Stable, efficient, light-filled and inherently spacious... we never understood why the geodesic dome promoted by R. Buckminster Fuller never caught on as a true mass market housing solution (okay, we can see how some folks might find the D&D dice style structure a bit unusual). Although Fuller's Dymaxion house never saw the light of day as a mass produced house solution, there are many geodesic homes across the state, including this one on Mount Washington. This might be the most stylishly appointed geodesic building we've ever seen, and the $799,000 price reflects the 1812 square feet home's unique features. [via Curbed LA]
Hilltop Dome House
2538 Sundown Drive, Mount Washington, CA 90065
$799,000
One of LA's most unusual homes: This pioneering work of vertically interconnected spaces defies domestic convention, using ideas once promoted in The Whole Earth Catalog now staples of architecture and sustainable design. Flexible live-work arrangements are accommodated within the lower levels, illuminated by a dozen skylights, earth sheltered and topped by a green roof for maximum thermal efficiency. The geodesic dome above shelters a vast interior studio volume for meditation, art, rehearsal, performance, or entertaining. Views of the valley and mountains from the house, decks and grounds are panoramic. Interior area totals approximately 1812 square feet on a site of nearly 1/4 acre. Suitable for an individual or couple comfortable in an alternative living environment.
You need to see it in person--it's not very nice at all.
view Palmetto's profile
The photos are lovely
view richie rich's profile
They probably never caught on as a popular choice due to problems with specialized construction techniques, much higher building expense, problems with leakage, and limited appeal for reselling, especially in a hurry.
Personally I would have a problem finding a contractor with experience, and with then being essentially held hostage to his schedule; it's not like you can go to the other guy down the road.
Nice artistic choice in some cases, but not ready to be a go-to solution for most people.
view JosieDaisy's profile
a friend of mine wanted to buy it, but said they're asking too much for how it is in person...
view my little apartment's profile
oh also there are no closets and little storage.
but it looks rad, so...might be your thing!
view my little apartment's profile
Fuller himself ultimately repudiated domes as impractical. Every single thing has to be custom-fitted; since lumber comes rectangular, there's a lot of waste in cutting it to triangular segments; and the flatter parts of the roof always leak.
Not that it isn't an entertaining house for the right buyer... but there are excellent reasons that domes never caught on for mass market housing.
view wende in the twin cities's profile
It would be like living at Burning Man
view marcspice's profile
The photos make this look way cool but in real life, I don't like the Dome homes at all. Look weird and feel uncomfortable.
view rose's profile
I think that this looks totally amazing.
view Maryam in Marrakesh's profile
I thought they were supposed to be cheaper because you could just buy a kit and build. Anyway, I'm sure all the plumbing and electrical would inflate the cost. But if you just built a dome and nothing in it, then it would be cheap (but only a step up from a tent). I just wonder why the whole thing is covered in shingles! The outside could be so much more inventive.
view cali-nys's profile
It's a 70's thing. There is one for sale in in a great location in NC Google dome for sale lockridge nc , Its is listed on lands and farms and by the owner roger windsor. I need to learn how to make those links that are so convenient.
view Kate (NC)'s profile