Feb 24th - GeoStudio Advantages

When I started this project many said, “what would you use a tiny geodesic dome for? Is it a tool shed? A playhouse? A place to put your ATV? There’s no place to hang stuff, there are no corners.” I struggled at first because I wasn’t sure myself. All I knew is I wanted to build a geodesic dome. And it had to be heatable.

Eventually I stumbled on the idea that it would have a very useful function - it would be a place for people to run a home-based business out of. The reasons for this became apparent; “leave the house without leaving home”, save the cost of downtown office rent, more control over one's hours of operation, childcare issues more easily dealt with and and…who doesn’t want all those?

The more I worked it the more other uses I thought of. Kids can use these for play spaces - even their noise wouldn’t disrupt the neighbourhood. Teens could “practice independence”, mom’s could get some quiet time, dad’s could play music. Basically anyone can find a use for it if it’s presented correctly.

Here’s more. Being highly insulated and small provides two immediate benefits; the GeoStudio can be heated with a small space heater and is a great sound buffer. With a minimum R20 insulation (standard on houses) the spray foam hardens and as a bonus adds strength to an already strong geodesic structure. On the windiest of days it is amazingly quiet.

Many people spoke to me about getting a solar panel. And more windows. And a skylight. And floor coverings. So yes, yes, yes and yes. There will be many upgrades! And of course each person's use will determine that.

Consider this; an addition to your house could surpass $50K especially if extending the foundation. If you live in a two bedroom house and are contemplating a 3 bedroom house why not just get a GeoStudio which would be under $10K? Now that’s a saving . And we haven’t even addressed the fact that if you were to drop the business aspect you would still have a very usable space which would add value to your existing property.

Other applications of the GeoStudio extend to gardening and personal food supply. Of course a greenhouse can be built for much cheaper if you just want to extend your planting/growing season but I’m talking about more “high-tech” uses - like aquaponics where temperature control is more exacting.  More people are hearing about this new food production technology, google it. My goto is Dan at Thunderbird Farms, who has an aquaponics setup in a geodesic dome. He is close to having a year-round operation. www.thunderbirdfarms.ca

So here you have it, a few applications for the GeoStudio. I have a brochure which list more uses, it’ll go to this website soon. But my favourite use for the GeoStudio has yet to be created, a tiny house. More on that later.