On numerous occasions, I have heard the processes entailed in constructing a dome compared to those of building a swimming pool. And, in many ways, the air-form monolithic dome does resemble an inverted swimming pool.



With that in mind, when it was time to decide whom to hire to create a smooth interior finish inside of the dome, Mark immediately thought of a pool company. The crews that build pools must create a smooth, seamless concrete finish. Quickly. Exactly, the qualities we required.

Although Tony Debenedetto, owner of Swann Pools (850-932-3380), had never had the opportunity to finish the interior of a dome before, he definitely was up for the challenge and experience this project could provide. One of the major differences between plastering the dome and a pool is having to apply the plaster overhead. But, Tony’s crew excelled with a determination and professionalism that I truly respect. The crew is comprised of Tony, Dave, Jerome, Josh, Randy, Wade, William, and Zazi. They were organized and functioned as a well- coordinated unit, reminding me of an anthill after it is disturbed. Each one knew exactly what to do and when. As a result, the job flowed very smoothly from one stage into the next.



Before the plaster mix could be applied to the walls, the extra foam had to be cut away from the openings. Three times the plaster was applied onto the walls with trowels. After reaching the correct stage in the drying process, the walls were sponge-finished twice. I especially like the artistic swirl Jerome created on the walls with his sponge. I developed an appreciation for the craft and skill that is required to build a pool and to artfully plaster any surface for any reason. Patience, skill, and a dedication to completion are key factors that Tony and his crew definitely embody.

Another incredible example of thinking “outside of the box”. Being willing to stretch the limits of your imagination can give birth to the best of ideas. Kudos to Tony and his crew for being willing to embrace our vision and help bring it into reality!

To view pictures of this process, please visit our image gallery.

Webster describes progress as “moving forward, making advancement”. By that definition, the dome of a home is “progressing.” Not as quickly as we would like, but I hear that is typical of all construction projects. Patience is not my best virtue. . . but I am developing the quality against my will. Finally, the rain abated long enough for us to advance forward and pour the concrete floors. The floors are substantial, actually weighing in at over 100 tons – even using lightweight concrete. Without a doubt, no windstorm is going to displace this residence. And for the water to reach the first living level at 16’ above base flood elevation, we will all need an ark.



As the home takes shape, we feel secure in the design that we have chosen for coastal living. Walking on the solid floors, imagining where the rooms will be, and admiring the views has been a long awaited achievement.

Next step, dry-in.

The openings continue to be refined and sculpted with foam and plaster. Because the openings were roughly formed in the concrete, they had to be sprayed and sculpted with foam and plaster to smooth and finish the areas. As soon as the refining is complete, Bob Buchmeier, owner of Ameri-Foam (out of business), will be proceeding with applying the “rhino-hide” exterior. Aesthetically speaking, it is a day we are all anticipating eagerly. Seeing the dome with its color applied will make it easier to visualize the finished home.



To choose a color, I placed several samples in the sugar-white sand on the beach. One of the samples matched so closely, I kept losing it in the sand. That is how China White became our primary color.

As accents, we will bring in the beautiful blues, turquoises, and greens that give the Emerald Coast its reputation as one of the most beautiful in the world. By using colors taken from the natural environment, we hope to give the home an organic appearance. Think sand dune.



The sculpting of the openings was one of the most labor intensive procedures in building the finished shell. The exterior application was wonderful, easy to clean, and we were very pleased with it. After Hurricane Ivan damaged the stairs, some of the lining was ripped when the stairs came loose. We found it was going to be very difficult to replace the rhino-liner coating without the new seams showing. We chose to cover the entire dome with a stucco material. The rhino liner was left in place as a vapor barrier. We still recommend
the rhino liner as an exterior barrier.

I have taken a few pictures of the recent beach re-nourishment project. It is very interesting to watch, but is somewhat controversial in nature. Many opinions and information can be found on www.pbrla.com about the pros and cons of this form of renovation. What I have written below is taken from the Santa Rosa Island On Our Island brochure Edition IV, November 2002. Also, more information can be found on the Santa Rosa Island Authority’s website: www.sria-fla.com Please understand, we are not interested in beginning a forum to discuss this procedure, I am only providing information to clarify the pictures in the image gallery. To engage in dialogue about this subject, please contact the local newspapers or local government.



“After the island’s beaches suffered erosion following hurricanes Erin and Opal in 1995 and Hurricane Georges in 1998, dune restoration and sand berms construction provided some short-term relief and storm protection. However, much of that protection has been compromised by tropical storms that followed Georges, most recently Hanna and Isadore this year. Given the degree of erosion at Pensacola Beach such efforts as berms and dune restoration alone are no longer enough.

To restore the beach, Bean-Stuyvesant’s hopper dredge will scoop sand from a site about 3.5 miles due south of Pensacola Beach and transport it near shore before pumping it onto the beach through a submerged pipeline. Over the course of the project, approximately 4 million cubic yards of concrete would be enough to pave 12,000 miles of sidewalk.


A 30-inch pipeline will run along the beach in 40-foot lengths and will deposit the sand at the desired discharge point. Once there, the sand will be shaped into the desired profile with bulldozers and loaders. Once the sand is restored, sand fences will be erected and native dune vegetation planted.”

With the repetitive storms we have experienced since 2002, it is a good thing that they have re-nourished the beach. Otherwise, the storm damage on the island would have been even more severe.

To build the fountain, Mark is using his imagination and creativity. Yes, that is a Dogloo (igloo dog house) inverted acting as the fountain bowl on the front of the house. I thought it was quite a stroke of genius!



The upstairs fountain was molded and created by hand with foam over a steel band. Fountains can be a great focal point for a home. We have special plans, stay tuned.




When Hurricane Ivan swept our stairs away, the base of the fountain was damaged. One comment we heard over and over again was how much people missed the sound of the fountain as they walked and biked past the house. Us, too! It was a joyful day when the Dome of a Home had been repaired enough to turn the fountain back on. Mark has upgraded the fountain with some beautiful tile work completed by Byron Aughenbaugh.