Simple Pseudo-geodesic Dome

I call this a pseudo-geodesic dome. It relies on the flexibility of PVC pipes instead of the complex joinery of a proper geodesic dome. Its advantage is trivially simple construction with readily available, cheap materials. I erect it each fall to keep leaves out of the goldfish pond. It should work for Burning Man shelters, sun screens, homeless shelters, refugee camps, etc.

The picture shows how it goes together. You will need:

• 12 PVC electrical conduits (full length)
• 12 stakes (I use 2 ft. lengths of 1/4" rebar)
• 1 cover (parachute, tarp, etc; I use plastic netting)
• 5 lashings (I use plastic cable ties)
• Separate stakes and lashing to tie the cover to the ground. Don't tie the cover to the poles; The poles are not strong enough to withstand high winds. They are to keep the cover from collapsing. Provide separate means to keep it from blowing away.

Connect the 12 PVC conduits in pairs to produce 6 double length poles. Mark out a circle and drive 4 stakes at 90 intervals around the circle, slanted inwards. Lash 2 double poles together at the center and insert them over opposing stakes so that they cross in the middle as shown by the two red poles in the diagram. Adjust the circle's diameter to adjust the dome's height versus breadth. Add the remaining 4 double poles as shown by the blue poles in the diagram. Lash them together at the four places where three poles cross. Add the cover and lash it down independently of the poles as cautioned above.

That's it! It can't get any simpler than that!