Help with plans

[Michael]

I am looking for the plans to this geodesic dome. Is Robert Clark still around? 

[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

I am trying to make a cardboard model of this, but could use some help.  Do the long one and the short one fit together as if they were one piece? Which ones fit into the hub piece?

             Dan - OCTA-TETRA Museum

On 10/07/2025 10:30 AM EDT Michael <flood...@gmail.com> wrote:

 

 

I am looking for the plans to this geodesic dome. Is Robert Clark still around?

 

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[Ashok Mathur]

Robert Clark had lasted posted on the group on 7th Sept 2025.

I appreciate the ingenuity of Robert in making this design modular and made of easily craft able parts.

However this is a part of a subdivision that I call 3,4,5 reflecting that all edges are identical in length and make up triangles, squares and pentagons.

Making a full sphere of parts cut out of cardboard and joined in anyway that looks easy to you, will help you with assembly at a later date.

Regards

Ashok

On Tue, 7 Oct 2025 at 8:00 PM, Michael <flood...@gmail.com> wrote:

I am looking for the plans to this geodesic dome. Is Robert Clark still around? 

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[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

Thanks, Ashok, for replying.  Can anyone give me an email address for Robert Clark?

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/CAD-a3Og6z_7OVNo%3DreK7_538W5LMj71hhbvydBX9apKn-W-n5A%40mail.gmail.com.

[Robert Clark]

Hi. I just saw this post. I will try to find these files on my computer.

[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

Hi Robert,

   Thanks.  Actually, I think I have successfully answered all my own questions. Attached 2 pictures.  I will send you another picture when I have completed the model.

         Dan

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/5b33ba70-f375-4dab-86ac-7ed12099ad60n%40googlegroups.com.

[Robert Clark]

Should I still upload the DXF files if I find them?  It was designed as 3 pieces that would be CNC cut from plywood. The split double thickness strut is a result of working around the fact that the plywood is rigid and cannot be flexed to slide into the slots.

[Michael]

I could provide an email if that helps. Or upload them here. I'd be happy with any file you create them in. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/71636f4b-ab60-4bfe-a408-429092d1b295n%40googlegroups.com.

[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

Robert,

    I think I will not need the files.  I'll let you know if I run into problems.

                   Dan

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[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

Michael,

    No need to send me his email address.  I found it and have been in touch with him.  Thanks.

              Dan

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/CA%2BJ%3Dkq825EZ_fYjRbQF7mxOD7eFE_XXoQ4z8jjR8YTZZSOHqcw%40mail.gmail.com.

[Ryan Jarvis]

@robert I'd still like to see the DXF files.   I'm just sitting on the sidelines and wasn't previously aware of this design.

[Michael]

I might try to have AI do the plans if we cant get them. My son and I would love to make a computer pod using this cool design. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/57e3e079-d2c4-4c0e-b703-b8db1f717c27n%40googlegroups.com.

[Levente Likhanecz]

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[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

Here are two pictures to update my progress on making the model.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/71636f4b-ab60-4bfe-a408-429092d1b295n%40googlegroups.com.

[Michael]

Wow these are amazing. How do you calculate the dihedral angle? 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/326774359.1020131.1760029576038%40webmail-oxcs.networksolutionsemail.com.

[Ashok Mathur]

There is no need to ore-calculate the dihedral angles. They automatically appear as you join the struts.

Regards

Ashok

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[Michael]

Levente Likhanecz how thick is the plywood? 

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[Levente Likhanecz]

Robert has the originals, the 2017 post-s disappeared from the thread.

i don't know. if this made of 3/4 plywood, or the tortuga dome:　

https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/473ebbc4-e63f-46b0-b154-b9e1427abeb3%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer

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[Levente Likhanecz]

On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:39 PM Michael <flood...@gmail.com> wrote:

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/CA%2BJ%3Dkq_bJ8xetZanN%2BuqS4O-wGJbzm4sPcRMgp_vZgiWddFKSQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Levente Likhanecz]

Robert has the originals, the 2017 post-s disappeared from the thread.

