Ardan Scientific Programming
Geodesic Domes


Home - Philosophy - Links
Build an inexpensive Geodesic Greenhouse with easy to follow instructions in MS Word format.

Geodesic Greenhouse

purpose: easy to construct, inexpensive greenhouse or shelter.

materials:
  • 10 pcs 10' 1/2" PVC pipe
  • 5 pcs 1/2" PVC connectors
  • 10 pcs 1/4"-20 X 2" carriage bolts
  • 10 pcs 1/4"-20 nuts
  • 20 pcs 1/4'-20 washers
  • plastic sheeting
    • construction:
    1. Mark one end of each pipe as top.
    2. Measure 2 feet from top of each pipe and mark, then measure 6 feet from the top and mark. Repeat procedure with each pipe.
    3. Drill 1/4" holes through pipes at the marked points.
    4. Connect pipe tops together with PVC connectors, PVC glue can be used to make connection permanent. Do not glue connectors for more compact storage. There should now be 5 identical 20 foot PVC pipes.
    5. Arrange the pipes to make a pentagon in the center as in figure 2 and insert bolts through holes to connect pipes together. The pentagon should have (5) 4 foot sides. Connect other points with bolts. All pentagons and triangles should have 4 foot sides when completed.
    6. Arch the pipes to set up geodesic dome. This will probably take two people but can be done alone by attaching a rope at the points indicated and pulling taut. The rope will also help hold the shape of the dome.
    7. Cover dome with plastic or other suitable material.