Monolithic Dome Institute - Recent Press Releases

ITALY, Texas (November 2004) - Monolithic Constructors, best known for the construction of round, steel-reinforced concrete buildings used as schools, churches and storage facilities, has introduced a revolutionary new type of airplane hangar designed to withstand winds in excess of 150 mph.

The Monolithic Dome Airplane Hangar offers near-absolute protection from high winds resulting from tornadoes and hurricanes. Because the hangar is made of insulated concrete, it also maintains a constant interior temperature thereby extending the life of the airplane's high-tech electronic equipment.

"The Monolithic Dome Airplane Hangar costs about the same to build as a conventional metal hangar, but it offers far more advantages," said David South, president of Monolithic Constructors. "It not only protects the airplane from snow, rain and high winds, it also offers superior climate control."

All Monolithic Domes are built using an Airform, a balloon-like structure that is inflated to create the shape of the dome. The interior is then coated with polyurethane foam. Steel rebar is attached to the foam and several inches of shotcrete are sprayed onto the interior surface of the foam, embedding the rebar. When complete, the Monolithic Dome is a steel-reinforced, concrete, thin-shell structure.

The new Airbus 380 would be an ideal future occupant of a Monolithic Dome Hangar. With a price tag of $250 million per plane, purchasers will naturally be interested in storing the aircraft in the safest place possible. A Monolithic Dome Hangar with a diameter of 360 feet and a height of 150 feet would be perfect for the job. Read more about the feasibility of constructing a Monolithic Dome Hangar suitable for an Airbus 380 at www.monolithic.com. Put Airbus 380 in the 'Search' window and click for the complete article.

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One of the most interesting features of the hangar is its specially-designed door. The one-piece hangar door is curved in three dimensions. It does not open by lifting overhead or stacking itself into sections. During the opening process, the Monolithic Hangar Door remains in one piece and simply rotates itself to the inside of the Monolithic Dome Hangar.

The door hangs from a curved, overhead track inside the hangar. While the door gets its guidance from the overhead track, the door's bottom rests on rollers that provide support.

"We believe that equipping a Monolithic Dome Hangar with a conventional hangar door would severely compromise the dome's strength and safety," South said. "So we came up with an one-piece design that enables you to make the door as heavy as necessary while still ensuring it is easily movable."

On March 21, 2006 South was issued U.S. Patent 7,013,607 for his invention: the Monolithic Contoured Laterally Moveable Access Door.

Dozens of Monolithic Dome schools and churches have been built across the country, and many double as community disaster shelters. Monolithic Constructors has also built dome-shaped helicopter hangars. The Monolithic Dome airplane hangar is modeled after these other commercial buildings, but features unique design elements that make it appropriate for protecting aircraft.

For more information about Monolithic Dome hangars, visit www.monolithic.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895

Corpus Christi Catholic Church Dedicates New Family Center; Hundreds Attend

FERRIS, Texas (June 24, 2003) On the Feast Day of Corpus Christi, some 400 men, women and children at Corpus Christi Church, a small Catholic parish in Ferris, Texas, helped dedicate their new Family Center - a unique building known as a Monolithic Dome.

The dedication included a Mass celebrated by Bishop Charles Grahmann and Pastor John Haugh, traditional Spanish music, singing, dancing and speeches.

Rev. Haugh's remarks about the new building got his audience laughing and applauding. He said, "David South, the president of the Monolithic Dome Institute, promised us two things. He promised that our dome would be built in five months -- and it was. David also promised the dome would last 500 years. We believe it will, but we have his phone number just in case."

A Monolithic Dome is a one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete building best known for energy efficiency, longevity and the ability to offer near absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes. Corpus Christi is just the latest in a growing number of churches across the country that has opted for this unconventional method of construction.

In his address, Bishop Grahmann congratulated the congregation on their foresight, hard work and sense of commitment. He said that they had turned what in 1988 was barely a dream into a reality -- a reality that will serve them well.

