Bell Column Cont.
Bell Column Domes are well
suited for integrating beautifully
and harmoniously into the natural terrain and
ecosystems, such as steep wild environments. This is
because of its column foundation approach that allows
you to span the non-level terrain or level small pad areas
with retaining walls. The Bell Column Dome method may
be the crowning achievement in technology for durable
and sustainable building technology. Luckily, it is not too
high tech and so available to anyone willing to look
beyond the dominion of convention. Tests confirm that
spherical cell aeration protect the shell from ice and rust
damage. Because of this, these homes and gardens
may last tens of thousands of years while teaching,
through form, ways of living that are not only sustainable,
but that also nurture liberty, tolerance, wealth & respect
for nature.
The Bell Column Dome Process
The Bell Column Dome Process - he Bell Column Dome
Process is a field developed construction system coupled
with a distinctive architecture for long-enduring
structures. The process makes available to non-
professional homeowner builders and professionals,
technologies for thin shell structures that are stabilized by
complex curvilinear form, high-strength, chemically stable
composite and a structural sandwich, or stress-skin,
design approach. The system also provides an insulating
thickness for the main roof and columns and the slab and
column foundations are fully insulated from the earth with
an engineered design using structural foam board to
maximize energy efficiency. This method helps minimize
material costs, labor costs and ecological impact by using
a relatively small quantity of highly durable materials.
Flexible bell-shaped shell columns
are more damage resistant
to ground movement and if they are thoughtfully
integrated into the undisrupted, non-level natural terrain
and ecosystems they provide other practical advantages.
Living spaces, paths and gardens are leveled after the
CCM stage using less material and a less disruptive
manner than creating an artificial large flat area to build
on top of. Instead, smaller amounts of materials are used
for terracing with retaining walls. This better preserve the
structure by working with the pre existing drainage, soil &
ecosystem circumstance instead of covering it over with
something less predictable. Also, a well designed column
foundation is more reliable than a grade-beam foundation
approach because the stem wall foundation requires an
artificial surface to build upon and depends on the
stability of a larger, more shallow and more vulnerable
area for longevity.
Curvilinear Core Monolith (CCM):
The most defining characteristic
of the system
is an early stage of completion where the core shape is
established as a singular, and so more solid and
enduring, monolith of smoothly blended complex curves.
This core shape consists of the flared columns, the
structural sandwich dome roof and a surrounding
curvilinear shell awning supported by vase-like details on
the outside of the columns. This basic shape has many
secondary functions, such as water conservation, roof
garden farming, terrain & ecology integration, simplifying
building process & code compliance, passive solar
heating and solar convection cooling. The CCM is
primarily for increased stability of the finished structure.
The finished structure will later have the less-permanent
entry walls keyed into the open archways between the
columns. These entry walls are secured from falling in or
out by keying into, and sealing along, the curved-edge
profile of the rounded columns and archways between
columns. The entry walls and Curvilinear Core Monolith
(CCM) are, however, kept mechanically separate, so they
can shift and move independently instead of break and
fall during severe bending strains, such as those
encountered during an earthquake, high winds or fast
moving flood waters. Since walls are well sheltered under
the extensive curvilinear awning and not depended upon
to support the roof, the Curvilinear Core Monolith (CCM)
stage allows the entry walls to be made from other, less
enduring materials such as cob or straw bale, if desired.
Nonessential walls also helps the entry-walls to be
modernized or changed-up to accommodate the
changing and evolving uses of the shelter overtime. Also,
if built in an area threatened by a high storm surge, the
walls can blow out to relieve pressure leaving the core
shelter intact.