For years, Cassandra Campbell’s garden had a quiet corner she loved – but rarely used. With fruit trees all around, it should have been the perfect place to sit and relax. The problem? It was always far too windy to enjoy.
That changed when a friend showed her their Hypedome. Intrigued by how it handled Ireland’s unpredictable weather, Cassandra decided to give it a go. What started as a practical solution soon became the most-used space on the property – and a new favorite for the whole family.
Q: Cassandra, can you tell us about your home life and what led you to consider a dome in the first place?
Cassandra: I work full-time in IT as a program manager, remotely, which means I spend most of my day in front of screens. It’s intense. I really needed something that could pull me out of that world – a place to reconnect with reality, with nature. We live in a lovely part of Ireland. I’m here with my husband, Austin, and our daughter Rosie, who’s just finishing school. We’ve also got three dogs and birds, so it’s a full house! But as much as we love our garden, we didn’t really get to enjoy it. It’s wild and windy, especially in one beautiful corner full of fruit trees.
Q: So what made you finally go for it and get a Hypedome?
Cassandra: A friend of mine up the road got one first – she kept posting photos of how well the Hypedome held up, even through the brutal storm Eowyn. That was the worst storm we’ve had in years. When I saw that her garden pod stayed standing and cozy through all that, I thought, okay… maybe this is for real. I had my doubts about whether it would work in the Irish weather, but that convinced me. So in April, we decided to go for it and ordered our clear Hypeodme M. I wanted it up before summer so we could enjoy the sunny days, and I also hoped to use it into winter.
Q: How did you decide where to place the dome?
Cassandra: We have this orchard space – apple, pear, and plum trees, but it’s always been too windy to use. Even on sunny days, it was just wild. So we never really sat out there. But now, the garden dome gives us this calm, sheltered space right in the middle of it. It turned a forgotten part of the garden into our favorite place. I used to sit outside maybe two or three days a year. Now, I go out there almost every day – especially at lunchtime. It’s completely changed how we use our garden.
Q: What’s a typical day like in the garden dome now?
Cassandra: The dogs love it – they beg to be let in and just lounge there all day. I go in to read, escape my screens, and just relax. It feels like you’re outside, but you’re protected from the wind and rain. Rosie uses it to study – she says it’s perfect because it’s quiet and calm. My husband brings his guitar down with a little amp and plays there, too. Everyone has their own way of using it.
Q: Now that you’ve been using the garden dome for a while, do you have any future ideas or plans for the space?
Cassandra: I’d love to add a daybed that folds out, so we can do movie nights with a projector, camp out during summer, and then use it as a cozy movie den in the winter with a log stove. It’s become a multipurpose space, and we’re always coming up with new ways to enjoy it.
Q: You’ve really styled it beautifully - especially the flooring. Can you share how you approached that?
Cassandra: That took a bit of trial and error! I wanted something hard, flat, easy to clean, and – this was key – something that looked perfect. I ended up using IKEA click-together flooring. I layered foam mats for insulation, added a Soft Floor membrane, and then put the flooring on top. It actually cuts with scissors, so I got this perfect circular fit. It’s bright, which I love – it keeps the dome feeling light in winter and doesn’t get too hot in summer. I also added rugs to protect it long-term.
Q: It sounds like you’ve really optimized the space. How do you keep it comfortable during warmer days?
Cassandra: We’ve added a few things that make a big difference, especially during the summer time. The Sun Shade really helps to keep the temperature pleasant inside, and we’ve also installed a window for extra airflow. On warmer days, we usually keep the door and window open, and that creates a lovely breeze. Honestly, most of the time we’re trying to keep the heat in here in Ireland!
Q: Looking back - has the dome changed how you live at home?
Cassandra: Completely. Every time I walk down and open the door, it feels like I’m going on a mini holiday. I wasn’t meant to live in a cold country – I say that all the time! So to have this warm, peaceful bubble just 100 meters from the house… it’s magic. I can forget all the chores, enjoy the view, sit with a cold drink, and then come back inside for a hot shower. It’s become a ritual. And I use it so much more than I ever thought I would. We’ve definitely gotten amazing value from it already.
It’s rare to find something that everyone in the family enjoys this much. For me, stepping into the dome feels like leaving everything else behind, even if just for an hour. It’s peaceful, it’s warm, and it gives us space to breathe.
Q: And finally - would you do it again?
Cassandra: I actually plan to! The one we have now is in full sun, which is perfect for cold days. But I’d love to add a second one in a shadier spot, so we have options no matter the weather. Maybe in a year or two – but yes, definitely. I’m already dreaming about it.
Cassandra’s story is a great example of how a Hypedome can transform not just a garden, but how a space is lived in and shared. From a windswept orchard to a daily retreat for reading, studying, music, and family time – it’s become an integral part of their home life.
If Cassandra’s story inspired you, take a look at other Hypedome Stories from around the world. You’ll find plenty of creative ways people are using their domes to relax, connect, and enjoy their outdoor spaces all year round.