The dome stands 31 feet at its tallest point and has a diameter of 108 feet. The net usable area totals 8,800 square feet. The interior currently features a half-court basketball court. Future plans call for partitioning for classrooms and the construction of a kitchen and large dining room suitable for church dinners. Notable architectural nuances include two decorative exterior wing walls that are curved to match the shape of the
building.

"The Monolithic Dome has been a great addition to the parish," Rev. Haugh said in an interview. "The dedication was a wonderful event and all of the young people of the parish, especially our Hispanic youth, are benefiting greatly from the use of this facility. We couldn't be happier."

The Monolithic Dome was significantly less expensive to build than a traditional structure, and Father Haugh was operating on a tight budget. Reduced energy costs may be the most significant savings category. "The
Corpus Christi dome is cooled with a 10-ton air-conditioning unit," said South. "A conventional building of that size would require between 30 and 40 tons of air-conditioning."

Rev. Haugh is also pleased that the facility will double as the tornado shelter for the town of Ferris. According to FEMA guidelines, Monolithic Domes qualify for the agency's highest designation, defined as offering near-absolute protection from natural disasters.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Harold Huber | 972-517-6661

New Dome Home in Whitewright, Texas
WHITEWRIGHT, Texas (June 10, 2003) – Construction began recently on what undoubtedly will be one of the area's most distinctive homes, a Monolithic Dome. The home is located approximately 2 ½ miles west of Trenton on East Line Road/Fannin County Road 4400 and about ½ mile north of FM 814.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced round concrete structures known for their energy efficiency, longevity and ability to withstand fire and resist tornadoes and other natural disasters.

When completed, the 1½ story dome will have a total of 2,190 square feet, including a 600-square-foot loft. The home will have 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths, with an open floor plan for the kitchen, dining and living rooms. The loft will also open to the lower floor. Exterior plans call for the construction of a patio and a four-foot rock footing that encircles the perimeter of the dome.

Owners Harold and Yolinda Huber, who relocated from Plano, will move in at when construction is complete in mid-July.

"We had been looking to buy land for 4 or 5 years, and when we found this site we knew it was perfect," says Yolinda Huber. "Moving to the country is something we have been looking forward to doing for some time. Completing the dome is a dream come true."

The dome is located on a seven-acre site that is part of an 82-acre property that once housed an old farmstead, with a caliche creek, three ponds and numerous trees and wild flowers.

Construction of the Huber Dome began like every other Monolithic Dome: with the inflation of an Airform, a canvas-like material that is used to create the shape of the structure. Several dozen curious on-lookers were on hand when giant fans were used to inflate the Airform on Tuesday, June 3rd.

Once the Airform was inflated, construction moved to the interior where the structure was coated with polyurethane foam insulation. Steel reinforcing bars -- or rebar -- was then attached to the foam using special hooks. Finally, shotcete a special spray mix of concrete, was be sprayed onto the interior surface of the rebar and foam, creating a strong, energy efficient and permanent structure.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bob Brooks | 281-650-4114

Tranquility Dome Construction Begins
MAGNOLIA, Texas ( April 29, 2003) – Construction began over the weekend on one of Magnolia's most unusual houses, a Monolithic Dome that is modeled after a nationally renowned home on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. The home is located on a 2 ½-acre site at 22422 Bergman Drive in the Glenmont Estates subdivision.

Christened Tranquility Dome by the owners Bob and Amy Brooks, the dome is a one-piece, steel-reinforced round concrete structure. Monolithic Domes are known for their energy efficiency, longevity and ability to resist tornadoes.

The Brooks' home is modeled after, a home that has been featured on ABC's Nightline, HGTV, and other national television shows because of its ability to resist hurricanes. It was built by a couple who lost their original home on the site to Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

The elevated main level of the dome in Magnolia will encompass 3,737 square feet. It will include three bedrooms with balconies. The kitchen, dining room, living room and foyer will have an open floor plan with 28-foot ceilings and a 5-foot skylight. Plans call for a garage and workshop measuring 3,419 square feet on the home's ground level.

