Domes, Zomes, and Hybrids: Understanding Geodesic Structures
When it comes to geodesic structures, not all designs are created equal. Whether you’re dreaming of a greenhouse, a cabin, or a creative workspace, choosing the right structure is a good place to start. Let’s break down the main types of geodesic builds—Truncated Domes, Classic Domes, Zomes, and our Hybrid Horizon Dome—to help you decide what’s best for your project.
Truncated Domes (Beginner Bucky Ball)
A truncated dome is really just a simplified version of the classic geodesic dome.
This design has the advantage of only having overall panel length (much like the zomes) and only two unique struts total. The overall strength of the dome is less than that of a classic dome frame but can be easily built sufficiently.
This is a great starting point for folks looking to build their first geodesic structure but wanting to stick to a dome shape vs a zome. We have a set of geodesic dome plans exactly for this purpose, called the Beginner Bucky Ball plans.
Pros:
Beveled method and deep frame method
Single bevel angle and overall panel length, few unique panels
Only two unique struts
Cons:
Panels lack a fixed up/down orientation, making sealing and roofing more nuanced
Not as inherently strong as a classic dome
Classic Geodesic Domes
Popularized by Buckminster Fuller, classic domes are timeless and incredibly stable. Their geometry allows for large structures with very few unique faces, making them efficient to construct with repeatable parts. Domes also feature consistent angles between faces, simplifying beveled frame builds.
Because domes rely on hexagons and pentagons, their concentric panel arrangement is highly efficient, both structurally and visually. This gives them a cohesive, spherical look that’s hard to beat. Their aerodynamic shape naturally resists strong winds and sheds snow, making them ideal for areas prone to heavy weather.
However, their unique geometry can pose some challenges. Panels don’t have a fixed up or down orientation, so sealing and roofing a dome requires careful planning, especially for waterproofing and flashing details. Domes are often built with beveled frames, which means compound cuts and jigs are needed during fabrication. This can add some complexity to the build process, but the payoff is a visually stunning and incredibly strong structure. Our Geodesic Dome plans and instructions show the best, least expensive way to create the strongest and most beautiful dome frames possible.
Pros:
Highly stable and proven design
Fewer unique parts make assembly faster
Ideal for fully beveled frame builds
Aerodynamic shape resists weather and sheds snow naturally
Cons:
Panels lack a fixed up/down orientation, making sealing and roofing more nuanced
Requires more complicated cuts and jigs compared to non-beveled structures
Zomes
Zomes are a modern twist on geodesic domes, offering both simplicity and versatility. They’re built from rhombi (a type of uniform parallelogram) and shine when using a non-beveled method—no compound cuts, no complicated jigs—just straightforward construction. Their consistent panel orientation makes roofing and flashing details far simpler than domes.
Zomes are especially great for DIY builds because of their repeatable components and straightforward construction process. Their steeper rooflines not only look elegant but also help shed snow and rain efficiently. Unlike domes, zomes have a fixed orientation for each panel, which simplifies the installation of roofing materials and waterproofing systems. This makes them ideal for greenhouses, studios, or spaces that prioritize ease of assembly.
On the flip side, beveled frame zomes present challenges. With many unique panel types and inconsistent taper angles across the structure, a beveled zome requires high precision and leaves little room for error. While achievable, we generally recommend the non-beveled method for simplicity and efficiency. Our DIY Zome Build Plans allow you to take either route, following the techniques we've learned after building dozens of these projects.
Pros:
Easiest geodesic structure to build (with the non-beveled method)
Prefabrication is simpler, saving time and effort
Tapered rooflines naturally shed snow
Panels have fixed orientation, simplifying roofing and flashing
Cons:
Beveled frame zomes are complex, requiring many unique struts and tight tolerances
Pro Tip: Skip the beveled frame zome unless you’re ready for a challenge—it’s possible, but not the easiest path. I believe the non beveled method is superior in many ways.
Horizon Dome
Our Horizon Domes combine the aesthetics of domes and zomes, blending the best features of both. These hybrids feature a non-beveled method for easy assembly and introduce flexible design options like awnings, custom openings, and elliptical footprints. That last one being virtually unknown in the dome world.
Horizon Domes are designed to be highly customizable, making them perfect for unique projects that require creative layouts. The ability to integrate doors, windows, and awnings into the design means you can tailor them to suit specific needs—whether it’s a greenhouse with maximum light exposure or a cozy retreat with extra ventilation.
Horizon Domes offer the ability to step outside the fully repeatable geometry of domes and zomes. This can add a bit of complexity to the build process depending on which configuration you choose. However, our hybrid horizon dome build plans walk you through every step in detail, and you can always reach out if you run into any issues!
Pros:
Highly customizable and visually striking
Simplified non-beveled construction
More flexibility for doors, windows, and awnings
Ideal for unique layouts and creative designs
Non-radially symmetrical dome
Cons:
Custom elements can add complexity compared to repeatable shapes found in domes and zomes
Which One Should You Build?
If you’re looking for the easiest path, start with a non-beveled zome. It’s simple, efficient, and stunning. For more traditional aesthetics, a beveled frame dome is a tried-and-true choice. And if you want ultimate flexibility and customization, explore our Horizon Dome designs.
No matter which structure calls to you, Trillium Domes has plans and resources to make the process as smooth as possible. Ready to build your dream space? Let’s make it happen!
~ Johnny Bayles