Why do geodesic structures save on building materials?

The primary factor affecting efficient use of materials and energy in a structure is its shape. Think of a soap bubble. A sphere represents the smallest amount of material surface area needed to enclose a given volume of space. A divided sphere becomes one of the most efficient shapes known to enclose a given floor area.

Why do geodesic structures conserve energy for heating and cooling?

The answer again lies in the shape of the geodesic structure. The lower the total outside surface area (walls and ceilings) the greater the efficiency in energy use for heating and cooling.  A dome has approximately one-third less surface area to the outside than a box-style structure. The amount surface area exposed to the elements has a much greater impact on energy efficiency than insulation values. Additionally, heat loss from the foundation of a home is generally more dependent on perimeter length than floor area. A dome, having a smaller perimeter/square footage ratio than a box-style home, will lose less heat from the foundation.

Efficient airflow inside that dome adds to the energy savings further; the curved surface of a dome provides a natural circulation of internal air.  Outside the dome, the shape of the dome provides an aerodynamic effect; wind passes over the dome with less resistance. In comparison, a box-style structure provides a flat barrier to wind, creating positive wind pressure with air infiltration on one side, and suction, or negative wind pressure, with internal air exfiltration, on the opposite external surface.

I have heard that geodesic structures are very strong, and can withstand earthquakes and severe storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes... is this true?

Geodesic structures have shown themselves to endure through severe storms and earthquakes, due to the strength of their design. Geodesic domes have been used successfully for Antarctica radar towers with up to 200mph winds for over 25 years. Geodesic structures also increase options for placement on rugged, steep terrains. 

Our domes use 2" x 6" struts to provide a very strong geodesic structure. Additionally, the Timberline Heavy Duty Connector System can be used with 2" x 8", 2" x 10", or 2" x 12" struts to increase strength, insulation capabilities, and snow and wind load capabilities.

Why are geodesic structures so strong?

The nature of the spherical design provides strength because the stress is shared evenly by all the points of the structure. The dome shape allows environmental stress such as movement from an earthquake or wind or stress from snow loading to be evenly distributed throughout the structure. The geometry of the triangle offers additional strength to the dome shape.

What other advantages do geodesic structures offer over conventional structures?

Interior advantages of the dome include greater freedom of floor plan design, cathedral ceilings, evenness of light, heat, and sound distribution. Domes display superior light characteristics as spherical shapes tend to amplify light while rectangular shapes tend to absorb light; in many cases it is actually brighter inside a dome without any interior lights turned on than it is outside. Acoustical advantages include more even sound distribution and approximately 30% less outside noise infiltration.