Timber Domes

Featured Timber Domes Projects

  • the Tacoma dome | wooden dome project dony by Western Wood Structures
  • the Tacoma Dome | timber dome project dony by Western Wood Structures

Tacoma Dome | Tacoma, WA | 530’ diameter Varax dome

  • The Superior Dome at Michigan University | Western Wood Structures
  • The Superior Dome at Michigan University | Western Wood Structures
  • The Superior Dome at Michigan University | Western Wood Structures

Superior Dome at Northern Michigan University | Marquette, MI | 532’ diameter Varax dome

  • Ashiro Dome in Japan | Western Wood Structures
  • Ashiro Dome in Japan | Western Wood Structures

Ashiro Dome | Japan | 220’ diameter Varax dome

VARAX Timber Domes

VARAX timber domes by Western Wood Structures are an attractive and economical design option for architects, engineers and owners needing an optimal solution to the challenges of designing medium-to-large, clear-span spaces. Timber domes designed and erected by WWS can span up to 800 feet. Though mostly circular, VARAX timber domes can be designed to fit nearly any base configuration and display absolute balance and perfection of line. When combined with applied synthetics, a wooden dome delivers R-values of 30 or more, and can dramatically lower ongoing utility costs.

Timber domes consist of a three-dimensional grid system of intermeshing great circle ribs, with an optional steel plate tension ring around the base. The steel hubs accommodate all Glulam members as well as forces such as axial tension or compression, shears and moments. The roof is typically sheathed with 2″ T/G decking, allowing VARAX timber domes to be classified as Type IV Heavy Timber construction.

More Timber Domes Projects

Chiles Center Dome, University Of Portland | Western Wood Structures

Chiles Center Dome at University of Portland | Portland, OR | 305’ diameter Varax dome

  • Bijie Dome, in Guiyang, China | Western Wood Structures
  • Bijie Dome, in Guiyang, China | Western Wood Structures
  • Bijie Dome, in Guiyang, China | Western Wood Structures
  • Bijie Dome, in Guiyang, China | Western Wood Structures

Bijie Dome | Near Guiyang, China |  171’ diameter Varax dome

Western Wood Structures Headquarter Dome | Western Wood Structures

WWS Headquarters Office | Tualatin, OR | 54’ diameter Varax dome

Contact Us for Timber Dome Inquiries:
(503) 692-6900 
Dan Herr- dan@wwsi.com