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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.
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