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The Domes 2.0 - A Live-in Work in Progress (VIDEO)

"Sweat equity" makes a huge contribution toward survival of The Domes

With six domes now occupied and restoration work ongoing in several more, the future looks bright for the Domes, UC Davis's unique 40-year-old experiment in sustainable living.

It was a different story last summer. After problems with some insulating foam and other structural issues were discovered, The University decided it would be than to attempt structural repairs.

Now, thanks to "work parties," in which dozens of Domie alumni and community members participated, pathways have been paved, compost/garden plots have been built, one Dome is in the process of being tranformed into a museum/office, another has become Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and six Domes are now being lived in.

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Under the auspices of the Davis-based Solar Community Housing Association (SCHA), professional building trade workers are handling the repair/restoration work on the remaining domes.

"It's really an honor, and fun, to be able to participate in this project," says Mark Rivera, one of the workers.

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Each dome presents unique challenges in terms of repairs. In some of the domes, the foam required minimal repair work.

"Just a few whacks with this," says Rivera with a smile, brandishing a massive scraping tool, "and squirt in some foam replacement and we're good to go."

Damage to the foam was found by SCHA building inspectors to be less expensive to repair than originally estimated.

Electrical, plumbing and carpentry repairs are a bit more involved. But the domes are structurally sound and all will be habitable within the next few months. SCHA co-worker Tom Ryan stated, "the help we get from current residents and community members is great and really helps keep costs down."

The DIY tradition has been a huge part of the Domes' living experience since the beginning in 1972. Residents pitch in and contribute in many ways today: from helping out in the restoration work, to cooking meals and maintaining the grounds, among other tasks. According to Ben Pearl, spokesperson for SCHA, "sweat equity" makes a huge contribution toward keeping the Domes' rent low.

Despite general economic doldrums, the community is now financially secure and set to explore sustainable living options indefinitely into the future.

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