Monolithic Dome Churches

Because the dome form has been part of church architecture for centuries, it is only natural that churches are a popular application for monolithic domes.

Faith Chapel Christian Center in Birmingham, Alabama recently completed the largest monolithic dome church ever built. It has a diameter of 280 feet (85 meters) and will provide 62,000 square feet (5800 square meters) for a sanctuary with seating for 3,000.

Other large congregation that has chosen this construction method in the last year includes St. Agnes Baptist Church in Houston (Fig. 5.10).

Figure 5.10 - The St. Agnes Baptist Church in Houston built with the monolithic dome technology

 

Pastors cite the benefits of energy efficiency, safety, durability, and relatively low cost to construct. But they admit the round shape can pose some challenges for architects accustomed to working "inside the box."