There are even a few underground. Its creators envision entire subdivisions of such structures. This building technology may someday provide a solution to housing shortages in developing nations. The EcoShell is a concrete shell without insulation but durable and inexpensive to build. Catalytic Software Inc. recently selected the EcoShell as the primary source of housing for a new company town in India.
Plans also call for domed offices, shops, houses of worship, and entertainment facilities.
All over the world, monolithic domes and their offshoots are making a mark on the landscape. Sean Lanham is based in Dallas, Texas and writes for the Monolithic Dome Institute. Freda Parker contributed to this article. The town of Pattonsburg was relocated after flooding in 1993. Unlike conventional HVAC systems with a constant fresh air supply, the domes take in fresh air only when needed and circulate indoor air to optimize energy efficiency.