The word is coined by combining "zonohedron" and "dome", although — unlike a dome which is basically limited to a more-or-less spherical shape — a zome can be stretched out asymmetrically or joined to other zomes to make very complicated and satisfying free-form buildings.
 The Zomes make a large family of geometric volumes that can be easily built and give free standing spaces, without the need for internal support.
A Zome gives a structure in which we can live and enjoy all the space. Beauty of lines, roundness of the dome, polygonal and absence of right angles, it's all what makes the Zome so special.

Zome is a structural system originated by Steve Baer, and developped in France by Jean Soum.

Those we will build are composed of faceted diamond shapes. They rest on the ground on triangles or vertical walls. One may want a single volume or multiple zomes put together to provide large surface areas. The interior looks great, the zomes appear small from the outside and blend into the landscape.

The skeleton structure, is organised and formed with balanced facets, giving a surprising rigidity, which allows the use of small wood sections and short lengths. it can be covered with small enveloping structure, according to convenience.
The quality and compactness of the form allows the construction with very economical materials

 

Zomes Types

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A zome wearing crowns of identical diamonds and the number of diamonds in a crown (4, 5, 6 ... and more) we speak of zome 4 
zome 5, 6 zome ...). We call this the order of zome. A zome small dimensions will be satisfied with a small number of order (or a 
small number of facets). Conversely, if desired, a high surface
 zome, it will allow a pattern with a significantly bigger number of facets which will give a more rounded volume.
Beside the number, other parameters, like a more or less pointed roof, adding an area or additional facets,can give a wide variety 

of volumes corresponding to all kinds of floor plans and various situations.

 

 

 

Qualities of zomes spaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- The zome offers beautiful lines with double spirals of great aesthetic. A volume where one breathes, its round shape releases the imagination.

- Construction and installation of a zome are fast and require no special or expensive equipment. Parts and components are lightweight and can be built to meet your needed forces.

- With its static qualities, organization and the linking of its facets, a zome is Earthquake proof: even with a strong pull or during a violent shock,  the dismantling element will not collapse suddenly. 

- With its aerodynamic shape, it offers little wind resistance resulting in less heat loss.

- One can easily connect multiple-zomes together to create a great open space or can have more zomes ( or more conventional spaces) added later on. 

- A zome is easy to heat and well suited for cold climates, because they’re is no angle  blocking the internal air circulation.

- By judicious implementation, organization of spaces and the

 choice of materials, a zome lends itself to become an ecological and bioclimatic building (in particular, and in contrast to the 

rectangular volume plans, it is not dependent of a single-orientation).

 

 

Zome and Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

◊   A zome is not a neutral architecture, but a pure form, dynamic and full of symbols (diamond, spiral, ...) which conveys the energies of man and the cosmos. It amplifies the etheric body. Various shape of various Zomes have effects and where tested by competent persons in Geobiology . This is what they found out:- The effects are greater for the high zomes facets of numbers (number of order)- The even number of zomes are milder- The zomes resting on the ground by vertical walls have balanced energies and can be adopted as houses- The odd order zomes resting on the ground by triangles returning to the center is more energy and should be used for temporary occupations. They are well suited as creative places (design, arts, personal development, therapies, ...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is a zome good for?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As this is an easy space to build. Easily scalable, it can be intended for what you want: from the dog house, to a tree house, a bird shelter, a workshop, a tool or materials shelter, a greenhouse, as an additional room

and of course as a full habitat for the largest projects.

 

 

 

This text is, in large, copied from the "Amis des Zomes" website:

http://zomes.eu/