Brigham Young U

The Triple Dome Home’s design began in Fall of 2021, originally intended only for the DOE Solar Decathlon Competition. The team chose a dome design because of the thermal massing benefits and the opportunity for greater implementation of sustainable practices when compared to a traditional wood-framed home. The original design was two circular domes with curved retaining walls that made up the carport/ garage area. This design was reconsidered when the possibility of participating in the Orange County Solar Decathlon arose, which required the home to be transportable. This would not have been possible with the two round domes, so the home went through a massive re-designing effort. Rather than two large circular areas, we arrived on our three oblong pod design, with each pod being designed just small enough to fit onto the bed of a semi-truck.

The testing done for the DOE solar decathlon has proven that the Triple Dome Home is a functional home for a small family with thermal efficiency, water conservation, and energy conservation benefits.

The Triple Dome Home features sustainability efforts that do not encroach on occupant living quality. Solar panels produce more energy than the home uses, making the home net zero on an annual basis. Fixtures and appliances were selected to conserve as much energy and water as possible. Despite a smaller square footage, necessary systems such as the HVAC and water heating systems are consolidated and optimized to keep as much open space as possible for occupant use. The home has the ability to be disassembled and moved to different locations with minimal connection complications due to the HVAC and plumbing being contained completely to the middle pod.

• Models that have the two round dome design with retaining walls
• Model that has the pergola on top of the three pods with earth berm covering pods
• Floor plan change with laundry closet and with master bathroom area