Our Io-20 makes an ideal studio rental unit. This Monolithic Dome is an oblate built on a 3.5-foot stemwall. It has a diameter of 20 feet, an overall height of 10.5 feet and a living area of 314 square feet. A few years ago, Monolithic established a successful rental program that includes a complex of Io-20 cottages in a gardenlike setting. Four main reasons account for its success:
- For low-income singles, the Io-20s put a clean, affordable roof over their heads.
- For the landlord, these small domes provide much needed, but easily managed and maintained rentals.
- They are energy-efficient – so much so that the cost of electricity could be included in the rental fee.
- Because they are Monolithic Domes, the Io-20s have the innate ability to resist natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as fire, termites and rot.
![Welcome! — Each unit includes a twin bed, kitchen table with two chairs, refrigerator, stove and a microwave.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b41c29e068473000679/small/pic02.jpg)
Welcome! — Each unit includes a twin bed, kitchen table with two chairs, refrigerator, stove and a microwave.
![Just the right amount of space! — This is a great place for one or two adults, working singles, newlyweds, retirees, as well as single parents with just one child.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b41c29e06847300067a/small/pic03.jpg)
Just the right amount of space! — This is a great place for one or two adults, working singles, newlyweds, retirees, as well as single parents with just one child.
![Bathroom includes shower — The bathroom has a shower and toilet. This compact bathroom provides privacy with its locking pocket door.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b41c29e06847300067b/small/pic04.jpg)
Bathroom includes shower — The bathroom has a shower and toilet. This compact bathroom provides privacy with its locking pocket door.
![Functional kitchen — The kitchen area has plenty of cabinet space.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b41c29e06847300067c/small/pic05.jpg)
Functional kitchen — The kitchen area has plenty of cabinet space.
![Dining Area — The studios are embellished with ceramic tile floors.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b41c29e06847300067d/small/pic06.jpg)
Dining Area — The studios are embellished with ceramic tile floors.