Design Variants

The two core designs (Standard BioDome and Earth Sheltered SolarPod) are starting points. The same eucalyptus pole framework adapts to different climates, sites, and needs. Here are some of the directions it can go.

Greenhouse Variants

Strip back the insulation and cob, keep the wattle frame, and wrap it in transparent panels or greenhouse plastic. The result is a solar greenhouse that doubles as a warm-season living space. For step-by-step construction, see the Greenhouse BioDome Build Guide.

Stone and Render Variants

Replace the living roof with full stone cladding or heavy lime render. These versions prioritise fire resistance and thermal mass over growing potential.

Stone igloo — full stone cladding makes the dome nearly indistinguishable from the hillside

Cathedral variant — arched openings and mature climbing plants after several years of growth

Terraced and Earth-Sheltered Variants

Build against an existing slope or stone terrace wall. The earth does most of the insulating. These work especially well on Portugal’s steep terraced hillsides.

Greenhouse hothouse — arched greenhouse plastic canopy over a gabion stone base with earth-sheltered entrance

Multi-Dome Compounds

A single dome is a house. Several domes connected by covered pathways become a village. Each dome can serve a different function — sleeping, kitchen, workshop, greenhouse — while sharing infrastructure.

Multi-generational compound — clustered domes for families or communities

Connected compound — multiple structures linked by covered pathways

Forest colony — earth-sheltered domes disappearing into restored native woodland

Village-scale vision — a community of BioDomes nestled into the restored landscape