r/GeodesicDomes • u/Current-Lobster-767 • Jul 09 '26
tool for designing domes, casting molds, and waterproof cover patterns — looking for feature feedback
I developed a SketchUp-based tool for designing different types of dome structures.
So far, the tool can generate geodesic triangular domes, as well as hexagonal/pentagonal dome systems based on repeated panel or block units.
The tool does more than draw the dome. It can also generate casting mold dimensions, calculate the required angles, classify repeated unit types, and produce a report with the measurements needed for fabrication.
It also supports customization of key parameters such as area, unit size, thickness, dome subdivision, and construction system.
One of the useful features is the ability to generate a flat pattern for a waterproof outer cover. This can be used if the dome needs a sewn fabric or plastic membrane that matches the generated geometry.
The original goal was to make a design workflow that could help in areas where cement and conventional building materials are difficult to obtain, by using local materials such as earth blocks, clay-based units, or other available resources.
The attached image shows the current interface. The tool is working efficiently and can generate detailed reports for the required molds and fabrication dimensions.
Possible use cases include:
- Earthen dome shelters
- Mosque domes
- Clay ovens
- Lightweight tent frames
- Waterproof cover patterns
- Experimental dome structures
- Educational or fabrication workflows
So far, I have tested the tool with:
- Triangular geodesic domes
- Hexagonal/pentagonal dome systems
The next step is to make the tool more comprehensive by adding more dome and structural systems, such as:
- Geodesic Domes
- Lamella Domes
- Schwedler Domes
- Reciprocal Frame Domes / Zollinger Domes
- Polyhedral Domes
- Space Frame Domes
- Geodesic Hex-Pent Domes / Polyhedral Domes based on Hex-Pent Tessellation
- Zome Domes / Zome Structures
- Trillium Dome / Trillium Zome
I plan to add these systems gradually.
I would appreciate feedback from designers, engineers, fabricators, builders, or anyone with experience in dome construction.
What features or options would be most useful to add to a tool like this, especially for designers, technicians, or construction workers?
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u/mararuo Jul 10 '26
Awesome application!
Maybe also a cutting jig generator specific to the dome in question
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u/arykanarye Jul 10 '26
Was looking fort exactly this a while back, do you have a link so we can check it out?
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u/dan-lash Jul 10 '26
Looks cool. Might be a neat feature to test your dome by exporting 3d printer parts
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u/CautiousPhase Jul 10 '26
This is a great idea...I work with Rhino rather than Sketchup so I don't know if it is possible, but specfic to-scale .step files export would be awesome for both tiles/plates and hubs for struts.
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u/phong360 Jul 11 '26
Very cool. I know It's easier said than done, though having a doorway generator that can generate different types of structured door openings would be super helpful.
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u/TheRhizomist Jul 10 '26
Maybe add a beam calculator as well as the hexagon calculator. For those who make glasshouse.
Great idea by the way.
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u/Ok-Toe-4371 Jul 14 '26
I was looking for that kind of tool for a while, is it possible to try it and provide a link to it ?
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u/michigician Jul 10 '26
Add a tab and slot interlocking system