World's Largest Geodesic Dome House Runs on Renewable Power (Photos)

Photos: Kevin Shea

Thanks to being sturdy and ultra-efficient with space, energy and materials, geodesic domes have been used as greenhouses, treehouses and also as homes. Located in Long Island, New York and measuring 70-feet in diameter and 44-feet tall, Kevin Shea's Green Dome is purportedly the world's largest residential geodesic dome. It runs on solar, geothermal and wind power and also has an innovative green roof, plus a lovely terraced garden made of recycled tires.
According to Inhabitat, the Long Island Green Dome's green credentials recently got it recognition as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

The "Platinum LEED-qualified" dome's structural frame is made out of wood and took nearly 4 years to complete. All of the home's electricity needs are provided by 10K solar and 1.9K wind power generators. Some of the home's other green features include waterless urinal and low-flow toilets, as well as a water system that recycles hot water from the shower to help heat the large, three-storey space. In addition, there are sixteen solar heat gain windows and vents which help to regulate the interior temperature.

Spread out over nearly 1000 square feet, the dome's green roof is made of network of porous bags filled with compost, shale, and planted with hardy sedum plants.

Out back, there's an awesome terrace garden made entirely out of recycled rubber tires, glass and brick. The walkways are also made from recycled rubber crumb, while the driveway consists of recycled concrete aggregate.

All things considered, the Long Island Green Dome is another demonstration of how versatile geodesic domes can be when it comes to adapting to different situations and needs. There's a lot more images and visitor information on the Long Island Green Dome website.