: That sounds better. : I don't know if you have been getting the various : magazines that are available but there have been several different articles : in the S&T and others.

Thanks Robert

Yes, I've seen those articles and the most recent S&T. The reason I'm leaning toward a classical dome is because of the loads required when consider- ing snow, etc. We usualy get a lot of that slushy stuff here in the winter, and as you know it's very heavy stuff.

: One article went into some detail on how to do the various specific things that need to be dealt with in making a dome. : I don't remember how long ago it was but wasn't more than 2 years ago. : Being in the great wet NW area, you will, of course, need to take care of the rain and snow.

I have designed it to our building codes required here. They're pretty tough with codes here.

: That means that 1/8" hardboard probably won't work well and you will probably like to use shipboard type construction in protecting the woodwork.

I have designed to dome similar to the article in the May S&T. The only differences are the foundation supports, dome members, and exterior sheathing. I have designed this around 1/2" exterior grade ply- wood. The seams with be caulked and the dome will then be coated with a white reflective, elastic coating.

: Being cold, you will also probably like to make some effort at windproofing when the dome is closed.

I have intensions of insulating the underside of the dome with 1" styrofoam insulation.

: Also, are you tied to a dome or would a rolloff roof be better? They are a lot easier to build!

Good idea Robert, but I am cramped for space. I've checked out all the good articles on the net but they are all quite similar. A clamshell design was also considered.

: Have Fun and Keep Looking Up. Bob May

Thanks for the reply. Talk to you soon. Anthony

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