The unusual look of Eye of the Storm is what attracted the Brooks to Monolithic Dome construction. "Looks is number one. Second was the home's stability. The energy efficiency was third," Brooks says.

Construction of Tranquility Dome began like every other Monolithic Dome: with the inflation of an Airform, a canvas-like material that is used to create the shape of the home. Several dozen on-lookers were on hand when giant fans were used to inflate the Airform on Saturday, April 26th.

Now that the Airform has been inflated, construction will move to the interior where the structure will be coated with polyurethane foam insulation. Steel reinforcing bars (or rebar) will then be attached to the foam using special hooks. Finally, shotcete a special spray mix of concrete, will be sprayed onto the interior surface of the rebar and foam, creating a strong, energy efficient and permanent structure.

For more information about Tranquility Dome, visit www.tranquilitydome.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Blaine Green, Monolithic Equipment, 972-483-7423

Monolithic Equipment Unveils Gas-Powered Concrete Pump

ITALY, Texas (February 2003) - Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing of Italy, Texas has introduced a gas-powered concrete pump that eliminates the need for electrical access or the use of generators at job sites.

The Monolithic GHP 1500 is a gas-powered lightweight pump that uses a Honda power pack. It can pump up to 3 cubic yards per hour yet weighs less than 800 pounds and is small enough to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. Its 1.5-inch hoses are light enough to be easily handled with lengths of 25 to 50 feet. With a five-gallon fuel capacity, the pump can run eight or more hours without refueling.

The Monolithic GHP 1500 provides a feasible economic alternative on jobs that require a concrete pump, but are too small to warrant the expense of a large expensive pumping unit. It retails for $8882 and is available exclusively through Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing.

For larger jobs there's the gas-powered Monolithic Monolithic GHP 2000, which can spray 6 cubic yards per hour. Mounted on a trailer with built-in jack stands that stabilize the machine when in use, the pump weights approximately 1, 000 pounds. The GHP 2000 retails for $14,950.
For more information about both pumps, call Monolithic Equipment Manufacturing at 972-483-7423 or visit the company's web site at www.monolithic.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Lanham, BWG Agency. 972-818-0895

School of Communication Arts to Begin Construction on Monolithic Dome

RALEIGH, N.C. (February 14, 2003) - The School of Communication Arts will inflate a giant balloon-like structure at 10 a.m. next Friday, February 21st in the first phase of the construction of an unusual Monolithic Dome campus in Wakefield.

Monolithic Dome are one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete buildings that are best known for their energy efficiency, longevity and ability to offer near-absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes.

The School of Communication Arts is building three, two-story domes at its new campus just off U.S. 1. The new buildings will feature pie-shaped classrooms, a surround sound mixing studio, and the area's only high-definition digital theater.

For more than 10 years, the School of Communication Arts has been as unique as its new campus promises to be. "We were one of the very first schools in the world to teach high-end computer animation," said Debra Hooper, the school's director. The school offers a diploma program in digital filmmaking. Since June 2002, it has also offered an Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Media.

The School of Communication Arts is one of a growing number of educational facilities nationwide that have opted for the Monolithic Dome's unconventional method of construction.

Once the Airform is inflated, construction will move to the interior where the structure will be coated with polyurethane foam insulation. Steel reinforcing bars (or rebar) will then be attached to the foam using special hooks. Finally, shotcrete, a special spray mix of concrete, will be sprayed
onto the interior surface of the rebar and polyurethane foam, creating a strong, energy-efficient and permanent structure.

Completion of all three Monolithic Domes in Wakefield is slated for September 2003.

For more information about Monolithic Dome schools, visit www.monolithic.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Lanham, BWG Agency, 972-818-0895

Corpus Christi Catholic Church Begins Construction on Monolithic Dome

FERRIS, Texas (February 4, 2003) - Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Ferris, Texas inflated a giant balloon-like structure known as an Airform on Tuesday in the first phase of the construction of an unusual domed multi-purpose building.

The Airform will be used to build the round structure known as a Monolithic Dome, a one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete building that is best known for its energy efficiency, longevity and ability to offer near absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes.

