The "master bedroom" pod is complete and the owner is living in it. The remainder of the home can be constructed by the current owner/builder for a new buyer (at additional cost), or a conventional home may be constructed instead. 

Although Eco Domes look as if they came straight from Tatooine (some folks call them "moon cocoons", they actually were invented by the late Iranian-born architect and builder Nader Khalili (who had proposed the use of earthbag construction for structures on the Moon or other planets).

Using an earthbag construction technique known as Super Adobe, long tube-shaped fabric bags are filled with virtually any type fill material, including un-stabilized sand, earth, gravel, crushed volcanic rock, rice hulls, etc. Since the Hawaii dome was built on the Big Island (home of the most active volcano on earth), readily-available crushed red cinder (volcanic rock) was combined to form a super-strong cement-like mixture.

The tamped, filled tubes are then laid on top of each other, and a loop of barbed wire is placed to help stabilize the location of each consecutive layer. As each layer is stacked, a beehive-shaped compressive structure is formed that employs arches, domes, and vaults to create single and double-curvature shell structures that are strong and aesthetically pleasing.

Once the corbelled dome is complete, it can be covered in several different kinds of exterior treatments, but plaster is the most common.

Super Adobe has received growing interest for the past two decades in the Natural building and Sustainability movements. Due to Super Adobe’s low-cost, ease in construction, and use of locally available materials, it has also been proposed for use as a long term emergency shelter.

Notwithstanding Madame Pele, the owner believes this house is designed to last a long, long time.

The Hawaii Eco Dome is currently for sale for $70,000.

For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it of Island Trust Properties at 808-936-5084.