Frequently
Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a dome home?
In most cases between 3-6 months. Most blocks are made and assembled on your block of land by our assembly team, and being a modular system our team can quickly assemble your home in short turn around times. The team of skilled and qualified tradespeople ensure the safety and functionality of your smart dome home.
Why a dome home?
In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, domes meet or exceed FEMA’s standards for providing near-absolute protection. Our research team spent the last 2 years researching materials and designs that would leverage on making it affordable, safe and resistant to cyclones. Domes enclose the largest volume of interior space with the least amount of surface area, which reduces materials and costs. Additionally, a dome’s internal space and curves allows for an uninterrupted flow of air, thus creating an efficient circulation of cold and hot air. Freedomes structures create environments that balance feminine and masculine qualities, providing free-flowing curves with strength and security.
Can they be changed once built?
Freedomes are assembled using specially designed blocks that fit together without the need of using mortar. This means that dome homes can be disassembled and reconfigured to suit your changing situation. Start small if that’s all you can afford and change it when you change. Domes enclose the largest volume of interior space with the least amount of surface area, which reduces materials and costs. Additionally, a dome’s internal space and curves allows for an uninterrupted flow of air, thus creating an efficient circulation of cold and hot air. Freedomes structures create environments that balance feminine and masculine qualities, providing free-flowing curves with strength and security.
What are the domes built out of?
We have developed a special formula combined with the use of readily available materials to manufacture Freedome blocks. We then split the manufacturing of blocks between our factory and your site, to reduce the cost and impact transport has on the environment.
When can I get one?
We are prioritising the Cairns regional area during 2023, further geographical expansion will commence from 2024. The more requests we get to build in your region, the higher priority we place on establishing a new Freedome For Me outlet to service that region.
How can domes be light weight yet resistant to cyclones?
The weight component of a structure is only one factor to determine its resistance to cyclones. Freedome structures allow winds to more naturally flow around them when compared to conventional structures with large flat areas. Have you ever tried placing a flat mobile phone between you and a lit candle, and then tried blowing the candle out? Hard, isn't it? Now this time, replace the flat mobile phone with a round glass and try again. Did the flame flicker or go out? This is because the wind could go around the glass instead of "pushing" on a flat surface. This is much like a strong wind (like the winds of a cyclone) going around a dome and not wanting to "push it" like it would a flat surface. This is what makes Freedomes more invisible to strong winds than the average conventional house. As well as shape, Freedome structures have been designed with cyclones in mind. High tensile tiedowns criss-cross the inside of building blocks, securing them to each other and the foundation to create an incredibly strong united structure. The force of an object impacting the side of a dome is spread around the structure, much like how an egg is strong against crushing forces even though it has thin walls. These criss-cross tiedowns that run throughout the dome structure secure it to a foundation that is buried much deeper in the ground than the average conventional home, thereby further increasing its resistance to sideways movement due to unusual wind forces. Freedome For Me structures have achieved the largest wind class certification compliant with AS4055 Australian Building Standards. Therefore, you can rest assured you are obtaining the highest of safety in terms of strong cyclonic winds.
How can I configure my home?
Initially we will commence with 3 set configurations, but it is definitely part of our roadmap to offer custom variations in the near future.
Do these buildings require any special council approval?
Just like building any new home, you need to gain council approval for the land itself and ensure there is appropriate residential zoning to allow you to build. After that, our friendly staff will take care of the council process during the construction phases of your new dome home.
Does the land have to be flat and level?
No. Ground levelling for reasonably flat blocks of land is included in the price. If more substantial groundworks are required, we will discuss any possible additional costs with you.
Do I need round furniture to fit inside these round structures?
No. The first 900mm of Freedome structures are vertical, meaning that it will accommodate most standard furniture. Even tall items like fridges that are placed against the wall will only have around a 100mm gap at the bottom (which is preferable for airflow at the back of a fridge).
When can I see the display home?
We are expecting to have the display home finished by the end of 2023. Shortly after we will open up appointments for inspection. Please keep an eye on our website for updates of when this happens.
Are Freedomes suitable for solar power?
Yes, but currently the frames that attach the solar panels to the dome structure need to be custom made. We are hoping that solar panel frame producers will soon add these custom frames to their catalogue.
Can I add extra windows?
Our current 3 models have been designed with windows that provide ample light throughout the space. Because there are no corners in a dome, light is able to spread more evenly. In time each dome home will be self configurable during the selection process, this will include the selection of windows and locations that suit your needs.
Can Freedomes be insured?
Yes. Freedomes are insurable like any other free-standing structures. Contact your insurance company to get a quote.
Are Freedomes fire and mould resistant?
We are still finalising our research, but results so far are positive. The natural products we have added to our building block material seems to not only strengthen the blocks, but also increase resistance to fire, mould and the sun's harsh UV rays. In saying that, if our building blocks are painted with a product that is not mould resistant, then the paint itself would be likely to attract mould. And similarly for fire, if painted with a product that is not fire resistant, then the paint is likely to degrade upon exposure to excessive heat.