Richard Buckminster Fuller invented the geodesic dome in 1947, and his hope was to implement solutions for some of the larger housing issues during that time. You might not be surprised to learn that those issues, which included energy efficiency, a wiser use of resources and a safe residence remain the issues of the twenty-first century. Yet, during the last half of the twentieth century, dome homes, biodome structures and other geodesic forms were slow to catch the public’s attention. Now, however, with hurricane and tornado onslaughts, floods, the inability for the average family to own a safe home for less and a willingness to try something new, the general public has caught on to this “dome home” idea.

Now, designers have planned dome homes, tents, personal mini-domes and fantastical structures that serve as beautiful homes, that save up to seventy percent on heating and cooling and that can withstand many “Acts of God.” While domes have their opponents, their objections - more often than not - have been overturned. Building codes, sound problems, privacy and weatherproofing all have been resolved through compromise, extensions, building in levels, and building with new materials. This type of home uses less material and labor and are suited to mass production. At the same time, as you’ll see below, dome homes are subject to individual flair. Additionally, these homes are friendly to the environments where they’re situated - true “biohomes” that connect people with the earth, if only to help save resources.

The list below contains examples of structures designed by specific companies, homes owned by private individuals, and temporary and permanent dome homes that are built with various materials and methods. One thing you might notice is that most of these homes are wide open to the DIY builder, so all you need is a bit of land in some cases to build a home. Although the homes are listed in no particular order, this does not mean that we favor one dome home method over another or one design above any other layout.

1. Energy Structure: In the past, dome builders found it difficult to seal domes against rain. The most effective method to avoid leaks with a wooden dome is to shingle the dome. Energy Structures, Inc., located in Minnesota, has been in the business of building domes since 1980, and they use shingles in their design. This was the first dome company to design and manufacture the double-wall strut, known as the Energy-Strut® for super-insulated dome housing as well. Another complaint in the past was the fact that - since heat rises - the dome shape leaves a large volume that must be heated, yet cannot be lived in. Energy Structure homes contain a special “dome top heat recovery system” that recirculates the air and that saves energy and maintains a constant temperature throughout the dome. The site also contains pricing for various size domes for the DIY builder. The smallest 26′ dome runs about $24,000 including materials and
   labor. The 44′ dome can exceed $80,000.
2. The Dome Home in Big Bear: If you’re unsure whether you want a dome home, you can rent this one to acquire a taste for multi-level dome home living. It’s located close to Los Angeles, California, yet that city seems a world away as you settle into this home’s ambiance. This spacious home comes with a conveniently attached two-car garage offers four private bedrooms (potentially five), three and one/half bathrooms, and has been redesigned and redecorated by professional designer/decorators - even a Feng Shui master. A unique, octagonal-shaped foyer, illuminated by vertically shooting spotlights, leads to a colossal living room with cedar-paneled walls that reach out to the pentagonal skylight windows, which light up the center of the house. You must call for current availability for rentals.
3. Timberline Geodesics: Can you imagine owning a home like the one shown at left for about $37,000? You can, along with the cost of labor (unless you’re a DIY builder). The dome size is 35′, with two floors that total 1,994 square feet. Three bedrooms and two baths plus a garage makes this a perfect home for a small family. What makes Timberline homes unique is their plan for extensions from the dome. The extensions serve as space for the two downstairs bedrooms (or an office space), as well as the large kitchen and dining area. If you’re intimidated by the thought of building a dome home, Timberline makes it sound easy. All wooden components of a Timberline Dome are pre-cut and pre-drilled to exacting specifications, and color-coded to make it easy for unskilled people to assemble them with precision and confidence. Two people can complete the framework for even the largest dome in less than two days. The largest piece for a 45′ dome is a 10 ft. long 2″ x 6″, which is easily handled by one person. Timberline offers plans and construction images on their site.
4. Good Karma Domes: How can you not live in a home that has good karma? These homes are perfect for the DIY builder, as the paneled domes come with triangles pre-assembled and color coded for easy construction. They take pride in their work, as their designs are straight from Buckminster Fuller’s original patents and tolerate only the finest tolerances. According to this company, Good Karma Domes have been calculated by many independent certified engineers and 3-dimensional space frame computer analysis and tested in real-life extremes; tornadoes and hurricanes. A failure point has not been reached. They also have an unusual set up for the financial options. Once you purchase a kit from Good Karma Domes, you become a reseller. So, anyone you send their way can net you five percent of that sale. They have many options for floor plans, and each one is priced differently. So take your time and browse, but don’t expect a price. You’ll need to call for that information.

read more here