Geodesic greenhouse book: avoid like the plague

Dec 292012
 

Whenever I see this:

scam_eden_biodome_revolution

it reminds me of that stomach flu which landed me in the hospital a while back. Some months ago I came to learn about the Eden Biodome revolution book. Not a real revolution (and to most only a book in the technical sense), but disturbing enough to make an article about it. I am writing this article now because this is the time when many are planning their spring and summer projects, and the first step is to purchase books.

 

So many review sites reviewing just a single book…

I was surfing the web when I noticed yet another review site for this book.

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_3

This time I decided to dig deeper and find out why so many “review” sites were saying it was so good. Mr. Kacper M. Postawski sells “Eden biodome revolution” for $49.99 as an e-book. The name of the book is a way to capitalize on the Eden Project, the world’s biggest complex of greenhouses in Cornwall, U.K.

This particular “review” website is maintained by an alleged horticultural expert with a Master’s degree and over 18 published papers. We see images of this alleged expert, not in a dome, but in a regular greenhouse and outside. No geodesic greenhouse to be seen anywhere. Here is part of what he writes on the website:

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_4

According to the review site, the only downside for this book is that it’s $49.99 for a limited time…  Damn. I was expecting a set of steak knives and a second copy for the same price.

Also the same website uses this image as a background. It was a watermarked sample to stop people using unauthorized and illegally obtained graphics. A common mistake made by 6 year-olds.

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_8

Then I went to another “review site” which oddly enough, and for a second time, only reviewed one book: you guessed it, Eden biodome revolution. Jim turner was the reviewer’s name. On this one there was a video from Growing Spaces (they do sell impressive geodesic greenhouses, by the way). I talked to G.S and they were not happy that someone is using their content without their consent, especially since the biodome book is essentially geared to take business away from Growing Spaces .

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_6

 

On to the reviewed website

I then decided to visit the actual selling site for this “book”. It has the usual “buy now”, “it’s terrific” and my favorite: “$49.99 for a limited time”, the same price for the last 2-3 years. As a bonus you can apparently build a geodesic greenhouse for under $100!

Knowing the price of materials, I theorized this book was targeting the smurf community.

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_5

 

As I exited the website, a pop-up comes up, just like those scam sites that just don’t want you to leave before you give them money:

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_7

 

 

So what’s in that piece of.. I mean the book?

28 pages of ranting before you get to the the first step, more unauthorized images and to top it off, most of the “useful” information in the e-book is a collection of screen captures of geodesic websites to which he annotates. If I did not know any better, I would think he is stealing content. But I am certain this is simply a misunderstanding.

And if you don’t like the Eden Biodome revolution book, there is a money back guarantee. Having seen this book, I would expect many will take advantage of that specific offer. But that satisfaction guarantee may also be something lifted from another website…

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_2

Yet another graphic lifted without authorization

scam_eden_biodome_revolution_10

Typical content in the Eden biodome Revolution e-book: screen captures of a website with notes the author added

 

Be Sociable, Share!

Geodesic igloo (the Gigloo!)

Dec 282012
 

Last year someone came by the shop where I was building a 40-foot (12m) dome. He noticed our smaller 10-foot (3m) geodesic dome we  left on the side of the road. He asked how much it cost, explaining he wanted to give his son an igloo for the winter season.

We were a little surprised he saw this as an igloo for kids, but we loved the idea. We began reminiscing about building snow forts and bunkers as children. We agreed that the ones dug into a snow bank were the coolest and most secure to hide cookie and juice boxes from our parents and annoying girls.

domerama_gigloo

Making a Gigloo is simple: build a 2v or 3v geodesic dome out of conduit, cover it with a first layer of snow fence (that orange stuff) and then throw a tarp over it. Ideally a 3v is better because the empty areas to cover are smaller.

To make it safe for kids, attach the fence material with as many zip ties as you can find. This ensures the fencing will not move and can support large amounts of snow on top of it. The addition of the tarp over the plastic fencing ensures no snow or water will enter the dome. Make sure your tarp is also fastened tightly over and around the Gigloo.

or_fc

 

The other safety feature is to add a ventilation cap. It also doubles as a device to hear when supper is ready.

gigloo_ventilation

The best part for the parent (s) who will build a Gigloo, aside from a low cost and safety for your kids playing in the snow, is that it does not need to look perfect: it will be covered in snow fast enough.

At least now you know where those missing treats can be found :-)

 

 

Be Sociable, Share!

Geodesic connector hubs looking for good domes

Dec 272012
 

The most popular landing page on Domerama is by far the one for geodesic connector hubs. This is very understandable. But many who wish to build a geodesic dome home or any similar structure seem to believe that one can avoid using connector hubs simply by cutting the correct angles at the tip of each strut.

That thinking is suicidal, especially if you plan to build a dome home. If you build a very small, simple dome such as a 2v or 3v, cutting the angles with a saw is a good exercise, but not the most efficient way to build your geodesic dome.

Domerama has published the compound angles for 4v timber domes, but it was mainly to demonstrate how complex it was. The equipment, precision and skills required are out of almost everyone’s reach. It’s similar to trying to make a soufflé, except that it’s expensive to start a geodesic home until you get it right.

angles_3v_krushke_geodesic_dome

Cut angles for a 3v dome without connector hubs: you will need to make compound cuts (tilt and angle the blade)

 

 

Two alternatives to purchasing connector hubs

OPTION 1: If you want to avoid using geodesic hubs for your timber dome, the first alternative is the following: make a regular metal conduit dome with mechanical tubing with a thick wall, then screw plywood panels onto the metal frame.

hub_alternative_screw_on_panels

 

OPTION 2: use round pipe with metal straps attaching all struts together: this method has worked very well in the past for domes as large as 60 feet (18m) in diameter. You will require to cut each strut end at an angle, but these are simple to do. The image below is a fancier connector that required machine work. Though it is more sturdy, it is also more expensive to make. Using heavy gauge metal strapping is a simpler way to attach to the pipe.

hub_alternative

 

It does not pay to cut corners (or cut compound angles)

The best alternative, though the more expensive one is to purchase a set of hubs. If this is the obvious solution, why do we need to mention it? Because most people try to avoid the expense, plain and simple. Good quality geodesic connector hubs can cost between $100-$125 each, so for a typical geodesic timber dome the cost for a set would be:

For a 2v: 26 hubs required  = $2,600 -$3250 per set

For a 3v: 61 hubs required  = $6,100 -$7625 per set

For a 4v: 91 hubs required  = $9,100 -$11375 per set

For a 5v:  126 hubs required  = $12,600 -$15750 per set

For a 6v: 196 hubs required  = $19,600 -$24500 per set

 

Keeping the cost in perspective

Geodesic connector hubs such as the one in the image below become more cost effective as your dome becomes larger because many are engineered for large loads, and larger homes require more reinforcement. With connector hubs, you can often use the same version for a dome ranging from 30 to 60 feet (9m-18m). In the end, if you want to build a solid, reliable geodesic structure, you need proven materials. Another benefit is that most hubs are made to be used with 2″ X 6″ timber planks.

You can cut every single angle on every single strut, but this takes a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a significant amount of skill. Just because the struts all come together nicely is no indication that a hub-less connection is structurally sound or strong enough. It is almost certain that you will need to reinforce the vertex with an additional set of reinforcing timber pieces around every single hub.

 

why_use_hubs

 

See our list of geodesic connector hubs on Domerama here

 

Be Sociable, Share!
 Older Entries  Newer Entries