1994-09-20|Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
01 | Title
Tornado Buster: Dome as Future Housing in Canada
A Proposal
DUE 1994-09-26
02 | Summary of Housing Research Project
02.01 | Research problem or question
A recent tornado which hit Aylmer (Québec) and some parts of Ottawa-Carleton (Ontario) exposed the structural vulnerability of traditional houses. Most of the damages are concentrated on or near the roof. Dome houses can cope with tornados and other natural disasters much better than conventional houses can, as reported in the survivability of dome houses after the devastation by Hurricane Andrew in Florida and Louisiana, U.S.A. in 1992.
02.02 | Scope and objectives of the proposed research
Although very rare in Canada, dome houses are gaining popularity in the U.S.A. where "Dome Magazine" is published and hundreds of domes have been constructed. The main objective of this research project is to identify the advantages of dome housing in the context of Canadian climate and regulatory environment. Cost analysis will be done, especially the savings in roof structure compared with traditional houses. Socio-economic impact of dome housing in Canada will also be studied.
02.03 | Research method and data sources
Starting with literature search, we plan to investigate dome shapes and materials in order to identify the most suitable form of dome housing in Canada. Field visits will be made to domes in the area affected by Hurricane Andrew, to a dome in the Northwest Territories in Canada, and to a dome manufacturer in the U.S.A. in order to gather evidence, both positive and negative.
Finally, a report will be produced as the end product, making recommendations for the next phase, if the findings are positive.
03 | Detailed Description of Project
03.01 | Research problem or question
A recent tornado which hit Aylmer (Québec) and some parts of Ottawa-Carleton (Ontario) exposed the structural vulnerability of traditional houses.
Most of the damages are concentrated on or near the roof.
Dome houses can cope with tornados and other natural disasters much better than conventional houses can, as reported in the survivability of dome houses after the devastation by Hurricane Andrew in Florida and Louisiana, U.S.A. in 1992.
03.02 | Context and relation of the work to existing research literature
An emerging trend towards dome housing mostly in the U.S.A. can be found in a number of articles in the following literature.
The Futurist magazine (Bethesda, MD, U.S.A.)
Dome magazine (Wheat Ridge, CO, U.S.A.)
Each article will be carefully examined and analysed in the context of this research project.
The dome structure is reported to have been studied by Natural Resources Canada for its energy efficiency due to its space-saving shape.
03.03 | Scope and objectives of the proposed research
The main objective of this research project is to identify the advantages of dome housing in the context of Canadian climate and regulatory environment, with a special emphasis on disaster-sustainability and degree of emergency preparedness.
If some parts of building code are found to be inconsistent with dome structure, recommendations will be made with regard to accommodating dome structure in building codes. Partial deregulation of building codes may result, in favour of emphasising core values.
Cost analyses will be done to determine the affordability of dome houses in Canada, especially the savings in roof structure compared with traditional houses.
Socio-economic impact of dome housing in Canada will also be studied in light of an emerging trend toward telecommuting and telework, which increases demand for stable, robust and maintenance-free lifestyle both in urban and rural regions as the home increasingly becomes the place of work place as well as residence.
The project is consistent with the corporate direction since HyperInfo Canada Inc. is enlisted in the "Directory of Arctic Science and Technology Research in Canada" published by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for its roles on lifestyle research, Development of Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence industry and habitat in the Canadian North through telecommunication links.
03.04 | Potential contribution to housing; results expected
The damage caused by the tornado that hit Aylmer (Québec) is reported to have reached about $10M CAD.
If the finding on disaster-resistance is positive and dome housing becomes the norm in Canada, economic impact will be enormous over the long-term future, given the frequency of natural disasters in Canada.
The energy saving of the dome structure has been demonstrated due to its efficiency in the use of space and material. This is especially appropriate for Canada, the highest per-capita energy consumer in the world.
Other benefits include fire and noise resistance, if concrete outer shell were used.
Paradigm shift in the general public would be required to counter the perceived fear of declining resale value instead of being forefront of the housing technology. Thus, there will be a need for an effective educational advertisement campaign to promote dome housing as safe, energy-efficient and low-maintenance alternative to traditional houses in Canada.
However, standardisation, such as S.I. metric measurement, is the key to commercial success. Local builders would be encouraged to offer a "Community of Dome Housing".
With the creation of whole new dome-manufacturing industry offering standard dome models, there would be an export opportunity. Alternatively, the industry would benefit from standardised dome through licensing agreement with foreign manufacturers.
03.05 | Research plan and methods of analysis
Starting with literature search, we plan to investigate dome shapes and materials in order to identify the most suitable form of dome in Canada.
Previous research on energy efficiency and environmental impact will be examined in detail.
Fact-finding field visits will be made to the following sites.
domes in sites affected by Hurricane Andrew in the U.S.A.
a dome in the Northwest Territories in Canada
a dome manufacturer in the U.S.A.
In addition to existing dome exterior shell materials, some innovative materials will be examined for suitability.
concrete
ceramic tile, as used in the space shuttle thermal insulation
vacuum-panel, as used in new refrigerators and thermos
03.06 | Work schedule, allocation of tasks
1995-03-01
start of the CMHC dome project (Phase 1)
1995-03
visit domes in sites affected by Hurricane Andrew in the U.S.A.
1995-05
visit a dome manufacturer in the U.S.A.
1995-07
visit a dome in Iqaluit, the Northwest Territories in Canada
1995-09
visit Winnipeg (Manitoba) for discussion with a qualified dome expert
1995-10
interim report issued
1995-11
prepare application for EPC R&D project with Environment Canada R&D Funding
1996-02-28
end of the CMHC dome project (Phase 1)
1996-03-01
possible start of CMHC dome project (Phase 2)
1996-03-01
possible start of EPC R&D project (Environment Canada R&D Funding)
continuous
literature search
study dome shapes, materials, environmental impact
03.07 | Future Extensions
If the conclusion of this phase of research turns out to be positive, the following steps will be taken to continue the research.
A request for Phase 2 will be made to produce a media advertisement, in collaboration with CMHC and EPC, to promote the dome housing in Canada through an Unsolicited Proposal.
At the same time, an Unsolicited Proposal will be made to the Emergency Preparedness Canada for a Research and Development project, which qualifies as Environment Canada R&D project.
Further, feasibility of setting up a non-profit organisation such as Canadian Dome Housing Association will be studied.
Finally, Phase 3 will be to construct a generic prototype demonstration dome at CMHC headquarters site and moving exhibition and trade shows.
03.08 | List of Abbreviations
CMHC ........... Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
