Factor. For a different size dome, Radius * Chord Factor equals Strut Length.

[@audigit]

@@Ludifant thank you!

[@dougieparke]

@@JohnGuest45 so if I want a 13m diameter, I am building 4 metre-ish triangles?

[@clydeharless899]

@@JohnGuest45 Not all of us have that background

[@chicagobuck]

Thank you for sharing this with us. And for free! It's beautiful!

[@pertinentparadigm1337]

Holy shit this is awesome! I recently bought some plans from you but I'll be making this one first. Think I speak for everyone when I say thanks for making these opensource and FREE!! This is perfect for a modular tiny home on wheels I've been looking for!

[@johnnybayles7412]

How would you put this on wheels? It would have to be so narrow.

[@pertinentparadigm1337]

@@johnnybayles7412 It would be challenging to figure out but slide out origami style.

[@scottishpride032]

I really enjoy this dome style. The kite frame, with the single shape really simplifies it, plus the fact that the dome is dividable in 4 quadrants is really cool too! I'm planning to build a 4 season greenhouse dome and this might be my top choice. I plan to make a footing from ICF Blocks and insulate the north wall part way up. I'm curious if the dome size can be scaled up much without stressing the struts?

[@morphergaming0531]

This is exactly the size I've been looking with the perfect height. Considering building a tiny home but I wanted the size of a yurt with a single story only. You have hit perfection.

[@IBoughtTheFarmca]

How do I cut this down to have a footprint no bigger than 108 sq ft. This way I can avoid building permits.

[@yinzerboys]

This is awesome thank you! For your knowledge and time

[@themountainjake]

Just discovered your channel and this video and am really impressed. This seems like some Buckminster Fuller-level innovation! Well done and thank you!

[@PeterWest70]

I am looking for a dome plan for 2 persons, for a desert area, bolted to a slab, to serve as a hub for additional "add-on" daisy chain expansion. Glad I found your channel... was quick to subscribe! Thanks

[@edi9892]

I never liked geometry in school, but I do like it in art and architecture...

[@firsty8056]

That's a really gorgeous looking dome, i can't wait to give it a go

[@johntwiname1]

Brilliant Paul I had been doing an octahedron breakdown for going into a corner and this dome does it. I am impressed and we will build one in Cullybackey N.I. Your are doing a fantastic service to the dome community Paul.

[@michelewhitewolf3712]

Excellent 👍. This is workable solution for many different applications that a homesteader may require. Easy fabricated in a shop during off times. Then assembled as needed. Thank you so much for your time and generosity.

[@sterlingfletcher7801]

Fabulous! I just completed my imperial GD27, I would love this in Imperial conversion as well! Thank you!!

[@LongWalkHome1]

Exceptional, Excellent design, Thanks for sharing!

[@zepposprojects3205]

Thanks Paul! Been looking at your video's and you sir, are amazing and inspiring.

[@DesertJungleMan]

The 3 angles you might be looking for the kite triangle to make a jig are (it is not a right angle triangle): 86.97 degrees~87 59.13 degrees~59 33.90 degrees~34 It is derived from “Deltoidal hexecontahedron”

[@tiptrick7762]

I love you

[@DesertJungleMan]

Sending love to you as well, show us your work @@tiptrick7762

[@fisheater844]

Was wondering about that, no 90 degree corner because when viewed in the plan view the corners appear to radiate out at 90 degrees. Paul mentioned that you could take a corner out or build onto a corner I just can’t see how that would work. I am wanting to build onto an interior corner could you or someone explain what I am not following.

[@DesertJungleMan]

@@fisheater844 probably it would work out since you have to fill the seem gaps with some a flexible material like silicon as a weather seal. So, I would not worry about it too much, it is though important to know the angles for building the dome as a whole. If you want to reduce the risk, build it on sketchup first and see how it would work. Good luck, and share results if possible

[@kulwinderThandi]

@@fisheater844 building on an inside corner you would only need a 1/4 of the dome, look at the plan view and divide it into 4 sections use 1 for an inside corner, 2 for a flat wall and 3 for an outside corner, 4 would be the stand alone dom

[@eglebitinaite2283]

What are the angles of frame triangle? by given measurements it doesn't look to be 90 degree triangle. Thanks for response!

[@markschroter2640]

Would scaling back the frames change the angles? Assuming all the lengths are scaled back in an equal ratio ie. 20%?

[@PippeBR]

This is what the ibternet was made for! Thank you! Can this be built with wanger flanges?

[@Geo-Dome]

Yes the geometry is no problem but I think it would be expensive, you would need maybe 300 or so, Let me just check and get back to you...

[@BobbyJackBland]

Paul thank you again for for the content and hard work, i have a question about making frames, can we use a regular 2x4 to build the frames or does it need to be a narrower ripped board? Thank you again!!!

