In this edition of Hypedome Stories, we journey to Germany to meet Holley and Kevin, who have transformed their outdoor living with a stunning terrace dome, making every season enjoyable. Amidst vineyards, their story reveals the transformative power of blending indoor comfort with the beauty of nature.
Q: Your dome seems like an incredibly relaxing lounge, ideal for enjoying the company of friends or family. At first glance, it looked like it might be on a rooftop.
Holley and Kevin: Our Hypedome is situated on the terrace of our house. Our terrace overlooks the sprawling wine vineyards here in Germany, right along the German Wine Route, or the Weinstrasse. We were captivated by the idea of having a space where we could comfortably sit outside and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the vineyards. The dome has provided us with exactly that – a serene, picturesque spot to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Q: You created a beautiful space inside your terrace dome. What inspired you to choose a Hypedome?
Holley and Kevin: Well, we previously owned a greenhouse at our last house, and while initially browsing for alternatives, we came across those elastic igloos on Amazon. However, we were quite concerned they might not withstand the strong winds we frequently experience here. This prompted us to look further, leading us to discover Hypedome. It not only appeared more stable but also more aesthetically appealing than the plastic alternatives we saw.
The customization options really caught our attention; the ability to install a wood-fired stove for warmth is something we found particularly enticing. Though we haven’t added one yet, it’s comforting to know that we have the option to do so in the future. We’re also drawn to the idea of adding a door, which is something we’re planning on. The appeal for us was in how customizable this garden igloo is – starting with the basic structure and then having the freedom to enhance and personalize it over time.
Q: That sounds nice and brings me to my next question: how did you find the assembly process?
Holley and Kevin: It wasn’t too challenging, although we began the assembly during a significant windstorm, which forced us to pause the process. We had to wait for about a week for the winds to subside. The assembly is somewhat tedious, given the number of panels involved, but we wouldn’t say it was hard. The instructions were clear and straightforward.
Q: Were you both putting it together?
Kevin: Well, it was primarily me handling the initial stages, especially aligning the little screws in their respective holes. It was around the fourth or fifth layer when I needed Holley to help with securing all the screws.
Q: After setting it all up, what were your initial reactions? Did the dome live up to your expectations in terms of its looks and functionality?
Holley and Kevin: Absolutely, it exceeded our expectations. It’s a Hypedome S and it’s more spacious than we anticipated, and the clear panels make it feel as if you’re sitting outside in the open air. The reactions from our friends were overwhelmingly positive—they were genuinely impressed by how it blends so seamlessly with the natural surroundings. And now, with family planning to visit next month, we’re excited to share it with even more loved ones.
It’s become our go-to spot for entertaining. We’ve set up a little cocktail stand, which has been a hit with our guests. It creates a cozy yet elegant atmosphere for enjoying drinks, making it the perfect setting for cocktail hours under the stars. Our friends love it, and it’s become a cherished space for gathering and making memories.
Q: Considering its unique location, I imagine your dome offers a fantastic vantage point for stargazing, doesn’t it?
Holley and Kevin: Yes, it’s perfect for stargazing. We’re situated in a spot where there’s little to no obstruction around us, so the night sky is incredibly clear. The sunrises here are also quite spectacular, adding to the many reasons we love spending time in the dome.
Q: Given that you've mentioned the climate earlier, tell us how the dome stands up to the weather conditions in your area, especially considering it can get quite windy.
Holley and Kevin: Yes, the wind is definitely a factor here. We experience windstorms pretty regularly, I’d say every week or two. And these aren’t mild breezes; we’ve had storms with gusts reaching up to a hundred kilometers an hour.
Q: That sounds intense. With such weather challenges, how would you evaluate the Hypedome's durability based on your experiences?
Holley and Kevin: Honestly, it’s been surprisingly sturdy. We were initially unsure how it would fare, especially with the wind here, but it’s held up really well. Even when we’ve had storms with winds hitting up to a hundred kilometers an hour, the dome has stayed put. It’s proved to be much more solid and reliable than we thought it would be, which has been a big relief for us.
Q: Has the dome changed how you utilize your garden and outdoor space?
Holley and Kevin: Indeed, our dome on the terrace has revolutionized how we experience outdoor living, allowing us to embrace the outdoors regardless of the season. Without it, we simply couldn’t enjoy being outside during this time of the year. Right now, for instance, it’s raining, and typically, the winter weather in Germany isn’t very inviting. The dome allows us to appreciate our garden year-round, regardless of the weather outside.
Q: That's impressive. And when it's raining, can you enter the dome without getting wet, or is there a bit of a dash involved?
Holley and Kevin: No, it’s quite straightforward. It’s just a few steps from the door, and then you’re inside the dome, protected from the rain. It’s positioned close to the house, making it accessible and convenient, even when the weather is less than ideal.
Q: And I've noticed there's also a pet in your family. How does she find the dome?
Holley and Kevin: Our little dog loves it, actually. Whenever we have the door open, she’ll trot into the dome and make herself comfortable in one of the chairs. It’s clear she enjoys the space just as much as we do, finding it a cozy spot to relax in, even when we’re not out there with her.
Q: Are there any personal reflections you'd like to share that might offer a glimpse into your experience as Hypedome owners?
Holley and Kevin: Initially, I must admit, we were hesitant about investing a significant amount in the dome. Looking back now, we can confidently say it was entirely worth it. For anyone not convinced yet: if you cherish being outdoors, this enables you to comfortably be outside every day of the year. It’s one of the primary reasons we chose it – we love to sit outdoors, watch the changing weather, and observe nature.
Stepping into the dome, you immediately feel a sense of relaxation. It allows us to enjoy music, the tranquility of nature, without the downsides of weather – be it rain or cold winds. Our favorite aspect is how it shields us from the harsh elements while still letting us savor all that we love about the outdoors.
Visiting Holley and Kevin’s Hypedome has been a delightful glimpse into how embracing innovative outdoor solutions like the Hypedome can significantly enhance one’s living space. For more inspiring tales of how our customers have reinvented their outdoors, explore the Hypedome Stories on our blog.