There is all of that, but mostly I think just because it looks cool. BillR -----Original Message----- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of MG Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 11:12 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT: Dome
Energy conservation did come into it. The dome provides an R value of somewhere around 34-38 depending on how it is calculated. That is over the entire surface. This works out pretty good as the whole thing at 2,500 sq ft will be cooled by a 2.5 ton geothermal unit which will also provide hot water during the cooling season for free. As far as passive cooling considerations, for the short span of time each year when it can be used, it has a cupola on the top, 5 sided with a 2'x8' window in each side. Since they are about 24' off the ground this provides a great place to let hot air out. However the main point in it's favor is the wind resistance. This is a lot lower than any other type of house from all sides with the possible exception of a totally earth covered construction (cave). Unfortunately since I live in Florida I didn't want to get into the possible problems with leaks by being below ground even though there are products that will probably do a lot better now then there were even 10 or so years ago. Then there is also the consideration that I wanted at least some kind of view and in flat land there is no substitute for height, so dome. Manfred Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:42:26 -0500 From: OK Don <okd...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT: Dome Why did you choose a dome versus one of the passive solar designs, or did the energy equation not enter into the decision? _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
