Polycarbonate, Glass or Acrylic: Compare the Actual Assembly
The word “clear” describes appearance, not structural capacity, insulation or outdoor service life. Domevora supplies rigid solid-polycarbonate dome kits. A glass pavilion or acrylic enclosure may use different supports, joints and panel specifications, so compare complete proposed assemblies rather than assigning one set of numbers to every material.
| Question | Polycarbonate | Glass | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which product is quoted? | Specify solid or multiwall, thickness, grade and UV protection. Domevora’s published dome models use solid panels. | Specify annealed, toughened or laminated glass and single or insulated glazing. | Specify cast or extruded sheet, grade, thickness and any surface treatment. |
| How is performance demonstrated? | Request applicable material data and configuration-specific evidence. | Request glazing specifications, safety documents and support details. | Request material data and the proposed connection and support details. |
| How is comfort assessed? | Assess the full shell, doors, joints, shade, ventilation and HVAC at the intended site; a sheet value is not a room-performance guarantee. | ||
| What determines handling? | Panel dimensions, packed kit weight, access, lifting instructions and available labour. | ||
| What determines upkeep? | Compatible cleaning methods, surface treatment, seal and joint inspection, and access to replacement panels. | ||
What Is Known About Domevora’s Solid-Polycarbonate Models?
The supplier model sheet lists round diameters from 2.1 m to 6.0 m, with published model weights from 120 kg to 370 kg. Round 5.0 m has a 19.6 m² floor area and a listed model weight of 290 kg. These figures exclude a platform and room fit-out and do not give the weight of an equivalent glass or acrylic structure. See the model collection for the full selection.
The supplier material specification lists about 91% light transmission for clear solid polycarbonate and a material service range of −40 °C to 120 °C. Ask for the material data applicable to the supplied order. These references do not establish a finished dome’s impact resistance, fire compliance, wind capacity, indoor comfort or permitted use.
Confirm material sourcing, UV protection, panel thickness and written warranty terms in the quotation. A resin trade name or general test standard alone does not demonstrate that a particular panel or assembled dome has passed a stated test.
Thermal and Acoustic Performance
For year-round dining or accommodation, ask for the proposed enclosure build-up and the available thermal information, including what was measured or calculated. Domevora’s published solid-shell models should not be budgeted as a twin-wall or insulated glazing system. Local heating and cooling needs also depend on solar exposure, shade, air leakage, ventilation, occupancy and the operating season.
If noise isolation matters, request data for the complete proposed configuration or arrange a suitable assessment. Panel data does not capture sound through the door, joints or ventilation openings. There is no verified basis here for promising that a Domevora room is a fixed number of decibels quieter than a glass or acrylic room.
Installation and Replacement Access
Compare packing lists, individual panel dimensions, lifting instructions and the site access route. Obtain the assembly sequence before deciding the labour allowance. Domevora supplies a modular kit; the installation guide sets out the assembly steps. Foundation and anchoring design remain specific to the selected model and site.
Ask which panels can be replaced after assembly, how replacements are identified and what access is needed. Confirm compatible cleaners and whether a surface treatment changes the cleaning method. Use the polycarbonate maintenance guide when specifying ongoing care.
Build a Comparable Project Budget
The Domevora price guide states the published EX-WORKS model prices and included scope. Compare a current written quote with competing offers that include the same equipment and delivery terms. Material cost per square metre is not the price of a complete dome.
| Budget item | Compare across each proposed system |
|---|---|
| Kit and documentation | Panels, supports, openings, accessories, drawings and applicable supporting documents |
| Site works | Platform or foundation, anchoring, drainage, access and local approvals |
| Delivery and handling | Freight, tax, unloading, lifting equipment and installation labour |
| Comfort and services | Shade, ventilation, HVAC, electrical work, furniture and bathroom arrangements |
| Maintenance | Cleaning, inspection, spares, replacement access and warranty exclusions |
There is no verified five-year cost ranking for these three complete systems in the available Domevora model information. Compare destination-specific quotations and local operating assumptions using the commercial project cost checklist.
Choose Around the Intended Use
For a garden room, start with the furniture footprint, shade and permitted use. For a stargazing room, consider night-time reflections, nearby lighting and condensation. For a restaurant or resort, add occupancy, service routes, privacy, opening months, local engineering and fire requirements.
Send those inputs through the enquiry form to evaluate a Domevora configuration. Compare its evidence and scope with the proposed glass or acrylic alternative before committing to the site design.