Standing out in sharp contrast to its more conventional neighbors, this vintage dome home appears to have been vacant for an extended period of time.  It’s sad to see “the home of the future” look so decrepit.  Buckminster Fuller, American inventor, teacher, architect, author and designer, popularized the geodesic dome for residential and other purposes.  His own dome home, built in 1960, is now in the process of being restored.

The geodesic dome concept gained in popularity during the 1960’s and 70’s – many dome-shaped houses were built during this time.  The house below is comprised of three distinct domes which are connected to each other.  The exterior is covered with an insulating foam which has not stood the test of time very well.  Still, the house is interesting from both an historical and conceptual point of view.  It is certainly not beyond restoration.

Main house and garage.

Garage dome.

Another view of the main house and garage.

Triangular windows are a staple of dome homes.  The deteriorating foam exterior is more evident here.

The integral awning has been especially vulnerable to decay.

The mitred window jambs are also vulnerable to moisture.

The rear dome is connected to the main dome by a room with lots of south-facing windows.

The front door and storm door are clearly more recent replacements. It would be interesting to see what the entry originally looked like… I’m guessing it might have been similar to the door adjacent to the garage door.  That one appears to be classic late 1960’s – early 1970’s.