[Robert Clark]

I don't seem to be able to attach DXF files, only image files.

[Levente Likhanecz]

For me, this gmail client swallows down my message, once i stuff it up above 8MB with attached pics.　

(Then i receive a mailer subsystem message, that i am stupid)　

I have keep track and resize pics, because the attached dxf file will go down together with the message.　

When i follow the "To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/f9e3472a-050d-476e-9981-2a018008f912n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer" link, there i can see in the original thread, that my oversize messages did not arrive, even them appear in my own browser/gmail client.　

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/f9e3472a-050d-476e-9981-2a018008f912n%40googlegroups.com.

[Ashok Mathur]

What Robert Clark has made has a geometrical name Rhombicosidodecahedron

Here is its wiki link

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhombicosidodecahedron

Claude, an AI agent, also found the following

he shape you're looking for is the rhombicosidodecahedron (also called the small rhombicosidodecahedron). This polyhedron has 62 faces made up of 20 equilateral triangles, 30 squares, and 12 regular pentagons, with 120 edges and 60 vertices The Rhombicosidodecahedron.

Here are some websites with images of this polyhedron:

1. Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhombicosidodecahedron This page has detailed images and diagrams of the rhombicosidodecahedron
2. The Rhombicosidodecahedron - https://www.qfbox.info/4d/rhombico Technical visualization and information
3. Polyhedra.net - https://www.polyhedra.net/en/model.php?name-en=rhombicosidodecahedron Shows paper model templates
4. Interactive Viewer - https://polyhedra.tessera.li/rhombicosidodecahedron/info An interactive 3D viewer where you can manipulate the shape
5. National Museum of American History - https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_694528 Shows a wooden model with twelve pentagonal faces, thirty square faces, and twenty triangular faces Geometric Model, Rhombicosidodecahedron | National Museum of American History

This shape can be created by expanding either a dodecahedron or icosahedron outward Small rhombicosidodecahedron - Polytope Wiki, and all the edges have the same length, making it one of the 13 Archimedean solids.

So I was wrong in calculating that it has 30 equilateral triangle as they have 3 common edges while squares have only 2 common edges.

I have used two faces of the soild to build the edge structure of a geodesic tunnel as each face is very strong.

Regards

Ashok

Regards

Ashok

[TaffGoch]

Testing PDF attachment, using gmail "reply"

~Taff

[Levente Likhanecz]

I got all 7 pages

On Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 12:19 AM TaffGoch <taff...@gmail.com> wrote:

Testing PDF attachment, using gmail "reply"

~Taff

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[Ashok Mathur]

Me too

Regards

Ashok

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[Robert Clark]

I've sent Michael the DXF files through direct email.

[Ryan Jarvis]

I'd take them too if they are up for offer.    It looks like a super fun one to build :) 

[Ashok Mathur]

Dear Robert,

A question: Will the plans be of help only to those who want to make a dome of exact same size, or the plans will also work for domes, say with 25% longer struts?

If it is the later it may be helpful to others to post the DXF to the group also.

Regards

Ashok

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/1280a33a-91ca-49b5-bb1c-b29c4ad59d2dn%40googlegroups.com.

[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

120 edges + 60 vertices = 180.  Each piece has 2 pieces (cereal box cardboard) attached to each other, so that means 360 pieces. -

Attached are pictures of what I have made so far on my paper model - work in progress.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/CAD-a3OjCoTz6F-wHxVFkJSAHkkfTp3qU7nwhpW5ESYTd6hyf7w%40mail.gmail.com.

[Charles Lasater]

Me too, thank you.

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[Robert Clark]

Ashok,

The slots in the model parts are size for 3/4" plywood. The DXF files for the parts would need to be scaled down if you are making a small dome from laser-cut chipboard. Or, if you 3D print the parts. If you have CAD software, you could play around with stretching the struts into longer, thinner pieces.  I was unable to post the DXF files for some reason. I can post images but not DXF files.

Rob

[Robert Clark]

uncle Dan,

The  Rhombicosidodecahedron is one of the few polyhedron with all identical vertices. Makes for less parts. And, it has a beautiful crystal-like structure.

