From Vision to Reality: The Golden Dome at Golden Pine Village
- Gloria M
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
Over the past four years, my journey with domes has evolved from building my own, to selling domes for others to finish, and now, to creating turnkey luxury dome experiences. The Golden Dome at Golden Pine Village is the first dome where I got to be fully involved in the entire process - from concept to completion - and it’s truly something special.
This project was also the catalyst that inspired me to take the next step in my long-time dream of designing and building domes in a bigger way, which is why I launched Dome Craft ATX.
The Vision
Last summer, we set out to build a luxury retreat dome that would showcase the full potential of what a high-end geodesic structure could be. We wanted this space to be both functional and awe-inspiring - a true escape into nature with the comfort of a high-end resort.
Design & Build Process
We chose a 27' geodesic dome (541 sq ft) and customized it with every possible upgrade:
Four-layer insulation for maximum efficiency
Solar vent fan to keep the interior fresh
Upgraded front door for a stunning first impression
Wood-burning stove to add warmth and ambiance
Full utilities connected to the site for a true turnkey experience
Mood Board & Inspiration: Bold, Art Deco Luxury in Nature
From the very beginning, we wanted this dome to be the epitome of nature meets modern luxury, fully inspired by the retreat center’s name: Golden Pine. That meant incorporating a warm, golden glow into the design, blending the richness of nature with the sleek elegance of high-end interiors.
The mood board pulled inspiration from Art Deco and Gatsby-era aesthetics—think bold contrasts, geometric patterns, gold and marble finishes, and deep, moody textures. This wasn’t just about building a dome; it was about creating an experience that felt both opulent and grounding, like stepping into a nature-inspired luxury suite.
Laying the Foundation
The first step was building the deck and prepping the utilities before the dome arrived. Since this dome is a permanent structure, it needed a strong foundation that would support both the frame and the luxury interior we had planned.
Once the deck was completed, we carefully mapped out the electrical and plumbing connections, ensuring everything was in place before the dome structure went up.
Raising the Dome
The day the dome arrived was surreal. Watching the pieces come together—from assembling the frame to stretching the weather-resistant cover over the structure—was a reminder of how much vision and precision it takes to create a space like this.
The Interior Transformation
Once the dome was fully enclosed, the real magic began. Unlike previous projects where I sold domes as a shell, this one was designed to be a fully immersive experience.
For the interior, we went all out on luxury:
Gold and marble accents to elevate the space
A full kitchen with high-end appliances
A spa-inspired bathroom with premium finishes
Custom lighting and design details to make the space feel warm, inviting, and unique
Every design choice was intentional—from the rich, dark tones that contrast against the natural light, to the gold accents that tie back to the Golden Pine theme. The end result is a dome that feels both grounded in nature and dripping in luxury, perfectly balancing cozy retreat vibes with grand elegance.
The Grand Reveal: A Dream Made Real
When the final touches were complete and it was time to reveal the Golden Dome, it was one of the most surreal and emotional moments of my life.
After years of dreaming, months of designing, and countless hours of building, I finally got to step back and see the vision fully realized. The sun hit the dome just right, making the gold details shimmer, the warm interior lighting glowed invitingly, and the entire space radiated the exact feeling we set out to create—a seamless fusion of nature and luxury, comfort and inspiration.
The Grand Reveal and ribbon-cutting ceremony was something I’ll never forget. I was moved to tears more times than I could count, overwhelmed with gratitude and awe at what we had built. Seeing the reactions of those who walked into the dome for the first time (stay tuned for all the behind the scened video on my YouTube) the way their faces lit up, the way they ran their hands over the luxe finishes, the way they could immediately envision themselves in this space—was beyond rewarding.
This project wasn’t just about building a dome. It was about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, about proving that sustainable, alternative living can be both breathtaking and functional. It was about launching a movement for new ways of living, creating, and experiencing space.
Reflections on the Journey
Building this dome was more than just a construction project—it was a testament to passion, patience, and persistence.
Not everyone sees the vision in the beginning, but when they do, we get to create absolute magic.
This project reaffirmed my love for building, designing, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in alternative spaces.
It feels incredible to be back in the creative process, bringing unique environments to life, and this is just the beginning.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes videos and photos from this build - this is only the first of many domes to come!
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