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QUESTION: hello sir, please suggest me the material in following cases which i am encountering:
1.I am preparing a residential bungalow of G+2 storeys and my theme is sphere of 12m radius. it rests at 13.5m diameter level from bottom because below that, m providing a basement. I have also provided 0.6m deep ventilators throughout the periphery at all floors. Is the 'geodesic dome' structure suitable as it has discontinuities(ventilators) thrice? plus, it has 90 degree rotating/opening panels for terrace. so does the geodesic dome provide this provision?
2. please suggest the suitable pearly-finish for the cladding of pearl part..
3. Please also suggest the material for 'shell' part which would impart stability, mouldabilty and durability as well.
      Please answer my questions sir.. they are been long but kindly consider and answer them.

ANSWER: Hi Poooja,

1. The geodesic dome seems like a first obvious choice. Without seeing images of the design it is difficult to tell if it will suit all your needs. If the structure has to be broken at the ventilators then that may pose an issue. Perhaps there is a way to eliminate certain members but increase the size of the remaining members around the openings. A structural engineer might be able to advise you better than I can.

2. Does the material have to be light or can it be heavy? Perhaps some sort of stone would work if it heavy (a white marble for example), but it sounds like you are trying to create something more modern and maybe stone is not the right look. Maybe there is a way to use a thin stone veneer mounted on honeycomb aluminum panels. Or maybe there is a painting process that would result in a pearly finish. Have you ever seen pearl white paint on a car? They paint the car metallic grey first, then metallic white over this which creates a pearly finish. I'm sure something like this could be used for a building.

3. Metal would be durable, bendable and stable. And some sort of composite material with an aluminum backer could also work.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: sir, thanks for the previous answers, but here are some more querries regarding same project..
1. Is the top of the geodesic dome openable for a limited angle of 90 degrees at least?
2. I've provided a circular stair-case of 1.2m width and a cellular lift between the stair-case. so, in-all, the radius of my building is 12m and the central space occupied by the stair-case and lift is of radius 1.8m. so, could I place my columns immediately outside the periphery of stair-case and make the entire span of 10.2m radius as a cantilever slab?
3. Occupied the central space and the casing is of geodesic dome for the building, so could you suggest me how shall I make the provision for the service lines(water and sewer lines) in the geodesic dome bldg??
         your answers would extend a great help sir.. thank you..!

Answer
Hi Pooja,

Q1. Is the top of the geodesic dome openable for a limited angle of 90 degrees at least?

A: I'm afraid I'm not an expert in geodesic domes so I can't accurately answer this questions. You might be able to find a structural engineer on this website that could help you though. I would suggest trying that because they will have a much better understanding of what is possible.

Q2. I've provided a circular stair-case of 1.2m width and a cellular lift between the stair-case. so, in-all, the radius of my building is 12m and the central space occupied by the stair-case and lift is of radius 1.8m. so, could I place my columns immediately outside the periphery of stair-case and make the entire span of 10.2m radius as a cantilever slab?

A: If I am understanding you correctly 10.2m seems like an awful long cantilever. Typically you will see a ratio of 2/3rds of a supported 'beam' and 1/3 of a cantilever. This helps resist the moment of all the forces. It sounds like you may have very little resisting this moment unless the staircase and elevator are a very solid core. Even then it sounds difficult. There are some building which are supported from a center core, but use structures or cables that support the exterior of the building, all tied back into this core. It sounds like your structural idea may need more study.

Q3. Occupied the central space and the casing is of geodesic dome for the building, so could you suggest me how shall I make the provision for the service lines(water and sewer lines) in the geodesic dome bldg??
        
A:Typically those elements are brought down in the 'core' of the building alongside elevators, stairs, etc. That would be the most efficient method. If that is not possibly you may need to create elements that these systems can be tucked into. Or you can look at the Centre Pompidou and see how these elements are expressed on the exterior and interior of the building. You could attempt to not hide them and make them part of the architecture/design.

Best of luck!

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
LEARN ABOUT MOTIONSPACE ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN:
Motionspace Architecture + Design Websites: Seattle Architects
Read our Seattle Architecture Blog
Learn more about us: Seattle Architects information
Learn more about our services: Seattle Architecture and Design Services
Levels of services: Seattle Architects Services
Frequently asked architect questions answered by a: Seattle Architect
Contact Motionspace - Seattle Architects
A list of all our completed projects:Seattle Architects Projects

PROJECT GALLERY
See our completed projects at:  Seattle Architecture Projects
Lake Washington Waterfront House
New American Farmhouse
Green Home Design at Rim Rock Ranch
Green Lake House Remodel
Seattle Condo Remodel
Seattle Craftsman Remodel
Seattle Mid-Century Modern Remodel
Seattle Brick Home Remodel
Mercer Island Remodel
Seattle Capitol Hill Craftsman Remodel
Seattle Basement Remodel
Seattle Bungalow Remodel
Seattle Second Story Addition
Seattle Outdoor Kitchen Design
Seattle Townhouse Design
Seattle Bathroom Remodel
Kirkland Bathroom Remodel
Seattle Porch Design
Seattle New Home Design
Bellevue House Addition
Bellevue Landscape Design
Swimming Pool Design
Seattle Entry Design
Bellevue Daycare Design
Seattle Tenant Improvement Design
Seattle School Design

LEARN MORE
Looking for an architect? Seattle Architect
Remodeling your bathroom: Seattle Bathroom Remodel
Laundry and mudroom design: Seattle Mudroom and Laundry Room Design
Remodeling your entire house: Seattle Whole House Remodel
Information on Seattle Home additions: Seattle Home Additions
Adding a roof deck: Seattle Roof Deck Design
Choosing exterior colors and materials: Exterior Houe Colors
Read about remodeling your basement: Seattle Basement Remodel
Consider adding a second story addition: Seattle Second Story Addition
Sustainable and green design resources: Seattle Green House Design
Information on garage additions: Seattle Garage Additions
Choosing Kitchen Materials: Seattle Kitchen Design
Kitchen Remodels: Seattle Kitchen Remodel
New House Design: Seattle New House Design

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Nazim Nice

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I am a Seattle Architect and can answer architecture and design related questions. Ask me about material suggestions or usage. Ask me about design options - what is good design and what is bad. Ask me about choosing exterior house colors and furniture layout options. Ask me about detailing and assembling houses or components in the home. Ask me about green design or materials. Ask me about choosing an architect, the architectural services, basement remodels, second story additions, and whole house remodels. Ask me about garage design, bathroom remodels, laundry and mudroom design, family room additions, and roof deck additions.

Experience

Over 12 years of practice in the Architectural field including three years of internship plus 5 years of school. I have taught at the Knowlton School of Architecture at the Ohio State University and lectured at Carnegie Mellon University. I currently own and run the Seattle Architecture Firm, Motionspace Architecture + Design PLLC.

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National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB, Seattle Architects | Motionspace Architecture + Design. More information at our blog the (un)common house. Lumen ID Custom Engraved Switch Plates with Labels.

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BArch from Carnegie Mellon University & Andrew Carnegie Scholar

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