Spherical Structures
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For over five generations Spherical Fiberglass Designs has been exploring new and innovative fiberglass designs in the fields of housing, transportation and recreation. With fiberglass reinforced plastics we are able to build spherical shapes with superior strength not possible with wood, steel or stone. Spherical Fiberglass Designs gives us the opportunity to create our fantasies with the use of modern plastics.
The introduction of fiberglass reinforced plastics has given us the ability to take advantage of the strength, efficiency and aesthetic beauty of spherical shapes. With three divisions in the Spherical Fiberglass Designs Corporation all working on the same concept of quality in design, craftsmanship and responsiveness to our customers needs.
Spherical Fiberglass Structures are pre engineered and pre fabricated fiberglass structures custom built to meet your specifications for industrial enclosures, commercial buildings, municipal housing, covers or shelters. Our composite fiberglass reinforced plastic (F.R.P.) buildings are corrosion resistant, maintenance free, lightweight, high strength, portable, air tight, water tight, and freestanding. Not susceptible to decay or rust, require virtually no maintenance.
Our buildings have been time tested for durability since the 70's. Standard buildings are designed for 135 mph wind loading, 40 PSF snow loading, and seismic zone 4. We also offer standard economical designs for multiple use purposes. Modular type construction enables flexibility and variation in sizing and design. There are numerous sizes and optional equipment items available to meet your requirements.
The exterior finishes are ultraviolet resistant, 15-20 mil thick molded gel coat. Heavy gauge, premium fiberglass weather tight bonded skins 1/8" thick will be molded together over a minimum ASTM E 84, Class 11 rating, fire retardant, 2 lbs. per cu. ft. polyurethane foam or better. All connections utilize stainless steel fasteners and hardware.
We are custom builders so the enclosure of your choice will fit your needs. Send us your requirements and we will quote you a delivered price for a quality shelter, which carries a five (5) year structural warranty. Spherical Fiberglass Designs can fully support your FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics) needs from start to finish. With Engineering, Design and drafting to custom shop and field fabrication.
Experienced SFD Designers and Engineers offer support in structural calculations, resin selection, and in the intricacies of FRP design, fabrication and installation. S.F.D.s custom Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (C.A.D.D.) system quickly and accurately translates design blueprints into fully detailed FRP fabrication drawings.
Experienced SFD Designers and Engineers offer support in structural calculations, resin selection, and in the intricacies of FRP design, fabrication and installation. S.F.D.s custom Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (C.A.D.D.) system quickly and accurately translates design blueprints into fully detailed FRP fabrication drawings.
At SFD our total concept in FRP equipment and service means meeting each customer's individual requirements. Our people combine technical expertise with on-the-job knowledge and experience. No challenge is too great.
From the early 70's Spherical Fiberglass Designs has been involved in American auto racing. With the rules in most classes wide open and the need for speed Spherical Fiberglass Designs was creating new aerodynamic bodies and lightweight components for us and other race teams.
Spherical Fiberglass Designs continues today working with automotive race teams and individual enthusiast to find the solution for stronger lighter more aerodynamic advantages.
Many of the racing divisions use all fiberglass bodies. For the sack of time and money fiberglass replacement parts have been the definite advantage over steel bodies and components were the rules allow. With the low maintenance and low cost of fiberglass over steel. The ability to duplicate the steel bodied racers with a fiberglass look alike have been used a great deal by the race teams for their promotional show cars.
Continuing in the spirit of lighter, stronger and faster keeps our involvement with the newest technologies in fiberglass reinforced plastics. Constant research and development keeps our customer ahead of the rest.
Spherical Fiberglass Designs has also been involved in the electric car industry since the 1970's, creating lightweight cars and components in hopes creating a better environment. Show casing some of E-V Concepts motorcycles and fiberglass car body designs from over the past fifty years.
These are some designs that were special to me. Many others electric vehicle concepts were built between 1974 and 2024. Still designing today.
Electric vehicle concepts designed for clients around the world.
AWD, one electric drive motor in front and rear.
Concept 1933 Ford Lowboy roadster. Designed to go on stretched and widened golf carts.
One off electric motorcycles using light weight lithium batteries.
Electric conversion using Mazda Miata donor.
Original plug designed from internet pictures. Honda civic was the donor vehicle, Electric .
Reverse trike, Original electric vehicle concept. Body and chassis.
PT Cruiser original donor vehicle with fiberglass exterior design. Wheel chair ramp entry from the rear using front wheel drive car.
Some of the original molds were from five other molds.
Yacht Design Concepts
With over 45 years in the boat building industries we have seen the design and construction turn full circle. As the introduction of new stronger and lighter reinforced plastics continue to develop so will hull designs and construction methods. Constant change and new technologies is seen as much in the yacht building industry as any where else. The electronics and mechanics are more complete and complex. Finding weight reduction and strength are a constant. Hull design and materials are constantly changing. Having all the amenities and latest styling is the desire of anyone with the ability to buy the latest models.
