The home of the future needs to be prepared for the harsh weather events that will surely come about as a result of climate change. That’s why a startup by the name of Geoship is designing buildings made from a new material that can withstand disasters: bioceramic.
Geoship is using the new material to build new dwellings in the form of a geodesic dome and has plans to produce both backyard cottages and full communities. The material has a long list of advantages.
To start with, the ceramic is fireproof up to 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it won’t burn in a fire. It also reflects more than 80% of the heat from the sun, helping keep the inside cool in heatwaves. On top of that, the material resists insects and mold and absorbs little water—which is key during hurricanes and floods. All of this, the company claims, can cost 40% less than traditional construction as the geodesic shape shrinks the amount of material needed—a dome might use half the material of a two-story traditional house of the same square footage.
Sound too good to be true? Well, we’ll soon find out as shoe giant Zappos is working with Geoship to build a small “village” of the domes in Las Vegas near the online shoe retailer headquarters. The plan is to offer them as free housing for some of the many people who are experiencing homelessness in the city.
