Monolithic Dome Gymnasiums-- Proven Winners

Innovative architectural design has inspired the multifunctional use of open space within each of these gymnasiums. The gyms are excellent sports facilities and provide space for supplementary classrooms, storage, wrestling areas, offices, meeting rooms, locker rooms, and art areas. Because the Monolithic Dome acquires its strength from sound structural design, it can be an asset to your community, school district, or college as a permanent disaster shelter, able to withstand tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes.

Planning and building done with the future in mind permits generations who follow to enjoy the benefits a Monolithic Dome has to offer. After the construction of two Monolithic Dome schools, Superintendent of Payson Unified School District, Russ Kinzer, said it best. "Initially, it took a lot of courage for our governing board to strike out and do something that’s never been done here before, but in retrospect, that decision will benefit the students and the community for years to come," Kinzer said.

Payson, Arizona

Payson Unified School District built this 200’ diameter sports complex, costing $2.8 million. Construction estimates for a traditional facility of a comparable size ran between $5 and $6 million. This district’s middle and high school basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams use the complex. Its spacious gymnasium seats 2500 spectators, with additional space for concessions, offices, and rest rooms.

Emmett High School Gymnasium

In 1987, Emmett High in Emmett, Idaho began sports participation in their 180’ diameter, double gymnasium which seats 3,000 spectators and includes a weight, wrestling, and locker rooms; offices; concessions—and a 350-seat theatre. People sometimes assume that the curvature of a dome creates a considerable amount of unusable, wasted space. But Emmett High’s retired vice principal Tony Villanueva said, "We got more space out of the building than we thought we were going to have. It’s not crowded at all. It has proven very functional in that way."

Cradleboard Elementary

This multipurpose Monolithic Dome, designed with a Native American motif, sits among the Ponderosa Pines on the Apache Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona. It encompasses a cafeteria, gymnasium and areas for art and music classes. Cradleboard’s principal, Barbara Nolan, enthusiastically states, "A dome automatically creates an interesting learning space for children."

Frontier Elementary

Frontier is one of Payson Unified School District’s dome projects in Payson, Arizona. Frontier’s 120’ diameter, multipurpose dome is lighted throughout by natural daylight shining through a skylight. This dome’s activities include school sports, as well as an music concerts, assemblies, and meetings.

Pattonsburg, Missouri

Pattonsburg, Missouri built a Monolithic Dome school in 1997, after flood and fire destroyed their facility. Pattonsburg calls their 150’ diameter gym an "activity dome" since it’s not just for physical education. It includes an area for art and a stage for drama and music presentations. The gymnasium also provides Pattonsburg’s citizens with a disaster shelter—should another flood or catastrophe occur.

177 Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
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