With these considerations of building unique plugs and molds for the larger boats that will be out dated next year is to expensive and foolish for a company of any size. The one off custom built boat is the most accurate for the customer and builder. All fiberglass hulls are idea for the smaller recreational boating industry were the weight to strength ratios are within the safe limits. The greatest danger to any vessel is water reaching the cored hull (wood or foam sandwiched in fiberglass. We have composite core materials today that will not absorb water and are stronger and lighter than wood.
With the larger yachts and mega yachts the old method of fiberglass over wood is still the newest method for one off unique designs and has been the most popular construction method since the introduction of fiberglass.
Finding new composites is the key to the next generation in the yacht building industry. Spherical Fiberglass Designs continues to test new technologies and build the ideas for tomorrows Yachting industry. Most boat builders agree that the cold-molded wooden boats currently being produced are generally lighter and as strong as all glass boats. We can assist you in every phase from the conceptual idea through all stages of construction to create that one-of-a-kind vessel that will suite your every need.
The keel, stringers and deck beams are all constructed of laminated wood for strength. We have found plywood laminated with fiberglass and carbon fiber to be the ideal materials for boat hulls and structural bulkheads. Carbon fiber - a high-tech polymer tougher than fiberglass that can be laid on much lighter to achieve the same strength.
However, with the use of Carbon fiber and other high-tech building materials, light weight and speed doesn't come at the expense of strength. Building lighter and stronger boats is a major goal for all yacht builders. All custom sport fishing boats all feature modified hulls designed for increased speed and efficiency.
Three layers are applied to the bottom with each layer set at opposing angles for extra strength. Two layers are used on the hull sides for weight reduction. The plywood is formed and fastened to the longitudinal battens and stringers. The hull is then covered with carbon fiber and fiberglass matt and finished with gelcote to complete the cold-molded process.
This technique duplicates the weight-saving advantages of foam-core hulls, while adding the extra strength of a wooden hull. Most of the hull's weight is in the resin which is absorbed by the fiberglass. Using cores made of wood instead of foam core, the inner and outer panels do not have to be as thick in resin and glass. The result is a stronger, lighter hull with a better glass to resin ratio.
Yacht Repair
If you can travel the intercoastal waterway south of Charleston, South Carolina, United States. We can help you with any type of yacht maintenance or repair. We are skilled and prepared to help you with any of your power or sailing needs. We are here because we love what we do and enjoy helping other boat owners. Our accomplished craftsman are experienced in all mechanical or cosmetic yacht repair, inside and out . This is the east coast location for E-Vconcepts electric propulsion drive systems and conversions. Our shipyard is professionally equipped to handle any fiberglass watercraft, power or sail. From high performance power boats to the ultimate sailing yachts.
We have an average of 50 to 75 boats in the yard all the time under repair or routine maintenance. With 20 profession craftsmen taking care of the services needed 5 to 6 days a week. From simple bottom painting to engine overhauls to complete paint jobs and replacing structural and cosmetic wood damage.
Our facility has the capabilities of dry docking vessels to 20� wide and 80' long - Travel Lift 20 feet wide with 70 ton capacity - Engine Repair - Major Refits and Overhauls by any manufacture - Mechanical and Electronic Repair - Certified Welding Services - Our wood working shop can assist you with any Interior or exterior design problems - Our paint department can handle any color changes or fiberglass and gelcoat repairs with the best products available - 110 x 45 ft. Tall Paint Building - Complete hull maintenance; soda blasting, epoxy barrier coating and anti foiling paints - Prepare and load your vessel for truck and trailer transportation - 120' crane for raising or lowering of sail boat mast and rigging - Deep water slips available for estimates or repairs - Gasoline and Diesel Fuel - Complete Marine Supply Store
Buckminster Fullers
Fly's Eye Domes
25' dome
50' dome
In the early 1980's Buckmister Fuller started the fiberglass Fly's Eye dome structures. The 25' and 50' molds and parts were created in Southern California. The name for the structures comes from the 8 foot diameter windows. The original design concept was created as a concrete support that could be dismantled after the concrete was dry.
From the 1980's the smaller 25' dome went to many shows. Mostly in California where the Fuller Institute was located. Capable of bolting the structure together in a day with a few people. The 50 diameter was erected for a special show in Los Angeles California where it stood for months on exhibit. Later around 2010 the Fuller institute sold the molds off to a private party.
Over the years there were a few other companies to recreate the basic design with different diameters. Spherical Fiberglass Designs was one of those companies. Making molds for a 30' diameter dome with feet that sat at the hemisphere line. Making the structure 15' tall in the center. Fullers original 25' structure was 5/8 of the dome and had a total height of 18 feet.
The following pictures are from the past forty years. Some of the original Fuller domes an others from Spherical Fiberglass Designs and other companies.
Involved with dome building from the early 1970's. At a show in California with my 3V geodesic dome and Fullers Fly's Eye dome in the back ground.
A stack of 8' diameter polycarbonate Fly's Eye dome windows. Plastic heated before being pulled down in the mold by vacuum.
