A three-story, five-bedroom adobe house located on the Norwegian island of Sandhornoya, about a thousand kilometers from Oslo. This unusual building belongs to the family Jartefölger (Hjertefolger), Benjamin, Ingrid and their four children.
The polar night reigns in this region for three months a year, but the rest of the time the family, thanks to its reliable geodesic dome, can grow vegetables and fruits. Even melons and kiwis grow under a glass dome on an aluminum frame!
Benjamin and Ingrid saved on materials for the house by using a mixture of straw, sand, earth, clay. At the same time, the adobe walls remained practically in their original form, they decided not to paint or revet them. For the rest of the decoration, wood was mainly used..
The owners call the main problem condensation, which forms on the inside of the glass dome during the cold season. Glasses are expensive, they can withstand strong local winds and a layer of snow, the service life of the aluminum frame is 100 years. The owners point out that it would be ideal to make double glazing, then the problem of condensation would be solved, but this requires too serious costs.
The dome shape also helps the structure withstand winds. There are 11 windows that open to provide ventilation under the dome, which is essentially a greenhouse..
The total area of the geo-dome is 180 m2.
The family in their garden uses only natural fertilizer – compost, and in order to water the plants, the water already used in everyday life is filtered.
The house is equipped with solar energy, the family has been living in it since 2013, friends and relatives helped during the construction.
The Jartefölgers are very happy with their home, celebrating its unique, peaceful atmosphere. The views from the windows are magnificent, the nature around is untouched.
The experience of living in a harsh climate under a geodesic dome was successful for the Jartefölger, their fourth child was born after the move. Although, we admit, such a decision to live in seclusion is not suitable for everyone.
Ingrid herself says that no other house would give her family such a feeling of calmness and silence..
This seems fascinating! How does living in a geodesic dome in the Arctic affect the daily life of the residents? Are there any specific sustainability features incorporated in the design of the Nature House? And how does the dome structure withstand extreme weather conditions?
Living in a geodesic dome in the Arctic offers unique challenges and opportunities. The dome’s design provides strength and durability, allowing it to withstand extreme weather conditions. Its shape minimizes wind resistance, while the use of durable materials protects against snow accumulation and heat loss. Inside, residents benefit from excellent insulation, energy efficiency, and natural daylight. The Nature House incorporates sustainability features like renewable energy sources, water management systems, and low-impact footprint. The dome’s innovative design minimizes resource consumption, making it a sustainable, environmentally friendly living option in the Arctic. Overall, living in a geodesic dome enhances the daily life of residents through its resilience, energy efficiency, and sustainable features.
This sounds fascinating! I’m curious to know how the geodesic dome design specifically benefits a house in the Arctic. Does it provide better insulation or protection against extreme weather conditions? And how does living under a dome affect the overall experience of connecting with nature?
The geodesic dome design is particularly beneficial for houses in the Arctic due to its unique structure. The dome shape allows for better insulation and protection against extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The design minimizes heat loss, creating a more energy-efficient living space. In addition, the structural strength of the dome helps it withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads, making it a durable option for harsh Arctic conditions.
Living under a geodesic dome in the Arctic enhances the experience of connecting with nature. The large windows and skylights allow for plenty of natural light to enter the space, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The rounded shape of the dome also creates a sense of harmony with the environment, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Overall, living in a geodesic dome in the Arctic offers a unique and sustainable way to experience the beauty of the northern wilderness while maintaining a comfortable and well-protected living environment.