SEATTLE - A structure designed to help people survive in remote outposts or during disasters is now being marketed as a residential option – the Envirodome.
The exterior is described as aerospace composite, but it's the inside dealers want you to see.
"We've designed this dome to kind of comfortably live four people," said Chuck Bertrand, Envirodome owner
The concept behind the Envirodome was to provide emergency, self-sufficient shelter to people working in arctic or desert outposts that can be erected by three people in a few hours. But then the creators started thinking beyond the basic survival and about adding some creature comforts, and maybe the Envirodome, could become the enviro-home.
The view from the sleeping loft reveals the spacious living room. There's a kitchen and full bathroom and storage closets. And the basic lighting and heating can be supplied by a single solar panel and a propane tank.
The domes are still being used for emergencies. The group says they've sent them to provide homes for earthquake victims in Haiti and they're still being used in the arctic. But now, the company wants to take the next step.
"We're making it available to the end consumer, finally, where people can buy these for cabins or mother-in-law houses," said Bertrand.
Of course, you may want to pass that one by mom and your local planning departments before bringing home the enviro-dome.
The domes sell for about $12,000 each. Click here to find out how you can buy one