Corpus Christi is one of a growing number of churches nationwide that have opted for this unconventional method of construction. The new building will be used for everything from religious formation classes to sporting events.

Father John Haugh, pastor of Corpus Christi, said the Monolithic Dome building was significantly less expensive to build than a traditional structure, while offering several major advantages.

"With low utility bills, there will be great savings," Father Haugh said. "We also plan to open the building to the community for use as a tornado shelter should the need arise."

Now that the Airform has been inflated, construction will move to the interior where the structure will be coated with polyurethane foam insulation. Steel reinforcing bars (or rebar) will then be attached to the foam using special hooks. Finally, shotcrete, a special spray mix of concrete, will be sprayed onto the interior surface of the rebar and polyurethane foam, creating a strong, energy-efficient and permanent structure.

The Corpus Christi dome measures 108 feet in diameter and 32 feet in height. Monolithic Construction Management of Italy, Texas is serving as a consultant on the project. Design Associates International of Dallas designed the facility.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Lanham, 972-818-0895, carol@bwgagency.com

Monolithic Dome Conference Set for March 27 -March 29, 2003

FORT WORTH, Texas, (December 21, 2002 ) Builders, architects and other construction professionals will have the opportunity to learn more about the Monolithic Dome industry at the Monolithic Dome Institute's 9th annual national conference scheduled for March 27 through March 29, 2003 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Downtown in Fort Worth, Texas.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced concrete structures that are used as homes, schools, churches, sports arenas and storage facilities. These super-insulated, round buildings are best known for their energy efficiency, easy maintenance and ability to withstand natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and even fire. Among the professionals who will be leading seminars at the conference are: dome owners who will discuss the problems, pitfalls and successes they encountered as novice builders of Monolithic Dome homes and architect Rick Crandall, who has designed both commercial and residential Monolithic Dome buildings. David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute and co-inventor of the process for building domes, will give the keynote address on Friday night, March 28th.

The Monolithic Dome Builders Association (MDBA), now in its third year, will conduct meetings and elect officers during the conference. Vendors associated with the industry will also have booths at the conference. The conference will conclude with a bus trip to Italy, Texas and a tour of Monolithic's headquarters, dome homes in the area, and the new Italy High School and Avalon School's multipurpose domes.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Lanham, BWG Agency, 972-818-0895

Avalon ISD Announces Opening of Monolithic Dome School Facility

AVALON, Texas (November 11, 2002 ) The Avalon Independent School District will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Monolithic Dome multipurpose facility at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November14th. A community open house will follow and everyone is invited to tour the new facility.

The Avalon dome is the second Monolithic Dome school building to open in Texas this year. The Italy Independent School District, about 10 miles from Avalon, finished construction on its own Monolithic Dome multipurpose facility in February. Three other Monolithic Dome schools in Minnesota, Florida and Utah have also been inaugurated in the last month.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced concrete structures that are best known for their energy efficiency, longevity and ability to offer near absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes.

"We are pleased to have come in under the projected budget and ahead of schedule on completing construction," said Avalon Superintendent David Del Bosque. "When you add the savings on construction costs to the reduced energy bills, the Monolithic Dome is just a great choice. And we really hope everyone will come out and take the tour. The inside of the facility is breath-taking."

The Avalon building measures 124 feet in diameter and is constructed on 12-foot stemwalls. It features a full-size gymnasium and four locker rooms, and replaces the school district's old gym, which will now be used as a PE facility.

Porter Falcon, who installed the sound system at the Avalon facility, said the acoustics are exceptional. "I have never measured a gym of any kind that is as well set up for sound as the Avalon gym," he said. "It is fantastic for the spoken word and music."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Lanham, BWG Agency, 972-818-0895

Fall Dome Tour
Local Monolithic Domes Open for Tours on October 18th and October 19th

ITALY, Texas (October 2002) - All of the domes at the Monolithic Dome Institute in Italy, Texas as well as the new multipurpose centers in the Avalon and Italy school districts will be open for tours on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th as part of the Second Annual Fall Dome Tour. The local Monolithic Domes are among more than 50 domes in 15 states on the tour co-sponsored by the Monolithic Dome Institute and the Monolithic Dome Builders Association.

