Things are coming together nicely with my dome project.  Made a trek yesterday to speak with the county government folks to make sure I don't need a building permit for my greenhouse.  Fortunately, I am good to go without a permit.  I have decided to build the bottom row of geodesic triangle frames and to temporarily install them before pouring the underground concrete piers that will anchor my dome.  This way I will be able to mark the exact points for digging the foundation holes.  Don't want to make any mistakes (measure twice, pour once).

Have decided to increase the size of my dome in order to utilize a larger water tank (for the thermal mass heat sink and aquaponics fish tank).  I made the decision this week to go with a polycarbonate triple wall product for the greenhouse glazing.  This is slowing down the project a bit, but will be much better in the long run.  More photos of this phase to be posted soon.

Building a Dome Greenhouse

Future Home of My Greenhouse Dome - April 16, 2012

I am currently in the process of preparing the construction site for my new geodesic dome greenhouse.  Living at 8,100 feet, in the high desert of Colorado, any kind of successful organic farming or gardening will be dependent on the establishment of greenhouse grow beds.

Why did I choose a geodesic greenhouse?  Geodesic domes are incredibly strong, space-efficient, economical, beautiful structures.  Because I am building this dome by myself, I selected dome plans that will enable me to have my first greenhouse finished within a month.  I will be sharing the construction process along with the establishment of my organic gardens and aquaponics system.

As a proponent of permaculture, all of my decisions and actions will be guided by these ecological principles for sustainable living.  My intention is to use as many local, natural, and recycled or repurposed materials as possible (in the creation of this organic space).  It is also my deep desire to use this grow dome as a living, breathing oasis of learning.

Living Essentially

After a fallow season, I'm feeling revitalized and ready for new growth.  It's time to sow the seeds of my future.

This act of creating an oasis in the desert is more about living essentially than it is about making any kind of a statement.  All of my life I have focused on helping others find their thrive.  Ironically, I've never focused that same kind of energy on my own state of being.

In making a commitment to living close to that which sustains me, and in choosing a pathway that will share this bounty with others, I know that I have entered the best time of my life.  It seems especially fitting to celebrate this new beginning with the simultaneous launch of this blog and the construction of my Dome on the Range.

I invite you to join me in co-creating a community centered on "thrivival."  Life is way too short for anything less.  Here's to thriving together.