Entering the home through the front door brings a new reality into focus. I can now envision the home complete, furnished, and welcoming. Mark has remarkable visualization skills and has felt the reality of “Serenity”, even when she was only a dreamer’s dream. Placing the windows and doors generated a sense of security and intimacy that was not present previously. With her embracing arms guiding you into the heart of the home, Serenity offers a safe harbor.



NFL BUILDING CENTER of Pensacola, Florida supplied the ANDERSEN Windows and Doors. Andersen products were chosen because we were so pleased with our previous Andersen products in our last home. We are also supportive of Andersen Corporation’s effort to act environmentally responsible. For details about their contribution, visit the Suppliers page or website www.andersenwindows.com.



Unfortunately, our experience with Andersen Windows, their representatives, and customer service were far, far below the expectations we had, considering how much we liked the Andersen windows in our previous house.

Much confusion has been alleviated now that the exterior walls have been built. Evidently, the common thought was that the huge openings would be glass. Wow! What a trick that would have been. Instead of glass, they are actually the openings onto the exterior decks. Passers-by, hundreds a week, are very supportive with their eager encouragement. Sometimes, when I am really tired, I go out there to talk to people as they stop and stare. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I once again feel rejuvenated enough to carry forward to the next step.



Georgia Pacific's DENS technology products were used throughout the home because of their superior resistance to mold and mildew ~~ a major consideration in our humid environment. Their several products should meet the needs of most any application. For more information, visit the Suppliers page or their website: www.gp.com/gypsum



Georgia Pacific's DENS products worked exactly as they claim. An MSNBC film crew stayed at the Dome of a Home during Hurricane Ivan, September 2004. We had some water enter the house through the patio doors that were being used and some of the windows leaked as well. However, because we used Georgia Pacific's mildew resistant sheet rock, poly urethane foam insulation, and metal studs, we did not have an ongoing problem with mold and mildew. Excellent products for a humid or coastal environment -- I cannot say enough good things about using them.

The most dramatic change in appearance has been the addition of the "Stairway to Heaven". With a gracefulness that defies the pictures, the stairs welcome you to the most peaceful place in Paradise. I am beckoned up the stairs and into the heart of the home.



Wilmer B'Rahon is the engineering student that has been our vital mathematician, calculating how and where to place the stairs to create the desired gentle flow.
Successfully done beyond our wildest imaginations. Darin Rue and Richard Martinez have transformed mathematical figures into reality as they have meticulously framed in the stairs. You can bet I am sighing in relief: stairs instead of ladders!

At the risk of being repetitive, I have to say that without FLEX-C TRAC, designing these curved staircases so easily and flawlessly would have been impossible. In a matter of moments, the curves can be formed and exactly duplicated. A truly innovative product. The framers commented repeatedly about the ease in which the curved walls and staircases were made with FLEX-C TRAC. (www.flexc.com)



Undoubtedly, FLEX-C TRAC has been a major influence in the Dome of a Home's interior design. We are grateful for their guidance and support in our endeavor.

Hurricane Ivan 2004, ripped the stairs from the dome – they were not structurally attached and performed exactly as designed. I missed the staircase desperately; Serenity by the Sea lost her ability to embrace the visiting guests when her stairs were gone. I was very excited when they were finally rebuilt.

I have named her "Serenity by the Sea". So named because when I enter her domain, I feel serenity and peacefulness instantly wash over me. Our desire was to build a refuge from the storms of life. With her gentle embrace and solid support, Serenity offers a haven to view the world differently; to slow down and take a deep breath; to be grateful for the incredible beauty that surrounds you. Her effect on people is becoming predictably palpable: widening eyes; gaping mouths becoming a smile; a spin around to get a good look; and a burst of laughter. She sets your heart free to discover the joy of thinking out of the box.



When I shared her name with my husband, he wanted to know how did I know it was a female. Obvious to me, look at those curves!

Many of our guests have expressed how peaceful it seems inside the house. My sister-in-law came down with her five children and I was amazed how calm they were in the Dome. Of course, a day full of fun in the sun doesn't hurt.

Using metal studs throughout the framing has increased the impression of solidity even further. Having the areas designated by the studs has made it much easier for me to envision what the home will look like when finished.



Mark has the ability to see the finished product while gazing at the empty shell. But, I have found it is much easier to imagine colors and decorating schemes now that the areas are denoted with studs instead of sidewalk chalk. The pictures will show how versatile the floor plan became when we used the FLEX-C TRAC.



After Hurricane Ivan, I was extremely grateful that we had used the metal studs. We did have some leaks through the patio door where the MSNBC news crew would film. Since we used metal studs, poly urethane foam insulation, and Georgia Pacific's DENS Technology products there was nothing in our walls to harbor mildew or grow mold.