Today, we will build a large Zometool model, a trussed dome. The model will have a diameter of nearly two meters.

Let’s start with an overview of the structure and its components. You can toggle the “Show Build Steps” switch here, though these are not really build steps, just illustrations.

The model we are building

To build the model, we will split into six teams:

  • one team will build 25 junctions and 5 feet
  • five teams will build 3 face modules each, for a total of 15

teams

Once we have the modules ready, we’ll assemble the dome from the floor up.

Junctions and Feet (One Team)

This team will build both 25 junctions and 5 “feet” for the structure.

We need 25 copies of this structure:

Junction (one of 25)

We need 5 copies of this foot structure, to rest on the floor and support everything else. Notice that there are balls missing; those will be supplied by the junction pieces. Feel free to add a junction to each foot.

Foot module (one of 5)

Face Unit (Five Teams)

We need 3 copies of this structure from each face team, with 5 teams, for a total of 15 copies. Notice there are balls missing; these will be supplied by the junction pieces when we assemble the structure.

Face module (one of 15)

Final Assembly

For the final assembly, we will work from the ground upward.

Final assembly

The Build

When the build is complete, we’ll add photos here, and any lessons learned.

Resources