FAQ
Is polystyrene foam safe for health?
Yes. This material has all the certifications to confirm that the materials used to make the dome parts are safe for health and the environment. The certificates are issued in compliance with all EU safety and quality requirements.
Can I live permanently in a house with a mortgage?
Yes, you can live there permanently. Its walls and roof are 20cm thick, which is enough to guarantee the warmth and airtightness of the apartment. The main building material of the dome is polystyrene foam. It is dust-proof (like stone wool or glass wool) and non-allergenic.
Isn’t a dome house a fire hazard?
The dome house is made of polystyrene foam manufactured in Lithuania, which is produced in accordance with EU safety requirements. The material is non-combustible, so the house is safe. The polystyrene foam itself does not burn. Numerous tests have been carried out which confirm that the foam will extinguish if an open flame source is […]
Are supports inside the dome necessary?
This construction technology does not require the use of support structures or similar elements. The load is evenly distributed over the entire dome area, so no supports are needed.
Are there any domes built in Lithuania using this technology?
Yes, there are already many dome houses in Lithuania, where people live permanently, and there is also a dome that you can see, sit in, and feel its atmosphere. If you want to come to Švenčionys district and spend some time in this extraordinary space, you need to arrange your arrival time in advance by […]
Are building permits required?
Building permits are only required for construction in protected areas (a reserve, a park, a conservation area, etc.). Building permits are also required if the name of the structure will be “Dwelling House”, but if the name will be “Garden House”, “Guest House” or “Ancillary Building”, then building permits are not required. Link to article […]
Can strong winds blow the house down, because it is light?
The dome is made of polystyrene foam and is relatively lightweight, but the shape itself is aerodynamic and sleek, so that even the strongest gust of wind won’t blow the house away, as the wind will simply have nothing to “catch” on. In addition, the house itself is fixed to the foundation.
Where can I see the design of a dome house?
Cupola house designs are made individually. But designs are only required if the house is to be called a “Dwelling House”, and if it is called a “Garden House”, “Guest House” or similar, building permits are not required. The interior layout can be designed without a project, as there are no supporting structures that restrict […]
Is it difficult to build a dome house yourself using ready-made parts?
The construction of the dome is simple, the dome is assembled like a construction kit. We provide full information on the construction of the dome, instructions and drawings to every buyer of our production parts (dome house parts kit). The instructions for building the dome can be viewed by clicking Dome construction instructions. You can […]
What is meant by “Cupola House Kit”?
A dome house kit is a kit made of EPS200 polystyrene foam. Windows, doors, finishing materials are not included in the kit.
Which ventilation is best?
If the dome house is not to be used permanently, e.g. as a summer house or guest house, natural ventilation, i.e. an open window, is sufficient. However, if the dome house is to be lived in permanently, it is recommended to install a ‘recuperator’. The recuperator is selected individually according to the number of inhabitants […]
Will the snow cap break the dome?
The shape of the dome is such that the snow is carried by the wind and does not stay on the dome. Even if a layer of snow builds up, the weight is distributed evenly over the entire dome structure. A good example is with an egg: try squeezing an egg (uncooked) in the palm […]
Do rodents chew on such a domed house?
A dome house is made of polystyrene foam, in other words, porous plastic, and plastic is not food for rodents. Yes, plastic is not a major obstacle for rodents, so they can burrow through it if they need to, but they can only do so in search of food. But there is one very important […]
How big can we build dome houses?
When you’re preparing to build your dream home, you need to decide how big it will be. The table below lists the most common dome sizes: Diameter of the dome Ø6m Ø7m Ø8m Ø9m Ø10m Ø11m Floor area 28,27m² 38,48m² 50,26m² 63,62m² 78,54m² 95,03m² A dome of 5 metres in diameter or less is more […]
Can I buy a dome house in installments?
As of today, it is not yet possible to buy the dome on hire purchase, but it is possible to apply to a credit company to obtain a credit facility.
How tall can a dome house be?
The height of the dome is calculated very simply. Let’s take a dome with a diameter of Ø8m as an example. 8m/2=4m (this is the radius). The radius is the distance from the centre in all directions, and therefore upwards. In this case, the highest point of the ceiling will be 4m. But technology allows […]
What is the most appropriate finish?
The exterior finish of a dome house can have several variations: Reinforcement (with cementitious mix with facade mesh) + Waterproofing + Painting. Reinforcement (with cementitious mixture with facade mesh) + Waterproofing + Decorative plaster. Reinforcement (cementitious mix with facade mesh) + Waterproofing + Bituminous flakes Interior finishing of a domed house: Reinforcement (with cementitious mixture […]
What kind of heating can be installed? And which cannot?
The heating system for a dome house can be one that is available on the Lithuanian market. There are no specific restrictions, it can be installed: Heat pump (air-to-air; air-to-water) Solid fuel boiler Gas boiler Fireplace Other The most important thing is to comply with fire safety requirements.
How much can the interior fitting (partitions, slab, plumbing) cost?
Everyone has their own needs, worldviews and habits, which makes us all special and unique. Some of us feel cosy in open spaces, while others find peace in a small room. Some need to keep up with the latest technology, while others prefer simplicity. That’s why it’s interesting to live in a colourful world. There […]
How is the dome attached to the foundation?
Attaching the dome house to the foundation is very simple, once the dome box has been formed, it is simply glued in place by filling the technological gaps with glue.
What do slab foundations look like?
A document showing a schematic representation of the installation of the post-concrete foundations can be viewed by clicking on here. Or watch our video:
Can the dome walls be thicker than the “standard” thickness?
Thicker polystyrene foam can be. We can make it as thick as you need. To achieve Class A, a thickness of 20cm is sufficient, to achieve Class A+ (in terms of energy efficiency) the wall thickness must be at least 28cm. However, when choosing the thickness of the dome wall, it is necessary to consider […]
For more information, please visit the “Polystyrene Foam Association” page
Click on the association’s logo to find out more about polystyrene foam, regulations, requirements and news. https://epsa.lt/
