Re: spectacular and serene

[Charles J Knight <c dot knight at juno dot com>]

> >> earth-sheltered housing. I joined this list because of the 

> >Fantastic!  My personal favorite structure is a tension structure,
> >actually a simple one -- the radial tent.  But, you've got to 
> 
> an earth-sheltered reinforced-concrete dome because i believe that
> a dome shape is the strongest form to be able to support an earthen 
> "roof" and to support any animal or vehicular traffic across an 
> earthen-roof...am i wrong about this?

Actually, domes and tension structures are comparable in strength
and load bearing capacities, but the translucent nature of the tension
structure makes it better suited to above ground use.  You don't even
require windows, unless you want a view.  The light that comes
through them is wonderful.  (a local shopping mall uses them in lieu
of artificial light...beautiful, and functional)

That, and the fact that it's inherently more "flexible" than a concrete 
reinforced dome, probably makes the dome better suited to 
underground homes.

As far as I know, earth sheltered structures require enormous strength
to support the earth *AND* enormous rigidity so that the earth above
does not move.

Of course, my own ideas lean towards an earth bermed structure with
a tension roof.

     -- Chuck Knight
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