Buckminster Fuller got us thinking about geodesic domes after WWII. Since then, hemispherical homes have been made of concrete, foam, plastic, wood and fabric propped up by metal framework.
Dome homes are appreciated by people who like curves, circles and the unconventional.
Philosopher Jean Houston, who promotes the "human potential movement," lives in a dome house Fuller designed for her in Ashland.
Oregon companies let customers start with a prefab kit and then customize the plans to make a dome their own.
People can go round and round on the downside of dome structures, like leaks and how do you hang art, fit a sofa against the wall or get neighbors to not call it a yurt?
But owners of these shell-like structures spout the benefits: Energy efficiency. Space saving. Good feng shui. One owner plays with laser pointers against the high, round ceilings.
In this week's real estate gallery, we look at Oregon dome homes on the market or recently sold.
We have already reported on a planetarium-shaped house at 1850 Carriage Way in West Linn that was designed by a mime who distrusted corners. It's listed for $724,900.
Nine domes - some of which were salvaged from a WWII aircraft carrier - are linked together by rain-pooling flat roofs, 3 1/2-inch iron ribs and a turtle shell-like foam covering.
People call it the Smurf Home. Hobbit House. Yoda's Place. Or worse, says a former owner: He's heard the nine mounds nestled in the ground referred to as dinosaur poop.
"The house itself appeals to a very small market," he says.
- Janet Eastman jeastman@oregonian.com 503-799-8739 @janeteastman
More stories coming in the series
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