Just imagine sitting in your Hypedome on a clear, starry night, glass of fizz in hand… It’s a blissful way to spend an evening – well, it would be, providing the temperature doesn’t drop too low and send you scarpering back inside where it’s warm!
Fortunately, we’ve created a few clever solutions to help you with heating the dome during the colder seasons so you can use it all year round. One of them is our Insulated Modular Base, which also provides a solid, sealed floor.
What is Hypedome’s Insulated Modular Base?
The Insulated Modular Base improves the thermal performance of the dome and when paired with a heat source, it makes it easier to control the temperature inside the pod. It’s an optional add-on for your Hypedome S or Hypedome M. It also:
- Provides solid flooring for the furniture and activities planned to take place inside.
- Seals your dome from the ground so that no uninvited eight-legged guests can get in.
- Protects against humidity coming off the ground and reduces condensation
- Has a non-slip surface to provide you with a firm ground while enjoying your dome.
When Might You Need One?
Consider getting an Insulated Modular Base if you want to create an even floor and a solid base for furniture and equipment you’d like to introduce inside. It can be easily placed on any kind of surface:
- directly on grass,
- sand,
- soil,
- concrete,
- sandstone,
- wooden deck,
- composite decking
and others, as long as they are levelled before the base is put in place. Instructions on how to level your surface are provided in the Assembly Manual.
Our Modular Base is also a straightforward solution if you need garden dome insulation for the chilly weather. The base has good thermal performance, especially when paired with Hype.Wall insulated panels.
Being anti-slip, this base is ideal if you use your dome as a garden gym. You can pump iron and rock a squat challenge to your heart’s content knowing your feet will stay put.
“We use a Hypedome with an Insulated Modular Base as a gym on a daily basis, with a rowing machine, treadmill, exercise bench, dumbbells and barbells. After a year of use, it still looks pretty and doesn’t have any major scratches.” ~ Adam, Hypedome user.
The modular base is also handy for outdoor dining pods. You can place your table and chairs on a stable surface – no one likes a rocky table when they’re enjoying a fine meal. Same goes for if you’re using Hypedomes for your glamping business – glampers expect their accommodation to be cosy and sealed off from the elements (thus banishing those unwanted bugs).
How the Base Works
The Insulated Modular Base is made using four layers:
- a waterproof membrane at the bottom,
- insulated core in the middle,
- plywood surface at the top,
- a perimeter seal around the base.
The insulation and plywood are connected and pre-cut into hexagonal tiles. So that the tiles look as beautiful as the rest of your dome, they come in light grey with a tiny ingrained hexagonal pattern. The total thickness of the base is around ~5 cm.
To assemble the modular base, you’ll first lay the membrane on level ground. Then you’ll use connector wedges and screws (included in the kit) to slot and secure the tiles in place. Also in the kit is a smart stainless steel threshold ramp to go over the dome’s entrance.
The only tool you’ll need for assembly is a screwdriver. If you’re itching to fit the base quickly, it’s best to rope in a friend – it’ll take two people about two hours. Putting the base together is pretty simple thanks to the helpful written and video instructions that accompany it.
Side note: make sure your dome is installed and anchored to the ground properly before you fit the base. While the base is heavy (100 kg for the Hypedome S and 160 kg for the Hypedome M), it’s a completely separate element from the dome’s structure and is not intended to be used as a ballast to weigh the dome down. The base is installed inside the Hypedome and the dome stands directly on the ground surface, not on top of the floor.
Insulated Modular Base FAQs
Q: I want to set up my dome on existing wooden decking. Do I need the insulated modular base?
As long as Hypedome insulation isn’t your top priority, we recommend using our Soft Floor Membrane. It’s perfect for existing solid surfaces like decking and seals the bottom of the dome while protecting against the elements. But if you want to use your dome in winter, go for the insulated modular base.
Q: Can I set the modular base up on the uneven ground?
No. You’ll need to level your ground as much as possible before installing your dome and the base. Otherwise, the base could flex and get damaged over time. The assembly manual provides some great tips on levelling your ground.
Q: Can I buy a dome first and the base later if needed?
Absolutely. It’s designed to be fitted retrospectively – and as mentioned earlier, the dome should be installed and anchored first before the base is fitted.
Q: Is the base washable?
Yes – it’s very low maintenance and easy to clean. You can sweep it, mop it or even power wash it to remove stubborn dirt.
Hypedome’s Insulated Modular Base is ideal for the pod in your garden, whether you’re using it as an outdoor gym, seating lounge, office or dining area. You can build it on grass, sand, soil, concrete, decking and other flat surfaces. Being an insulated floor, it’ll help keep you toasty in colder weather and provide a flat surface for equipment and furniture. Wobbly tables and weight benches be gone!
And if you run a hospitality or glamping business, the base will help you make use of your Hypedomes during winter. Add a portable heater and your domes will be especially enticing – your guests won’t want to leave!