G4LED
Joined: 24 Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Location: Holmfirth UK
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 Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 2:56 pm Post subject: Explora-dome and as an import to the UK |
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Explora-dome by Polydome of Litchfield MN 55355 in the USA
Firstly look at their website: http://www.Explora-dome.com/
and visit the Forum; look at the build photos etc. This will take you quite a while. Linger on the details, the concept and considerable work that has gone into this idea. Admire the rotational details, plywood ring deck etc.
If, like me, you agree that this is the best idea since sliced bread then read on. If you are interested then please join their group and add to my posting. In the past I have looked at the various fibreglass domes available in the UK and am not impressed. The material is heavy, awkward to work and not as easy to repair as it first appears. I hated doing repairs to fibrglass model aircraft and have now gone polypropylene for model building. The polydome polyethylene material is the best thing for an astronomical dome in my opinion-bit like an overlarge washing-up bowl. Tough yet flexible, white, yes but could be painted to tone it down a bit. I want white and the low thermal problems that this colour delivers. The foundation and superstructure I can build in due course, flooring and one day add a pier. Considerations: A dome , even a Bucky-Fuller ball, is a big project so this delivered hemisphere makes life much easier. One day (when we move home) then the dome will come as well.
I want a dome because I do feel the cold outside especially when it is windy; like all of us, I am not getting any younger.
The structure under one of these domes can be a pricey 10' x 10' shed in timber, or a post and shiplap board circular hut, or a simple 75mm blockwork cylinder using Thin-Joint type construction and a bare finish. I won't decide now as the neighbours will, not unreasonably, have their opinions. Whatever walling is built will be disguised externally with ivy or other planting, again to reduce the thermal effects but also the visual impact. For a top of dome height of three metres no planning permission is required-it is Permitted Development. In my area (Kirklees) up to four metres is acceptable.
Initially though, I am wondering who may be interested in sharing a crate delivery from the States. One Ireland delivery has already been achieved-the precedent has been set and the $ is now at an all-time advantageous rate to the £
g4led
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"Holme Valley Weather" Davis Vantage Pro+ station; XT10 Orion Intelliscope(frontspiece) |
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