The first day of the tour will be dedicated to commercial buildings, including the Italy High School Multipurpose Center located at 300 S. College in Italy and the Avalon Independent School District Multipurpose Center, which is scheduled for completion in November. For a complete list of commercial buildings that will be open on Friday, October 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit www.monolithic.com/dometour.

The second day of the tour will be reserved for homes. Several of the dome homes located at 177 Dome Park Place, adjacent to Interstate 35E, will be open on Saturday, October 19th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Call 972-483-7423 for directions. Among the homes that will be part of the dome tour is one that belongs to David B. South, who along with his brothers co-invented the Monolithic Dome building process back in the 1970s.Ad mission to all of the Monolithic Dome buildings is free.

Monolithic Domes are round, steel-reinforced, concrete buildings known for their energy efficiency, durability and strength. They can cost as much has 50 percent less to heat and cool than traditional structures of the same size, and are strong enough to withstand tornadoes, hurricanes and even earthquakes. The tour of domes is designed to raise awareness about these buildings, which are quickly gaining in popularity."I wanted to give the general public the opportunity to get a first-hand look at Monolithic Domes, and hear about their advantages from people who actually own one," said David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute.

Anne DeMoss of the Monolithic Dome Builders Association said the home show will showcase all kinds of Monolithic Domes, from luxury houses to school gymnasiums . "We will have domes open for tours from Idaho all the way down to Florida," DeMoss said. "I can't think of a better way to inform the public about how versatile these homes can be."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ray Ansel, RNS Lifeline Domes LLC, 907-252-8046

Cardiology of the Ozarks Breaks Ground on Monolithic Dome Office Building

WEST PLAINS, Missouri (October 1, 2002) - Cardiology of the Ozarks broke ground today on a state-of-the-art office complex that will consist of two interconnected Monolithic Domes. The medical offices of Dr. A.K. George M.D., which are being built by RNS Lifeline Domes LLC of West Plains, are scheduled for completion in June 2002.

Monolithic Domes are round, steel-reinforced, concrete buildings known for their energy efficiency, durability and strength. They can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool than traditional structures of the same size, and are strong enough to withstand tornadoes and even earthquakes.The new office complex will consist of two Monolithic Domes and a center area that will total a combined 3,900 square feet. Each dome, measuring 46 feet in diameter, will be built on top of 16-foot-high vertical walls. The center of the office complex will feature an outer wall that will look like a glass block, but will actually be made of more energy-efficient plastic.The structure was designed by Rick Crandall, a Mesa-based architect who has designed many Monolithic Dome buildings across the country. Ray Ansel of RNS Lifeline Domes is overseeing construction. Ansel has built more than 140 Monolithic Dome buildings.

Monolithic Domes are built using something known as an Airform, an inflatable balloon-like structure that creates the shape of the dome. The Airform is attached to the building's circular foundation and inflated using giant fans. Once the Airform is inflated, work moves to the interior where three inches of polyurethane foam is sprayed on the structure. A grid of steel rebar is then placed into the foam and later embedded in Shotcrete that ranges from 4 inches at the top to 8 inches at the base.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Lanham, BWG Agency, 972-818-0895

GIANT BALLOON RAISES MIGRANT CHILDREN'S HOPES FOR THE FUTURE

GENOLA, Utah- (March, 2002)Construction crews inflated a giant balloon Friday as the first stage of a construction project that will give children of migrant farmworking families in the Genola area hope for a brighter future.

The balloon, 32 feet high and 101 feet in diameter, will serve as the base for a round, steel-reinforced concrete building that will house a new Migrant Head Start center, administered by Centro de la Familia de Utah. The Airform inflation is just the first stage in a construction project that will eventually involve 18 artists from around the West and families of Head Start students in projects from frescos to stained glass windows to bas relief. The center is slated to open in July 2002.

