Earth-Bermed, Nature-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Monolithic Dome Home

Earth-bermed home — Andrew South and family live in a 3,200-square-foot, Monolithic Dome dream home built into the side of a butte in Menan, Idaho.

Earth-bermed home — Andrew South and family live in a 3,200-square-foot, Monolithic Dome dream home built into the side of a butte in Menan, Idaho. (Andrew South)

Windows large and small — Although underground, light penetrates the dome and comfortably illuminates its interior.

Windows large and small — Although underground, light penetrates the dome and comfortably illuminates its interior. (Andrew South)

Pillared archway — It leads into a neatly tiled, easily maintained play area.

Pillared archway — It leads into a neatly tiled, easily maintained play area. (Andrew South)

Living room — It includes comfortable seating for large and small gatherings.

Living room — It includes comfortable seating for large and small gatherings. (Andrew South)

An illusion — A shallow, wrought iron banister, windows and beams create the illusion of a second level overlooking the family room.

An illusion — A shallow, wrought iron banister, windows and beams create the illusion of a second level overlooking the family room. (Andrew South)

Unusual touches — Chandeliers, banisters and art work contribute to the uniqueness of this home.

Unusual touches — Chandeliers, banisters and art work contribute to the uniqueness of this home. (Andrew South)

Enhancements — Graceful archways complement the roundness of the dome, and various decorative materials enhance its interior.

Enhancements — Graceful archways complement the roundness of the dome, and various decorative materials enhance its interior. (Andrew South)

Kitchen — It sports an easy-to-care-for but beautifully tiled floor.

Kitchen — It sports an easy-to-care-for but beautifully tiled floor. (Andrew South)

Wood cabinets — They contribute to the feeling of warmth and comfort.

Wood cabinets — They contribute to the feeling of warmth and comfort. (Andrew South)

Generous storage — That all important shelf and drawer space abounds in the kitchen.

Generous storage — That all important shelf and drawer space abounds in the kitchen. (Andrew South)

No monotony here — Artsy tiles create an interesting, delightful floor.

No monotony here — Artsy tiles create an interesting, delightful floor. (Andrew South)

Intricate tile work — Walls with tiles of various colors and sizes form ornate patterns and enclose this shower.

Intricate tile work — Walls with tiles of various colors and sizes form ornate patterns and enclose this shower. (Andrew South)

Tile shelves — They add to the look of luxury in this bathroom.

Tile shelves — They add to the look of luxury in this bathroom. (Andrew South)

Samo — This family pet stops to have his picture snapped in front of his master’s home, a nature-friendly, energy-efficient Monolithic Dome.

Samo — This family pet stops to have his picture snapped in front of his master’s home, a nature-friendly, energy-efficient Monolithic Dome. (Andrew South)

Snow — It covers the visible part of this earth-bermed dome, making it almost invisible.

Snow — It covers the visible part of this earth-bermed dome, making it almost invisible. (Andrew South)

Radiant floor heat — This Monolithic Dome has a hot water heater in a closed loop system that pumps hot water through the floor and heats the home.

Radiant floor heat — This Monolithic Dome has a hot water heater in a closed loop system that pumps hot water through the floor and heats the home. (Andrew South)