Material specifications of Ekodomes and quality standards
Ekodomes are hard-panel, aluminum frame kits with steel hardware. Below is a detailed explanation of the materials that we use:- Aluminum is used for the frames and hubs.
Aluminum is an ideal choice due to its lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and infinite recycling potential. The Ekodome® kits are produced using aluminum profiles that adhere to the EN 755-9 standards. These standards outline the precise measurements and shapes for aluminum and aluminum alloy extruded struts with a cross-section no larger than 800 mm.
The hubs of our dome frames are constructed using aluminum casting with an A360 (US) alloy. A360 is an aluminum alloy known for its exceptional pressure tightness and fluidity. It also contains a high silicon level, providing excellent corrosion resistance and high strength, even at elevated temperatures.
- High-pressure laminate (HPL) compact laminate is used for the Original series cover panels.
This material offers excellent features, is easy to handle, and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. HPL panels are created by impregnating Kraft paper with phenolic resins and subjecting it to heat and pressure. These panels have a decorative layer made of a synthetic polymer, which provides a wide range of color and texture options while ensuring strength and durability.
They are double-sided with a special coating on the exterior side, making them resistant to UV rays, bacteria, and dirt. With a smooth and non-porous surface, HPL panels are easy to clean and remain clean for a long time. They are also fire-retardant, resistant to impacts and mechanical pressure, and do not contain hazardous materials like asbestos or chloride-containing heavy metals.
Additionally, HPL panels are highly resistant to corrosion and cracking. In terms of technical characteristics and endurance, they are economical and convenient and can be easily processed, cut, sized, drilled, and formed. Designed to last, HPL panels are highly resistant against humidity, vapor, UV radiation, and acid rain. They come with a 10-year warranty period.
- Polycarbonate is used for the Orginal Series cover panels.
The transparent panels used in the original series of domes are made of this tough and rigid material known for its strength, durability, and lightweight nature. Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic material that exhibits outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. It is highly resistant to UV radiation, making it suitable for outdoor applications such as greenhouses, skylights, and nurseries.
The solid polycarbonate sheets used in our domes are sufficiently thick to create a durable and practically unbreakable roofing system. They are highly impact-resistant and significantly more durable than glass, providing better insulation and durability. These qualities make them perfect for emergency shelters.
Additionally, polycarbonate's transparent nature, combined with its UV protection on both faces, makes it an excellent choice for covering skylights and panoramic bay windows in your dwelling dome. With proper care, polycarbonate panels can last about ten years, a fraction of the lifespan of glass.
- Double-pane glass is used for cover panels in the Pro series cover panels.
Double-pane glass consists of multiple glass panes, typically 2 or 3, tightly packed together with an air space in between. This design provides excellent insulation properties and helps control temperature in various applications such as sloped glazing, commercial curtain walls, skylights, conference rooms, studios, insulated glass roofs, and indoor or insulated windows. The double-pane glass panels are known for their energy-saving benefits, noise reduction capabilities, and ability to enhance a house's appearance and resale value.
- HPL SIP is used for the opaque panels of the PRO series cover panels.
The insulated panels comprise two HPL sheets with a PIR (polyisocyanurate) foam board. This construction ensures excellent insulation properties and helps maintain the desired temperature inside the dome. The HPL sheets provide durability and a wide range of colors and finishes, while the PIR foam board enhances thermal performance. Overall, our insulated sandwich panels offer a reliable and energy-efficient solution for the PRO series dome.
The PIR foam used in our Ekodome HPL SIP (Insulated Sandwich Panel) is highly efficient in terms of thermal performance. It is so effective that it only requires half the thickness of other mineral-based insulation products. When you choose an Ekodome HPL SIP with a PIR foam core, you can expect R-values ranging from 5-7.2 per inch. The R-value measures a material's ability to resist heat flow, and higher R-values indicate more excellent thermal resistance.
One key characteristic of PIR, similar to PUR, is its ability to act as a barrier against moisture. However, PIR's remarkable flame and smoke resistance is the most significant difference. PIR effectively slows down the spread of flames and minimizes the smoke emitted during a fire compared to products made with PUR.
- Steel is used for the hardware and anchor plates.
The hardware, including screws, bolts, and fasteners, is carefully selected to ensure a secure and reliable assembly of the dome frame. On the other hand, the anchor plates are strategically placed to securely anchor the dome to the ground, providing stability and resistance against external forces such as wind and seismic activity. Using steel for these specific components ensures that our domes maintain their structural integrity and can withstand various environmental conditions.