Last summer, as we were relaxing in our historic cabin nestled in the forest between Big Sky and Bozeman, Montana, a red glow greeted our gazes across the Gallatin River as the forest fires raged nearby. Mark wearily eyed the evidence of too little moisture in a very dry forest. A shift in the winds and we could very literally be running for our lives. The canyon we live in would act as a chimney and sweep the fire through at an alarming rate if the appropriate conditions were met. Although hurricanes allow us several days to evacuate, a forest fire’s unpredictable nature would grant us only moments to flee.
| Just as the hurricanes spurred Mark to design the Dome of a Home, the surrounding forest fires stimulated Mark’s imagination to create a fire resistant dome. The concept for the Skybird Lodge was born one night while we were dining out and commenting on the smoky particulates in the air. |  Mark's Original Skybird Lodge Sketches |
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Mark picked up a pen and sketched the Skybird Lodge, explaining its many features as his hand flew across the page. From many angles, including the aerial view, the lodge appears to be the combination of a hawk, eagle, and owl - hence the name Skybird. |
Its features would specifically address the issues of forest fires, avalanches, earthquakes, large accumulations of snow and ice, and falling timber. A fire proof coating, Hepa air filters, and the inherent strength of the dome will make the Skybird Lodge another home that I can rest easy in without worrying about my family’s safety.
SKYBIRD’S DISASTER RESISTANT QUALITIES
- The shape and position of the building will help deflect debris and snow in the case of an avalanche, landslide or rockslide. It will also deflect falling trees with no structural damage.
- Heating/cooling – Hepa-filtered ‘Closed Loop Geo-Thermal Hydronic System’ – It is super efficient and able to filter out smoke during a long forest fire season.
- The use of shock absorbing pilings will reduce the stress on the structure during earth tremors and quakes.
- Use of fire rated exterior coatings to minimize damage in case of forest fires. The goal is for the building to withstand intense fire with only cosmetic damage, no structural damage.
- Use heat resistant glass in the Dome for further protection against fire.
After the safety issues were addressed, we let our imaginations soar as we filled the home with conveniences and features designed to cater to the executive. The idea is to create an oasis for executives. Combining fishing, hunting, hiking, and relaxing with full access to technological amenities allows the business person to unwind on a semi-vacation and fulfill career demands in the same beautiful location.
Inside Skybird Lodge
| FIRST FLOOR |
| Pool, Hot Tub, Game Room, Sauna, Steam Room, Kitchenette |
   Click photo for large version |
| SECOND FLOOR |
| Kitchen, Living Room, Bedrooms, Deck, Outdoor Fireplace and Kitchen |
  Click photo for large version |
| THIRD FLOOR |
| Dual Master Suites with Private Hot Tubs and Steam Showers |
   Click photo for large version |
| FOURTH FLOOR |
| Library, Executive Conference Room |
   Click photo for large version |
Our goal is to use native products, recycled products, and environmentally friendly
products in the construction, as well as in the interior finish, of the Skybird Lodge. For example, cork flooring is a renewable source that has several advantages: cork trees can live for 500 years with the cork being harvested once a decade; it absorbs sound, which is an issue in dome structures; it is naturally anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and resistant to bugs; and it is self-extinguishing – it will not burn unless a flame is being held to it.
Click photo for large version
New products are constantly evolving that will help us reach our goal of incorporating Ed Mazria’s 2030 Challenge which exceeds the US Green Building Council Guidelines. Ed Mazria has founded a
non-profit organization, Architecture 2030, and issued the 2030 Challenge to get the building industry completely carbon neutral by the year 2030. Ed Mazria purports that 48% of total US energy consumption can be attributed to the building sector, with most of that energy attributed just to building operations. He hopes the building sector will become carbon neutral by 2030 to help prevent catastrophic climate change.
Dragon Speed Design Group is dedicated to building earth friendly structures that can be enjoyed for several generations.
DRAGON SPEED DESIGN GROUP CONTACT INFORMATION
Valerie 850.723.5107 information@dragonspeeddesigngroup.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CUSTOM DESIGNS FOR LUXURY DOMES BY
DRAGON SPEED DESIGN GROUP CLICK HERE