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Questions & Answers
 
Geodesic Domes

1.- How is energy conserved for heating and cooling with Continental Dome Kit Homes?

It’s relatively simple: The lower the total outside surface area (walls and ceilings), the more energy efficient the structure. A dome has approximately one-third less surface area than a box-style structure.  This has a much greater impact on energy efficiency than any other factor, including insulation value. Additionally, heat loss from the foundation of a home is more dependent on perimeter length than it is on floor area. Because a dome has a smaller perimeter and square footage ratio than a box-style home, the dome-style minimizes heat loss in the foundation.

One of the key energy issues with box-style structures is that they create a flat barrier to wind which in turn creates positive wind pressure on one surface, and suction, or negative wind pressure on the opposite external surface. This results in air infiltration on one side and air exfiltration on the other. In contrast, a dome shape creates an aerodynamic effect and allows wind to pass over the dome with less resistance, a natural energy saver.  The curved surface of a dome also results in the natural circulation of internal air, further conserving energy.

 

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2.- Are Continental Dome Kit Homes capable of withstanding environmental disasters and extreme weather conditions?

Because of the strength in their design, geodesic structures have endured earthquakes, hurricanes, and other extreme storms. For the past 25 years, scientists and technicians have relied upon these structures to provide shelter in harsh climates. In Antarctica, for example, these dome homes house radar towers where winds can reach up to 200 mph.

Dome homes have very different structures, allowing them to withstand the elements.  In cold climates, they are equipped with energy-efficient, low-e, argon gas-filled windows.  They are also outfitted with energy-efficient roofs, walls, and floor insulation packages. Additionally, snowload package values up to 100 pounds per square foot are available and can be custom designed to meet local requirements. For salt-air and tropical climate homes, treated lumber and special corrosion-resistant galvanized and stainless steel packages for metal connectors and fasteners are available. Due to their nature, geodesic structures also allow for construction and placement on steep, remote, and rugged terrains.

 

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3.- Why are Continental Dome Homes so potent and secure?

In Geodesic structures, stress is shared evenly by all points of the structure, as compared to a box-style home where fault lines are forced to absorb most of the stress.  This provides extra strength and takes into account external stress from environmental factors. For this reason, dome homes can withstand earthquakes, high winds, and snow coverage. Additionally, the triangular panels offer extra structural soundness.

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4.- What interior advantages are there to Continental Dome Homes?

There are countless interior advantages to dome style homes. They offer greater freedom of floor plan design, cathedral ceilings, and the evenness of heat throughout the structure. And because spherical shapes amplify light (whereas rectangular shapes absorb it), it is often brighter inside a dome that it is outside. Additionally, the spherical structure allows for more even sound distribution and approximately 30% less outside noise infiltration.

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5.- What exterior advantages are there to Continental Dome Homes?

Because of the distribution of stress in the dome shell, up to 50% of the lowest ring of triangles can be removed. A Continental Dome kit offers five potential openings that can be replaced by extensions to create individual rooms and meet specific needs. The flexibility of the homes is one of its most unique assets.

 

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6.- What type of foundations can be used with Continental Dome Homes?

There are a lot of options in terms of foundations. The foundation of a dome differs only in shape from that of a conventional house. The best type of foundation is determined by the terrain of the land, type of soil, and local building codes. California Builders offers standard foundation plans for concrete slabs, crawl spaces or full basements.

For individuals with unique foundation needs due to geographic or environmental factors, California Builders has a qualified and experienced team of structural engineers and architects who custom design foundations.

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7.- Can you add skylights in a Continental Dome Homes?

Skylights are actually the easiest window option to install, as they do not require special construction of dormers. Skylights can be placed on any panel of the dome. Homeowners can take advantage of special views and maximize the use of passive solar energy. 

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8.- Can you add a cupola in Continental Dome Homes?

Absolutely.  A cupola is an easy-to-add top option that can enhance the natural light and ventilation. It offers the possibility of a small third floor retreat, with a 360 degree lookout view. You can use a ladder, conventional stairs or a spiral staircase to gain access to the cupola room.

 

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9.-  Who invented the geodesic structure?

Buckminster Fuller foresaw an eventual shortage in housing for humanity’s growing population and began experimenting with spherical geometry in the late 1940s. He was fascinated by the ease of construction and indigenous strength of natural structures, and one of his lifetime quests became building designs that utilized fewer resources. He eventually patented the geodesic dome in 1951. Today geodesic domes are recognized to be the most efficient structures on the market.   

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Polygonal Rounds

1.- How do Continental Kit Round Homes conserve energy?

Given their shape, round buildings are natural energy savers because they have less surface area than a traditional box shaped home. Because surface area and heat lose are directly related, the lower the surface area, the more energy efficient the structure.

 

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2.- Are Continental Kit Round Homes capable of withstanding environmental disasters and extreme weather conditions?

Because of the strength in their design, round structures have endured earthquakes, hurricanes, and other extreme storms. Each Continental Kit Round home is specially engineered to withstand extreme conditions and to meet or exceed building codes in hurricane prone areas. All of these homes are custom designed to endure climate-specific dangers.

 

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3.- What type of foundations can be used with Continental Kit Round Homes?

