Sustainable, high-quality homes for low-income people in Las Vegas

Using disaster-resilient bioceramics, the company’s geodesic domes are recyclable, energy-efficient, quick to build and repair

Spotted: California start-up Geoship is changing the construction industry through its use of bioceramic domes. Obtained from wastewater, the bioceramics are largely phosphate-based and self-adhesive. When combined, they form domed buildings that resemble footballs. 

The tiles are energy-efficient, quick to install and naturally repellent to insects and other pests. The dome shape makes it highly resilient to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods and hurricanes. As a result, the homes should last more than 500 years. Costs range from around €50,000 for the smallest building to €250,000 for the largest one.

No additional materials are needed for construction, which helps to keep costs down, as does the rapidity of installation. Should any damage to the building material occur, a liquefied version of the bioceramic re-seals the structure. In addition, there is the possibility that the structures will eventually become carbon negative thanks to the bioceramic tiles’ capability of absorbing carbon dioxide. 

The project will also provide free homes for a number of homeless people in Las Vegas. Production of the geodesic domes is likely to begin in 2021 and the company plans to include renewable energy systems as an option for each building.