Airform technology was pioneered by David B. South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute in Italy, Texas and by Arnold Wilson, emeritus professor of engineering at BYU. Wilson has engineered 1000 of the domes around the world over the last 25 years.

The round concrete building known as a monolithic dome was selected as the design for the new Migrant Head Start center because it is highly energy efficient, is extremely safe, and offers a less institutionalized feeling than traditional brick-and-mortar school buildings.

"The Monolithic Dome will provide near absolute protection from fire, winds and earthquakes," said South. "The total structure is easy to keep at a single temperature, which is very helpful for little people close to the floor."

Centro de la Familia de Utah, which coordinates the Migrant Head Start Program in Utah, is committed to strengthening the Hispanic family by promoting self-sufficiency. Established ten years ago, the Migrant Head Start program is a vital element in helping families develop the necessary abilities to understand the world, and function within it in pursuit of meaningful lives.

The Migrant Head Start staff recognizes that parents are their children's most important teachers, and work to strengthen families as the primary nurturers of the child. Parents participate in training classes on many subjects, including child rearing, job training, health and nutrition, and community resources. Some parents learn English; others learn to read or earn a high school General Education Diploma.

In addition to educational programs, children enrolled in Migrant Head Start receive free medical and dental care, eat healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in safe setting. Facilities also provide services for children with disabilities.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham BWG Agency
972-818-0895

Construction Begins on High-Tech Community of 4,000 Monolithic Domes. Monolithic Dome Inventor to Discuss Project at National Conference on March 1st.

FORT WORTH, Texas (February 11, 2002) - At a time when many area high-tech start-ups are struggling to survive, a revolutionary software company halfway around the world is paving the way for unprecedented opportunities for one Texas organization.

Catalytic Software has started construction on the first of 4,000 Monolithic Domes near Hyderabad in southern India as part of an ambitious plan to provide housing and recreational facilities for its employees. The first 60 domes should be completed by the end of the year in the town christened New Oroville.

David B. South, who co-invented and patented the Monolithic Dome and now heads the Monolithic Dome Institute based in Italy, Texas, will be discussing the one-of-a-kind project at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 1st at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Downtown in Fort Worth, Texas. His speech is part of the 8th annual Monolithic Dome Conference.

South will discuss the reasons why Catalytic Software selected Monolithic Domes for its housing community, and how his Texas-based company stands to benefit from the project. He also will talk about the various buildings planned for New Oroville, and how they will be constructed.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced, concrete buildings that are energy efficient and offer near absolute protection from hurricanes, tornadoes and even earthquakes. Unlike their predecessor, the geodesic dome, which uses a complex network of triangular pieces to replicate the shape of a sphere, Monolithic Domes are one-piece structures with a smooth surface that is literally shaped like an egg.

"Ever since I built my first Monolithic Dome back in 1975, I dreamed that one day these structures would become commonplace because of the advantages they have to offer," South said. "The construction of New Oroville is turning those dreams into reality."

For more information about Monolithic Domes, visit www. monolithic. com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895
cclanham@aol.com

Italy ISD Completes Construction of Monolithic Dome Multipurpose Building

Italy, Texas, (February 4, 2002 ) The Italy Independent School District has completed construction of a Monolithic Dome multipurpose building. The $2 million facility will be used for basketball, physical education classes, volleyball, theatrical performances, and a variety of other activities.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete structures that are best known for their energy efficiency, easy maintenance and ability to offer near-absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Italy is one of more than a dozen school districts across the nation that have opted for this unusual method of construction.

Italy's new school building consists of a 148-foot diameter dome constructed on a 16-foot stemwall. It features seating for 1,400 people, in addition to locker rooms, a concession stand and ticket booth.

"We were familiar with the advantages of Monolithic Dome buildings because Italy is the home of the Monolithic Dome Institute, which is dedicated to promoting the use of these structures," says Mike Clifton, superintendent of the Italy Independent School District. "We believe that this building offers more bang for the buck than any other type of construction."

For more information about Monolithic Dome schools, visit www.monolithic.com

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177 Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
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| Press Room