There are a lot of options in terms of foundations. The foundation of a round home differs only in shape from that of a conventional house. The best type of foundation is determined by the terrain of the land, type of soil, and local building codes. California Builders offers standard foundation plans for concrete slabs, crawl spaces or full basements.

For individuals with unique foundation needs due to geographic or environmental factors, California Builders has a qualified and experienced team of structural engineers and architects who custom design foundations. Some popular foundation options for coastal fronts or mountain top sites include standed pilings or even pedestals up to 15 degrees in height.

 

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4.- Can you add skylights in a Continental Kit Round Homes?

Skylights are actually the easiest window option to install, as they do not require special construction of dormers. Skylights can be placed on any panel of the dome. Homeowners can take advantage of special views and maximize the use of passive solar energy.

 

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5.- Can you add a cupola in Continental Kit Round Homes?

Absolutely.  A cupola is an easy-to-add top option that can enhance the natural light and ventilation. It offers the possibility of a small third floor retreat, with a 360 degree lookout view. You can use a ladder, conventional stairs or a spiral staircase to gain access to the cupola room.

 

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6.- Is it difficult to furnish Continental Kit Round Homes?

In Continental Kit Round Homes, the wall panels are not actually curved but are comprised of flat, 8 inch sections which make interiors easy to furnish.  This eliminates wasted space such as corners. The round shape of the homes maximizes space and utilizes square footage. Additionally, the vaulted ceiling contributes to the overall open appearance of the interior.

 

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7.- Are Continental Kit Round Homes more expensive than box style homes?

The Continental building system has been designed for easy, simple assembly and has made home construction feasible even for those who may not be building experts. While the home itself is not traditional, it is built in a conventional manner. After the Round portion has been built, the interior finish is simple carpentry. Customers find that compared to custom homes in the area, Continental Kit Round Homes are very competitive in cost.

 

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"Pedestal" Tree Topper Home Series

1.- What are the advantages of Pedestal Homes?

There are countless advantages to the Pedestal Home Series. One of the most unique benefits of these homes is that they are purposefully designed to take advantage of difficult terrain. Oftentimes, land believed to be unbuildable is sold at a discount price, and individuals with a knowledge of the capabilities of Pedestal Kit Homes can take advantage of pristine views for incredible property prices.

 

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2.- Are Pedestal Tree Topper Series Continental Kit homes suitable for severe climates?

Because of the strength in their design, geodesic structures have endured earthquakes, hurricanes, and other extreme storms. For the past 25 years, scientists and technicians have relied upon these structures to provide shelter in harsh climates. In Antarctica, for example, these dome homes house radar towers where winds can reach up to 200 mph.

These homes have very different structures, allowing them to withstand the elements.  In cold climates, they are equipped with energy-efficient, low-e, argon gas-filled windows.  They are also outfitted with energy-efficient roofs, walls, and floor insulation packages. Additionally, snowload package values up to 100 pounds per square foot are available and can be custom designed to meet local requirements. For salt-air and tropical climate homes, treated lumber and special corrosion-resistant galvanized and stainless steel packages for metal connectors and fasteners are available. Due to their nature, these structures also allow for construction and placement on steep, remote, and rugged terrains.

 

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3.- What materials are used in the making of Pedestal foundations?

Pedestal foundations can be comprised of several different materials. The bases most often consist of concrete block or poured walls filled with sand, pilings, and even insulated concrete forms (often referred to as ICF). California Builders proves a standard foundation plan that shows the critical bear which is then reinforced with rebar. The standard foundation plan is for a soil compaction of 2,500 pounds per foot or more.

 

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General Questions

1.- How can I find out if these homes would be a good fit for my needs?

Contact us! In a short conversation, we can figure out which specific model or design concept would be right for you. We will prepare a free cost estimate tailored to your unique situation and building location.

 

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2.- Are building permits ever a problem?

Each home we sell is custom designed to comply with local, state (or province), and municipality building  codes. For example, mountain homes usually require energy-efficient insulation and heavy snowloading capabilities while coastal homes require hurricane-resistant and windloading capabilities. Our Design Services Department, with the assistance of local builders, will do most of the necessary preparatory work for obtaining permits. Though we rarely encounter permit problems, permits should only be sought after preparation is complete and comprehensive submissions have been made.

 

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3.- Can you add a round structure on to an existing home?

With the use of a site-build connector, adding a round structure to an existing home is fairly simple. A designer can ensure that moving to and from the structure is easy.

 

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4.- What kind of roofing is best for these types of homes?

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. They are not only affordable, but also easy to work with, very attractive, and they come in a variety of colors and textures. Other options include wood or metal shingles and spray on roofs.

 

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5.- What kinds of heating, cooling, and air ventilation systems are advisable?

Continental Kit Homes utilize traditional heat and air conditioning, including forced air, electric baseboard, or in-floor radiant heat. The plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems of our kit homes are no different than those of a conventional structure.

 

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6.- What kind of interior finishing materials can I use?

Any standard interior finishing material such as drywall or wood paneling work very well with kit homes. For easy drywall attachments, all studs are 16 inches on the center throughout.

 

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7.- What quality of materials is used?

Our purchasing department uses internationally recognized standards of quality and cost to provide our customers with the finest possible product at the most reasonable price. This effort does not stop with the purchase of materials, but continues throughout the manufacturing process. The result is a product which we are proud to build and our customers are proud to own.

 

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