FYI,

Potential inspiration for space architecture.

"Styrofoam Dome Homes"
Pink Tentacle Blog (Photos and Video)
http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/08/styrofoam-dome-homes/

: While styrofoam may be most commonly associated with disposable
: coffee cups, meat trays and packaging, prefab home manufacturer
: Japan Dome House Co., Ltd. uses it to construct easy-to-assemble
: modular kit homes.

: Dubbed the "habitat for the 21st century," the Dome House is an
: igloo-shaped structure built from snap-together wall sections made
: of 100% expanded polystyrene foam (styrofoam). It might seem like
: an odd choice of material for a house, but the company lists a
: number of advantages that styrofoam has over traditional materials.
: Unlike wood and metal structures, for example, the styrofoam Dome
: House does not rust, rot or attract termites. It is also highly
: resistant to earthquakes and typhoons. In addition, the walls,
: which are treated with a flame retardant, emit no toxic fumes in a
: fire.

: The styrofoam used in the Dome House's 175-millimeter (7 in) thick
: walls is significantly denser and stronger than ordinary packing
: foam. The material has excellent thermal insulation properties,
: resulting in higher energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling
: costs.

: Construction of the Dome House shell is quick and easy. The
: prefabricated pieces, which each weigh about 80 kilograms
: (175 lbs), can be carried by 2 or 3 people and assembled in a few
: hours. Once the shell is put together, coats of mortar and paint
: are applied for further protection from the elements. (Watch a
: short video of the assembly process.)

: Measuring 7.7 meters (25 ft) wide and 3.85 meters (13 ft) tall, the
: basic Dome House has a floor space of 44.2 square meters
: (475 sq ft). It is possible to construct larger, elongated domes by
: adding more pieces, and joint units allow multiple domes to be
: connected into a single structure.

: Dome Houses, which are approved by Japan's Land and Transport
: Ministry, can be erected anywhere in Japan with the proper permit.
: According to the manufacturer, the versatile structures are
: suitable for use as hotel rooms, restaurants, freezer rooms, or
: even as hog farms.

: The Aso Farm Land resort village in Kyushu uses about 480 styrofoam
: domes as lodging, recreational facilities and retail shops.

: The Dome House can also be used as a bar, karaoke room, steam room,
: and more.

: Whether or not this type of home is truly "perfect for the modern
: age" as the company suggests, the price is right. Dome House kits
: start at around 3 million yen (under $30,000), which does not
: include the cost of transport, assembly, interior construction,
: etc.

: Japan Dome House
: http://www.i-domehouse.com

Mark Reiff