The geodesic dome is made up of pentagons and hexagons, where the length of the sides determines the curve. There are two lengths needed, which vary according to the size of the dome, but the ratio is the same. In our 1.6m high dome, the shorter piece is 920mm and the longer is 1040mm.
We made a small model out of thin metal bars to test the geodesic dome shape.
Materials. We bought lengths of copper piping from Wickes, and then calculated the size of the dome by working out the most economical way to cut each length. In this case we wanted to get two short pieces and one long piece from a 3m long section. This determined the 1.6m high dome.
Cutting and bolting copper. The lengths were measured, cut using a copper pipe cutter, clamped to flatten the end and drilled at the correct lengths.
We made a jig out of timber to make sure all the lengths were correct.
Clamping to flatten ends.
Using a drill to make a hole.
Neaten the ends with pliers and a file.