Rob

[Robert Clark]

Levente,

That picture is from a gentleman in the UK who built another variation of my CNC design. He did say that the bottom plywood struts were beginning to bow after being out in the weather.

Rob

[Ashok Mathur]

Dear Robert

 Thanks for taking time out to explain your decision.

My blog about a bamboo geodesic tunnel using the structure is not available on the Internet probably because site fees have not been paid.

But here is small picture that is shown

Regards

Ashok

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[Levente Likhanecz]

i had the feeling Michael wanted some private space in a warehouse, under roof where the plywood (with acoustic damping felt) will not be exposed to elements.　

If the other version better because of doubled up struts? 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/abf72656-b085-4a01-8971-5e6a884ee45bn%40googlegroups.com.

[Michael]

You are correct I am considering to build this as an inside structure. Basically as an internet gaming pod of some sort for my son or a meditation space. 

After seeing over the plans that Robert sent to me I come to realize that it is to be made from 3/4" birch plywood doubled up for an "edge part". This makes it 1-1/4" thick. 

I have calculated that I would need to cut 200 small and 200 large "edge parts" (this almost a complete Rhombicosidodecahedron) along with 55 Hub parts and some 840 bolts / nuts. I also think it would be approximately 9 feet in diameter although slightly shorter in height. 

I may be incorrect on some of size.

Considering I have no software to modify a DXF file much less read a file of this type. I do not know how many sheets of plywood Ill need  but I did get a quote to have 3 templates made out of steel, one of each part (hub, short and long edges). My plan would be to cut out all the parts using the templates and a routing table plus other tools to rough cut the parts out of the plywood. 

 ...but will continue looking for better option on how to construct this cool dome. Feel free to express a method if you feel inclined to do so. 

[Adam Ross]

Hello all

I built the single skin type (the photo) with 8 sheets.

You need solid panels in place to keep the shape, particularly the pentagons. 

I would estimate 16-20 for the double skin version, depending on nesting

6 or 9 mm compression cutter, depending on how fast your machine is. 

Best,

Adam

On 13 Oct 2025, at 00:41, Michael <flood...@gmail.com> wrote:

You are correct I am considering to build this as an inside structure. Basically as an internet gaming pod of some sort for my son or a meditation space. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/0449a873-0eda-4270-b112-dfb1b681a87dn%40googlegroups.com.

[Robert Clark]

Adam,

Nice to hear from you again!

Rob

[Robert Clark]

Adam,

After I had created the design that I gave you, I modified it to be lower in height, broader in base, use lumber for struts and plywood for hubs.

I had originally planned to sell the plans as a PDF.  They've been buried in my computer files along with a lot of other unrealized designs.  I'll just go ahead and post it here so the Crystal Garden Dome at least has a chance of actually being built. It was meant as a patio arbor that would meet the UK height code for backyard structures. The design is adjusted for UK dimensional lumber size.

Rob

On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 3:32:23 AM UTC-4 Adam Ross wrote:

[Adam Ross]

Hi Robert!

Good to hear from you, too. Hope you’re well. 

 I did try a section of this and it seemed to work well and was easier to get flat panels to attach. I’ll see if I can find some images. 

Best,

Adam

On 13 Oct 2025, at 20:07, Robert Clark <clark.rob...@gmail.com> wrote:

Adam,

After I had created the design that I gave you, I modified it to be lower in height, broader in base, use lumber for struts and plywood for hubs.

I had originally planned to sell the plans as a PDF.  They've been buried in my computer files along with a lot of other unrealized designs.  I'll just go ahead and post it here so the Crystal Garden Dome at least has a chance of actually being built. It was meant as a patio arbor that would meet the UK height code for backyard structures. The design is adjusted for UK dimensional lumber size.

Rob

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To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/geodesichelp/0facc948-f3c6-42ac-85b4-1d42b97a7d91n%40googlegroups.com.

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[uncledan homespun4homeschoolers.com]

Here is a video of my model of Robert Clark's RI Dome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19100y7fkH0

 

 

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