Although we have not seen any other domes being built on Pensacola Beach, it is extremely evident that people are putting more thought into the structures they are building on the coast. Two families are building 'round' kit houses. They actually have straight walls, none over 8 feet long. The home has the illusion of almost being a circle, especially when you stand below the house and look up. The joists radiate out from a strong center, giving the appearance of a gigantic carriage wheel. There is strength in the shape of this structure.
The sign in front of one of the houses said:
DELTEC HOMES www.deltechomes.com 800.642.2508



The strength can be enhanced further by using closed cell polyurethane foam to coat the interior of the roof and exterior walls. This unites all of the walls and roof line, creating a very strong structure. Another advantage of using this foam as insulation, instead of the fiberglass type, is the fact that it will not absorb moisture. So, even if you have a breach in the structure, it will not permeate the insulation and begin growing the mold and mildew as fiberglass insulation is so prone to do. A wonderful option, one that we personally feel should be a requirement – part of the coastal building code. Why fill your house with a virtual moisture sponge, a Petri dish for mold and mildew, when there is an alternative that will protect and strengthen your home? This seems like a no-brainer.
Another added benefit when using foam in the interior walls is the quietness it provides between the rooms. Great when you have teenagers!



Another no-brainer: use a 'peel and seal' system below your roof and on the exterior walls will create a waterproof barrier, thereby greatly diminishing any moisture gain in the house. If you lose your shingles, the 'peel and seal' will protect your home for a year. If you lose your siding, your home is still protected. It is a wonderful option, one that we personally feel should be a requirement – included as part of the code – when building on the coast. It also helps keep the structure strong and intact.

Georgia Pacific DENS Technology sheetrock has a coated mat on it that does not allow the absorption of water, thereby eliminating the mold and mildew that grows so profusely on sheetrock after a storm. They make indoor and outdoor products. Their products are a must in a humid, storm ridden environment. http://www.gp.com/gypsum

The Elks' new building resembles a concrete puzzle. Huge concrete pieces were brought to the site and put together like a giant 3D puzzle. Looks strong! I don’t know if they are planning on hosting hurricane parties in that formidable structure, but it looks like a substantial piece of engineering.



There are also some ICF – Insulating Concrete Forms – homes being built. When we were researching the dome, this is another system we seriously considered. A very strong, efficient, conventional-looking home can be built with this system. Foam blocks are stacked and then filled with concrete. Many times we also see these homes using the poly urethane foam discussed above. Combining the many options available can result in a strong, hurricane resistant building --- without having to build a dome.

All in all, it is very encouraging to watch people look around, assess the damage, and then start thinking of how to improve the situation.