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Angela Knight

Monolithic Dome Home: a COLORADO architectural house with a story

The Garlock Monolithic Dome House, located in Colorado, is a unique and energy-efficient home that stands out against traditional housing.


Built-in 1982, this monolithic dome house is as impressive now as it was when it was first constructed. The house stands at over 3,000 square feet and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and comfortable living spaces. The most striking aspect of the home’s design is its shape: a sphere sitting atop a cylindrical foundation. This structure allows the home to be more energy-efficient than traditional homes due to the efficient use of space in its innovative design.


In 2012, the real estate team I was a member of listed and sold this home for $730,000. The estimated value of the home today is around $1,500,000. It is hard to say exactly what the value of the home is as we do not know what updating, or improvements, if any, the current owner has completed.


The Garlock Monolithic Dome House was designed by George “Skip” Garlock, who was inspired by the never-seen-before level of safety promised in these sturdy domed designs. The monolithic dome shape allows the home to withstand high winds, earthquakes, and other extreme weather conditions.


The house's interior is delightfully spacious and filled with natural light thanks to its very large, curved windows. The various shapes and angles inside the dome make the space feel open and uncrowded, while the radiant heating throughout the floors provides comfortable, sustainable warmth. The Garlock Monolithic Dome House isn't just energy-efficient and earthquake-resistant; it is also environmentally-friendly.


The home conserves water by using a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and uses low-consumption plumbing fixtures to promote eco-friendliness. The house's solar panels produce enough electricity to reduce energy expenses, ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective future. While the construction of a dome house may be more expensive than a traditional square or rectangular house, the efficiency and durability of the design may, in the long run, be a smart investment.


A monolithic dome house like this one attracts adventure lovers and appeals to anyone interested in sustainable and energy-efficient housing. Overall, the Garlock Monolithic Dome House in Colorado is an impressive, forward-thinking design that has stood the test of time. The house's durability, energy-efficiency, and sustainability make it an impressive feat of engineering, while its sleek, modern design puts it among the most striking houses in the state. The Garlock Monolithic Dome House is a testament to what can be achieved when innovative thinkers apply their creativity and logic to the problems of today's world.


Want to know more? Read all about this house on the Monolithic website: The Garlock Residence — A Dream Dome | Monolithic.org

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