Divine Design Knowledge Base
FAQs
Purchasing, installing, and maintaining domes raises many questions – we strive to answer these as precisely as possible on the following page. We start the page with three highlighted features of the domes, followed by the ‘Questions and Answers’ section.
Modularity
On the surface of the domes, each panel can be individually assembled, unscrewed, removed, and replaced with a desired new module. Such interchangeable modules can include a closed or openable window or a vacuum-insulated surface. This can be done even while the dome is in use, allowing for easy module replacement at any time in the months following installation, without interior remodelling or wall demolition.
Expandability
Domes can be expanded in five directions at specified points. This expansion can include, for example, a terrace exit (with a door and canopy leading to a terrace), or even connecting one or more neighboring domes. In the latter case, using small connecting corridors, spaces familiar from residential houses can be created, covering the functionality of an entire family home: you can create a studio apartment, a two-room apartment, or even a star-shaped family empire consisting of five domes.
The domes are manufactured using materials that ensure they can withstand weather and other environmental impacts for a long time. During the manufacturing process, the following are of paramount importance:
- Extremely resistant outer shell: The steel cladding that surrounds the dome is coated with specially heat-treated paint, giving the structures extraordinary durability.
- Low-emission glass: Where the dome is not covered with steel plates, the glass used is low-emission, insulated glass (low-e glass), which, unlike plexiglass, is resistant to UV radiation.
- Bronze glass: If the customer requests darkening of the glass, it is achieved with bronze glass, which has a longer lifespan compared to foil.
- Treated wood: The wood used in the interior spaces is heat-treated, making it durable as well.
Thanks to the above, we offer a 10-year warranty on our structures, as there is no part of the dome that would easily wear out or break.
The materials and technologies used in the construction of the domes allow us to offer a 10-year warranty on our domes. The warranty is voided if:
- The panels of the domes are damaged during any installation (we do not recommend attaching any external objects or solar panels to the panels, especially those that involve drilling, mounting, hammering, or modifying the panels in any way).
- Any modification or drilling of the panels not only voids the warranty but also significantly affects the efficiency of the dome’s operation.
If it becomes necessary to attach any small object, we recommend doing so only to the structure (using small hooks or screws).
For temporary structures, local authority involvement is usually not required, but for permanent structures, especially domes used as permanent residences, local permits may be needed. We do not have a general answer that applies to every country regarding these permits, but we support the permitting process in every way. It is the responsibility of the customer to contact local authorities, and we cooperate with local experts.
- Blueprint: Depending on the country, a blueprint drawn by an architect may be required for some permits. In this case, we also provide consultation with local experts to support the permitting process.
- Customer Responsibility: If it is not a residential building, but, for example, a small dome built over a jacuzzi, no permit is usually required in most countries. However, it is the customer’s responsibility to uncover and investigate the legal background.
In terms of sizing, we have standard sizes:
- We offer 4m, 5m, 6m, and 7m for Micro Domes.
- For Unity Domes, our current range includes 8m, 9m, 10m, and 12m.
Custom sizing is possible, but in this case, we can only fulfil the request at an additional cost after assessing the specific needs. Custom sizing requires deviation from our manufacturing templates, necessitating special arrangements. The final price is significantly influenced by whether it is a single item or a larger quantity order.
Many people are interested in how to heat the domes: the basic rule here is that any solution familiar to residential houses can be applied to the domes, especially larger domes, which can function as full-fledged residential houses. That means all classic heating methods can be implemented, such as:
- Electric heating
- Gas heaters
- Fireplace and wood
- Cooling and heating air conditioning units
- Infra-heating under the floor
- Infra-heating that can be placed on walls, ceilings, and roofs
The other common question is about insulation. The insulation of the domes can be carried out with excellent quality with our Wool solution – however, we have a next-generation insulation tech in the development pipeline!
When it comes to durability and resistance, the dome shape is among the most resilient structures, regardless of environmental impacts. So much so that it can withstand not only wind and extreme snow loads but also effectively dissipate vibrations caused by earthquakes due to the hemisphere shape, remaining standing. Compared to traditional square buildings, dome structures are much more resistant. Some interesting data:
- One of our customers wanted to build in Bali, where earthquakes are quite frequent and cause significant headaches, even for investors, as even if the insurer pays out, rebuilding a property can cause a lot of hassle.
- Once we examined extreme snow load (with 2 meters of snow) with a structural engineer. This amount only accounted for 35% of the load capacity in older dome tents, and only 10% for our new hard-shell domes with aluminum frames. So it could have borne much more weight.
- Several studies have also been conducted on domes regarding winds, proving they can remain standing even after extreme storms or tornadoes. They visually demonstrate that there are no protruding surfaces on the dome’s side for the wind to latch onto.
Our team is constantly evolving and expanding, and we are continuously increasing our production capacity. Currently, our production speed is 5 domes per month, and due to the continuously incoming orders, the minimum lead time for a new dome order is 4 months.
This is also indicated on the ordering interface, and we provide feedback with each order to confirm whether the 4-month production period can be met or if a longer time frame should be expected.
In addition to the production time, you also need to calculate the delivery time. The calculation of delivery time and cost is unique for each order. The main influencing factor is the country and the quantity of goods ordered. Since this delivery is much more complex than for a small boxed product – the exact delivery time and cost will be determined in the days following the order. Similarly, we will also clarify at the time of ordering whether customs duties need to be paid when leaving the EU, and whether any additional documents are required for the shipment of the domes (e.g., invoice, waybill, EU tax number).
Our company is registered and operates in Hungary as a limited liability company. Based on your shipping address, our webshop automatically determines whether you need to pay VAT for your domes.
Every order means the reservation of our production capacity, so we usually request advance payment, which can be done through the webshop. We may apply instalment payment terms based on individual agreements (for 10 domes and above) for large orders.
Packages are always shipped with professional partners who aim for safety, and their trucks are insured. If any damage occurs to the package, it must be reported to the shipping company immediately, with photo evidence.
Since our production is a unique and costly process, there is no possibility to cancel orders.
Water and electrical system connections are usually made from below, through the floor, so this should be considered during planning and floor preparation.
Within the domes – If you order interior modules from us that require water or electricity (bathroom, kitchen, bedroom), we take care of installing the wiring within the dome.
Outside the domes – Based on the prepared blueprints, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that we can connect to an external power source or water channel from below the floor. This may require involving local professionals (plumber, electrician).