Spotlight on Glamping Structures - Geodesic Domes
THE GEODESIC DOME BRINGS A FUTURISTIC FEEL TO THE GLAMPING WORLD BUT IT’S ORIGINS DATE BACK TO 1926, WELL BEFORE GLAMPING WAS EVEN A WORD. WE’LL DIVE INTO THE GEODESIC DOME’S EARLY DAYS, AND WHY IT HAS BECOME A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER GLAMPING STRUCTURE FOR BOTH GLAMPSITE OWNERS AND GLAMPERS.
Location - Nakara Villas and Glamping - Udon Thani, Thailand
The concept of glamping, as described by most, is to get as close to nature as possible within a comfortable setting that’s elevated (mainly off the ground).
Having a great view of said nature from your glamping pod is always a plus, and one of the perks when staying in a geodesic dome.
This glamping structure can check all the boxes and then some. It’s versatile, durable, can be inexpensive, and provides a view most other glamping structures do not. It fits in nicely with the emerging travel category of glamping and brings with it a nuanced experience that lends itself to a Glamptuary stay.
What is a Geodesic Dome exactly? And where did it come from? These are two questions I hear most often so lets lets break this down a bit:
ge·o·des·ic dome (noun) - a dome constructed of short struts following geodesic lines and forming an open framework of triangles or polygons.
The textbook definition of a geodesic dome is definitely not as sexy as it looks in real life.
I think a better way to describe it is that by design, the geodesic dome “does more with less.” It combines the best of physics, architecture and functionality to provide a structure that maximizes usable space using the least amount of construction material. This means less space is taken up in nature and more space is offered to guests in a geodesic dome. That’s a win-win.
And it doesn’t have to stop at just a dome. Below are some examples of geodesic domes that feature expansions and add-ons that enhance the base design.
Locations - Clear Sky Resorts - Various US Locations
Location - Ecocamp Patagonia
Location - Valley Sky Glamping - Nova Scotia
Location - Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel - Switzerland
Geodesic domes are amazing for many reasons, but who deserves the credit for these design-forward glamping structures?
The first geodesic dome was built in 1926 in Germany by Walther Bauersfeld. It was named the Zeiss Planetarium. The building no longer stands but this was the first geodesic dome according to records.
Credit for the designs that are used today belong to Buckminster Fuller, or “Bucky” to his friends. He is credited with creating the designs for the geodesic dome and was awarded the patent back in 1954. He holds 28 design patents in total and once proposed that Mid-Town Manhattan should be covered by a geodesic dome to cut down on pollution and regulate weather.
The Manhattan project never happened BUT Bucky’s designs led to some pretty famous structures including the Biosphere in Montreal, and his home in Carbondale, IL.
Biosphere in Montreal - Source - Viator
Buckminster Fuller Home in Carbondale, IL - Source - Wikipedia
Today, there are numerous designers and fabricators designing and building domes all over the world based on Bucky’s designs. Some folks take it beyond glamping and live full time in their domes.
Source - The Self Build Guide
For the glamping industry, geodesic domes provide a “glamping with a view” option that is affordable for glamping operators. They are designed to last and look great when grouped together.
Location - Nakara Villas in Thailand
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend staying in a geodesic dome where you can truly sit back and enjoy the view.
Safe travels everyone!
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