Sahara Dome: Living in the Sahara Desert

Vast deserts, making up about a third of Earth's land, hold both challenges and potential. Sunshine for solar power and space for a growing population are some reasons to consider desert settlements. Challenges include limited water and harsh climates. One famous desert, the Sahara Desert is known for it's vastness, making it a perfect place for settlements . However, the Sahara Desert is also known for its heat and hostility, making it challenging to establish long term settlements there. If we can overcome these hurdles, deserts could be hubs for innovation in sustainable living and renewable energy. To overcome said hurdles, we have, The Sahara Dome, a specially designed shelter for desert environments.Utilizing technologies such as solar panels, and the properties of natural materials, we can make a habitat in the desert which not only allows humanity to survive, but thrive in these harsh conditions.

Building Envelope (Shell)

Rammed Earth: This technique uses compressed soil to create a strong and insulative wall system.

Interior Walls and Floors

Earthen materials - Leftover stabilized mud bricks or compacted earth can be used for interior walls.

Earthen floors - Clay or compacted earth provides thermal mass for natural temperature regulation.

Roof:

Wood framing - Creates a base for the roof structure. Choose wood resistant to rot and termites.

Natural fiber thatch or woven coverings- These provide natural insulation and can be a sustainable choice.

Energy

Solar Panels: Solar panels are a great option to generate electricity in a sunny desert environment.

Battery Storage: Storing excess solar energy for nighttime use is crucial for a self-sufficient system.

Water System

Pipes

Water Filter

Oil Drum

Water Filter

Water Pump

Find an area with good sunlight for solar panels. Look for signs of vegetation, indicating potential for rainwater harvesting. Sandy soil with good drainage is ideal for the dome's foundation.

1. Build a circular foundation using rammed earth.
2. Construct a wooden frame in the shape of a dome. This will act as a mold for the earthen walls.
3. Pack moistened soil mixture, gradually building the dome shape. Make sure the walls are 6 inches thick for insulation purposes.
4. Once complete, carefully remove the wooden frame and allow the earthen walls to dry completely.

1. Add earthen floors to make sure the room remains cooled.
2. Using some more rammed earth, create dividers that divide the floor into four parts.
3. Add doors for easy access between rooms.
4. Strategically place windows facing the north. North-facing windows receive indirect light and don't let in too much sunlight.

1. Install a couch
2. Install a ottoman for easy storage and seating
3. Add a TV, powered by the solar panels for entertainment
4. Add a coffee table for convenient storage and dining purposes

Use lightly colored fabrics to reflect heat and consider using fabrics from local desert plants, taking advantage of the environment.

1. Add a soft mattress made of breathable fabric so maximize comfort during sleep
2. Add a nightstand with drawers for extra storage and convenience
3. Add a desk even more drawers to store materials for work. Also, add a computer powered by the solar panels for work
4. Add a closet to store clothes and other essentials.

Make sure to paint the room in cool calming colors like green and blue to make the room seem cool. When picking fabric, use fabrics sourced from desert plants, as they are usually more breathable than regular fabrics.

1. Add a soapstone counter top with cabinets and drawers to install the sink and smokeless electric stove.
2. Add a fridge for refrigeration and freezing
3. Install a wooden dining table with extra chairs in case of guests, unwanted or otherwise
4. Add a closet for extra storage

The soapstone will help the counter and the ingredients in the cabinets to stay cool. As with the bedroom, paint the kitchen with cool colors to invoke a sense of coolness and spaciousness. Compost your food scraps to help plants grow.

1. Install a squat toilet with a toilet bag in the hole to conserve water. When bag is at capacity, throw it out and replace it
2. Add a simple walk-in shower with sliding doors
3. Add dressing table and a mirror
4. Install a cabinet to store bath items and toiletries

Take short showers to save water, and when done showering, collect used shower water to water plants, and if boiled and filtered, it can also be used as drinking and cooking water. As always, use cool themed paint to make it feel cool and spacious.

1. Place a large rain catcher on the roof. Secure it with nails and beams as needed
2. Below the rain catcher, in this order, add a filter and a pump.
3. Add piping in the walls of the kitchen and bathroom so that the water can be used

1. Attach solar panels to the dome then. 5 is preferred
2. Wire them to all appliances requiring electricity.
3. When not needed, you can unplug appliances you don't need and use the solar panels to charge batteries for power at night.

Since this is quite simple, I will not include images for this. A simple farm with desert crops and livestock will do. For the farm, you could use hydroponics (substituting the soil for water in the growing process).