[@vesc1389]

Thanks Paul, this is a wonderful design, with so many "features" in the result! Think I will try this with EMT, either 3/4 or 1 inch. Can even build in stages if rested into a corner, then flat wall, etc. Inspiring... thanks again.

[@JohnGuest45]

stacking 10 struts on one bolt? lol

[@newcoisas3446]

Hello... how can I develop a large structure / dome with 60m in diameter, what would be the dimensions of aluminum tubes that I could use and what quantity would be

[@wlgeiger]

Love these! I would appreciate imperial since you asked but also, since you've done so much work I can whip out the converting app :)

[@TheSkoomaHistorySociety007]

Hello does anyone know what measurements for the wooden beams/joists would be good here? (in mm if possible).

[@Berkana]

This is fantastic. Thanks for doing this!

[@believetheresgoodintheworl4792]

Paul you are amazing! Thank you endlessly for sharing your knowledge and plans with the world. We are a group of friends in Ontario and we want to collectively help each other build domes on each others properties. We love this plan due to the simplicity of only having the one size triangle, and the adaptable nature of this design, however we have a connection for free lumber of 3 feet in length (2x4 studs) we were hoping to utilize. Can this plan be modified, or you you have an alternate plan you would recommend us to use? Thank you kindly!!!

[@jimbaranski4687]

Can this be built from electrical conduit? The each conduit strut serves as a side to two panels. What is the biggest dome that can be made with 10 ft pieces of conduit? Each 10 ft piece of conduit usually gives you two struts of varying length. For a standard dome: Largest Dome made from 10’ stock: length of strut ( number of struts) = length of conduit piece; 64.198”(20) + 47.990”(30) = 115.188”; 61.350” (80) + 55.644” (35) = 119.994”. A 10 ft conduit is obviously 120” I got a bunch of conduit from an electrician who was retiring. I plan to sheath it in used boat heat shrink plastic and maybe spray foam the inside or outside. If you spray foam the outside, you can cover the foam with more plastic, and maybe dismantle the dome framework inside! I don’t know how strong that would be, though. 1.5” Added for strut ends

[@01Autentic]

Firstly, I want to thank you! And I have a question. What is dimensions of wood material? Not length, but width. Ex. 5x5 cm, or 7x7 cm...? I think is need to have some width for this dimension...

[@JohnGuest45]

Rule of thumb for timber domes is the depth of timber should not be less than 1/24th of the strut length. For a 6ft strut that would be 3". The timber width should allow for minimal deflection, rip the struts from stock that will provide 2" of timber width when the two panel edges are screwed together. The strength will be equivalent to using 6ft and 4ft *3x2`s (*finished size) to build the dome.

[@dariostarsky8124]

8x4 = roughly 10x20cm, then cut it ( as shown from 3rd minute on ) ... Well, to my understanding anyway. Thank You, Paul !!!

[@JohnGuest45]

@@dariostarsky8124 8x4 is 8ft x 4ft , in some places its only 1200mm x 2400mm

[@tinerudinger2682]

I would be interested in that also ! Can t see the answers ... all in private. Thanks for this great dome pre work!

[@botanicalvibrations2728]

@@JohnGuest45 Thanks for the guideline. So if the longest strut in this build is 7', the finished size of the timber would need to be 1" w x 3.5"d x 7' long?

[@DennisKenneybees]

Thank you Paul for a great video and like Nicola Tesla you are a great humanitarian. I assume the framing is screwed together at various locations along each side. But it seem to me that the frame side that you show as 90 degrees would need a bevel also to create a circle dome? Have you actually built a dome from these plans? If plywood panels are used on top of the frame; I would assume the size of the panels would need to be expanded so all the corners fit together?

[@adoby83]

Interesting structure! Thanks! It seems that it would be possible to build the dome using a combination of four corner kites and the two triangles only where you want the dome to meet the ground or a wall. Each kite is flat, the curve of the dome is created only where kites or single triangles meet. Would it weaken the dome a lot to take out the two middle sticks in each kite?

[@Jonathan-sk4pt]

this by far seems the best. Paul thank you for simplifying! wathced tons of videos and hope to coordinate my plans to your site or here. this now is doable for any person of skill. best product to help a wondering human to find a humble home

[@ashiraisrael598]

so the frame is with 2x4 timbers? and you just staples plastic or screw polycarbonate to the frames?

[@audigit]

Thank you for IDEAS THAT WORK, leading to other ideas that develop. I'm working on the ideas, and you implement your thoughts in a great sharing platform. Thank you for creating this site.

[@GDFourcade1]

But Paul, The bevels on the longest piece of timber don't seem to be 90 degrees in the built dome, do they?

[@romandecaesar4782]

Paul. Would it be possible to provide the plans in imperial measurements? Thank you.

[@samuelspeedsr6706]

Fantastic Paul. I've been researching Geodesic domes for about 40 years. It's on my bucket list to build one. would love to talk to you about it if possible. Thank you.