Embedded Files
Some ideas to control the solar gain from direct sunshine in the summer months...
Opaque window film - can be easily cut and stuck to the inside. Use the type which suction on with a fine water spray, so they can be removed and relocated if needed.
A sun sail shade can be supported outside above the dome attached to sturdy structures, and can be positioned to provide in the hottest parts of the day.
If you aim to build a transparent dome in a permanently sunny location, it may be advisable to replace some of the clear panels with opaque or reflective surface (mirrored) plastic sheet to help reduce solar gain.
Solar Reflective film
Sun Sail for shade
A minimal door option could be to use a side-rolling retractable fly screen.
Like this,
Fixed fly screens with aluminum panel - Gold 03 | NoFlyStore • Fly Screens • NoFlyStore
Automatic Opening Window / Vent.
Included in the downloadable plans are cutting diagrams for creating the above window frame and window pane. These fit in place of one type of shape on the dome, so can be replaced with a window like this on as many as required.
The basic window just needs a hinge at the top and a stay at the bottom.
A more advanced once as shown, uses a expanding gas strut like in greenhouses to automatically open and close depending on the internal temperatures.
Porch Door entrance
Cutting plans for the above door entrance front porch are included in the downloadable files.
The door entrance can be positioned at 5 points around the dome, or you could even create multiple entrances.
I created a few angle brackets, made from left over plastic. Cut into a strip, with a hole drilled at each end.. and then heated and bent to around 55%. These are then attached on the outside, holding the door side and top panels to the main dome. You will need to drill a few holes into the door panels and dome to secure the brackets.
A simple aluminium angle frame support the entrance and creates a nice finish.
Hot Tub Cover, Green house and Sun Room.
By the nature of its design, the clear dome does get warm in direct sunlight. Most plastics can be purchased in UV blocking types so it may get warm, but you wont get sunburnt inside.
The internal warm, windless climate makes an ideal tropical plant house or cosy hot tub cover in the evenings.
Cleaning.
Cleaning.
Due to the overlapping panel construction, it is inevitable that dirt and debris will work its way into the gaps overtime. The above photos is from a dome under a tree with a years worth of debris accumulated.
A pressure sprayer is the easiest and quickest method to blast the gaps clean. The spraying needs to be done from outside, as the panels have a convex flex and so the outside has a slight gap, whereas the inside are edges are more likely to be pressed together.
A standard pressure sprayer will work, but we have found that a modified end will achieve faster results.
The water pressure needs to aim into the gap, we found that pressure spraying wand is 15mm diameter - the same as water pipe push-on fittings, so cutting the about 1/4 from the end of a standard pressure spraying nozzle, and using a 90degree push on elbow to join them up again work really well to create a nozzle which can easily reach over the top of the dome (4m dome using a ladder) and round the less accessible sides.
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