Xanadu of Sedona

Easter eggs in Arizona – Monolithic Domes

Year built: 2011
Site area: 3.63 acres (1.47 hectares)
Built area: 5865 sq. ft. (543 m2)

eclectic (ɪˈklɛktɪk/) – deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. To most people a dome home is going to seem unusual. They do offer some significant benefits including strength, fire resistance and cost but they are certainly different from what we probably visualise when we say the word ‘house’.

This is definitely the most unusual dome home we have come across to date. Typically, dome homes comprise from one to three or four domes. This home has ten! Each is brightly painted in a different colour and can be easily seen from Arizona state highway 179 which “carries millions of tourists each year through one of the most pristine and unique areas of the world.”

Xanadu of Sedona - Monolithic Domes — Easter eggs in the desert…

The concept of a pavilion style home works well for an extended family, for home workers or where children are looking for some independence.

The domes:
Each of Xanadu’s ten connected pavillions has its own size, shape and feel. High ceilings (up to 30 ft), skylights and indoor water fountains create an exhilarating ambiance of space, light and nature. Each dome has a specific use ranging from living and bedroom domes to the ‘home office dome’ and even a ‘health and healing’ dome. The bathroom for the master bedroom is also in a separate dome with a glass block shower, jacuzzi tub and a six-foot, portal-like window with a view of the courtyard and its fountain and garden.

The colours:

“I know it seems strange to paint your home all of the colors of the rainbow, but we feel so strongly about these Monolithic Structures or Domes, and how safe and secure they are that we decided to finally show the world just how much! And why not really make a statement by using the seven colors of the rainbow. Another reason why we’ve painted Xanadu all the colors of the rainbow is simply for FUN!”

Owners – Nina Joy and Bracken Cherry

The benefits of domes:

Dome construction is fast and results in an exceptionally strong structure. They are also very thermally efficient, especially when part buried – as they can be due to their strength. While the appearance may not suit everyone, it is a building system well worth considering if you are in an area that experiences extreme events such as cyclones, tornadoes or forest fires where they have been proven to be exceptionally durable.

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