Dome Photos from The Monolithic Dome Institute's Photo Archives, Vol. VI - An Engineer's Aspect

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Friday, October 2, 2009

Dome Photos from The Monolithic Dome Institute's Photo Archives, Vol. VI

My father, David B. South, and his brothers Barry South and Randy South invented and patented the process for building the Monolithic Dome.

The South Brothers were raised in Island Park, Idaho where they ran a family sawmill. When I heard that it snowed in Island Park the other day, it reminded me of these photos of David and Barry shoveling snow off roofs during the harsh winters.

The snow would become so densely packed that they would have use saws to cut it into blocks. They could then shovel or shove the snow off the roof. David is on the left and Barry is on the right in this picture.



This is a picture of David shoveling snow off the roof of a cabin. Note the snowshoes and skis--they had to snowshoe in to get to the snow-laden buildings...those were some days of hard work.



After cutting the snow into blocks, they would slide them off the roofs.



Dad always said the best part of the roof shoveling was jumping into the snow after the roof was clear. (Barry is second from left and David is on the far right.)



Chest-deep in snow after jumping--Barry, second from left, and David, far right.



I am not surprised that the South Brothers were able to work together to invent the Monolithic Dome. They grew up working hard and playing hard in Island Park.

As an engineer, I am convinced of the superiority of the Monolithic Domes. But, not only do I believe the Monolithic Dome to be a superior building, I think they can be quite beautiful.

This is Volume VI of dome photos that I think are noteworthy from the Monolithic Dome Institute's Photo Archives.

Callisto in the Snow--Italy, Texas. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


Gymnasium in Payson, Arizona. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


Autumn at "Cloud Hidden." Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


The inflated Airform for the Howes Residence in Montana. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


Emmett HIgh School in Emmett, Idaho. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


Dome of a Home. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


NCTC Performing Arts Center in Gainesville, Texas. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


The Maronite Church in Austin, Texas. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


Bishop Nevins Academy in Florida. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.


The Avalon Gymnasium in Texas. Source: The Monolithic Dome Institute Photo Archives.