There was only one set of triangles for the 25' Fly's eye. The interior of the triangles were painted blue back in the early 1980's. There were always plenty of people entertained with putting up dome building.
Our 30' diameter Fly's Eye dome created with our molds. Sitting on a ten sided riser wall. Designed as a green house. Located in Ohio. 2018
One of the four triangle molds for the 30' Fly's eye dome. Joints over lap down hill to shed water.
1980 Fly's Eye with our electric car. We designed the drive system and created the plug, molds and parts for the fiberglass concept car. E-V Concepts
The two mold pieces for the 45' Fly's Eye Dome standing in the rear and the four molds for the 30' dome sitting in front.
In about 2013 a fiberglass company in Miami Florida did a complete restoration of the fiberglass and had new Fly's eye windows made. This picture was from the most recent sighting in Miami.
The view from the inside looking up is one of a kind in the world. I had been involved with fiberglass from a young age. I have always been amazed with this fiberglass design.
In about 2010 a fiberglass company in Miami Florida did a complete restoration of the fiberglass molds and parts for the original 25' and 50' Fly's eye domes now owned by a private investor.
These are pictures of the 50' diameter seen on exhibit around the world in the past ten years. I was involved with the assembly and disassemble of the fifty footer in the 1980's for a few shows in California. The picture of the fifty footer at the top of the page was a show in California in the 1980's. The eight foot Fly's eye windows were made of fiberglass and later from clear polycarbonate.
Fiberglass Housing Concepts
Tree Houses
FORTY YEARS AGO, "THE JETSONS" GAVE US A FANTASY VISION OF THE FUTURE WHERE PEOPLE LIVED AND WORKED IN AIRBORNE STRUCTURES AND PILOTED FLYING CARS THAT FOLDED NEATLY INTO BRIEFCASES.
Though a seemingly far off concept, bringing the Jetsons' homes in the sky a bit closer to reality. Rising above treetops, spherical innovative creations will soon provide homeowners with a unique opportunity to admire a spectacular view of nature while residing in a home specifically designed to preserve it.
The "Concept Tree House," is a prefabricated home designed to exist with the landscape around it. This varies drastically from grounded homes, which typically require that the landscape be substantially altered to make way for a block of foundation.
The prefabricated homes rest on stilts, casting a smaller footprint on the surface below, and therefore displacing as little of the surrounding countryside as possible.
The inspiration for the concept was derived "from looking at beautiful forests and thinking it would be a lovely place to live, but it would be a shame to cut the trees down," The Concept Tree House, therefore, enables homeowners to reside amongst the natural foliage without destroying it. "The tops of the trees become your garden.
The intentional preservation of scenery isn't the only part of the design that endeavors to be environmentally friendly. Kinetic baffles on the underside of the structure turn wind power into a clean, self sustaining energy source for the house; the baffles are designed to provide enough energy to single handedly power the home. In addition, they also act as an appealing aesthetic. Situated on the underside of the home, the baffles mimic the underside of the leaves on trees, further enhancing the natural environment.
The home is fabricated from lightweight FRP (fiberglass reinforce plastic) materials that facilitate a quick, two-week installation time after the larger components are put together off site. The design team chose prefab for this reason and a variety of others, namely because "you can control the cost. And you're having it built within a specialty factory where they have great experience in exceptional finishes. So in effect, you're having a building built with those specifications and those finishes as opposed to building it onsite where costs can escalate, you have less control, and things tend to get damaged.
The layout promises spectacular views, with large wraparound windows and open-air rooftop decks. Because the dwellings are modular, the overall size can vary from a single bedroom home to a sprawling, five bedroom floor plan. The structure as a whole takes on a fluid shape, with curving sides and an organic feel not present in the angular design common to many modular homes. The open sight lines of the living spaces and the height will give inhabitants a wide viewing angle, heightening the sense of being part of the landscape, rather than moving the landscape to fit the desires of the homeowners. Everything about the house is designed to bring modern living in a clean package to the rural countryside.
While the homes currently only exist conceptually. When production begins, the build 'cost for the home will be just under $2 million (U.S.). Once the initial molds are created, the cost will then decrease as production increases. An order of 50 units could cost approximately $700,000 each. The homes will be produced in a factory and will be available for shipment anywhere around the world. Futuristic sky-high neighborhoods could be closer than we ever anticipated.
Striving to enhance all the human senses and to sculpt architecture into living environments in which it exist, while it retains complete functionality.
Drawing its passion and inspiration from organic forms of nature as well as technologies transferred from other industries." The firm places a high priority on balancing experimentation with actual projects. It is this enterprising creativity and the ability to create functional real world solutions that have given the firm its leading edge
Future aims are "to rollout a series of Tree Houses and other residential projects to develop new ways of approaching residential architecture by means of new materials and construction methods, We have the same approach and philosophy for all types of projects ranging in scale from furniture to towers and master plans of new cities. With these aspirations, expect to hear a lot more in the future.