Dr Gene Hopster (a Countryside reader), sent us some information on the “Hexadome,” which he designed, patented, copyrighted, registered, etc. in 1970. (Others are reportedly using his design in what he calls “a swindle.”)

This “easy-to-build” dome has many advantages over the  usual geodesic dome, Dr. Hopster says. It’s made from 24 identical equilateral triangles, instead of many triangles of varying size and form. This results in simpler construction, fewer seams, and fewer problems with leaks. The design also permits use of larger windows in the upper section, and installation of standard flat solar collectors.

The plywood-covered panels for an entire home can reportedly be carried on a large bed pickup truck and erected in a matter of hours by bolting the pre-drilled panels together with half-inch steel bolts.

Originally published in the March/April 1995 issue of Countryside Magazine and regularly vetted for accuracy.