Teller County Monolithic Dome | Tri-Lakes Contracting

When others said it couldn’t be done, Tri-Lakes Contracting stepped in and made it happen — bringing to life a homeowner’s dream that once seemed impossible.

Perched on a remote, forested mountaintop in Teller County, Colorado, this ambitious project marks a milestone in the region’s development history: the first-ever permitted monolithic dome residence in the county.

In a bold display of vision and progress, the Teller County building department and county board approved this forward-thinking structure — a testament to their willingness to embrace resilient, wildfire-resistant, and energy-efficient building solutions. Their support reflects a broader commitment to innovation that balances safety, sustainability, and long-term value for the community.

Designed by Monolithic Constructors, Inc., the dome faced extraordinary challenges: high-elevation terrain, limited access, fire-prone forests, and strict permitting requirements. But our team didn’t shy away. We worked closely with engineers and local officials to gain approval, break ground, and deliver a one-of-a-kind home built to withstand Colorado’s harshest elements.

This project transformed an untouched mountaintop into a build-ready, code-compliant site. When no other contractors were willing to touch it, Tri-Lakes Contracting took the lead.

We executed every phase of construction for:

• A two-story main monolithic dome
• An adjacent garage dome
• An underground tunnel connecting both structures

Our site development scope included:

• Selective forest clearing and precise grading
• Tunnel excavation and dome foundation preparation
• Driveway and access road construction through steep terrain
• Embedding the dome into the mountainside for resilience and thermal efficiency
   

The result is a home that is both beautiful and nearly indestructible — a fortress built into the landscape, ready to stand for generations.

This property is fully self-sustaining thanks to carefully engineered systems:

• Two 5,025-gallon underground potable water storage tanks, buried below the frost line for year-round supply
• A high-efficiency septic system, engineered and installed to meet code and long-term usage
   

These systems ensure complete off-grid functionality, ideal for families seeking independence, resilience, and reliability.

Traditional homes often last about 30 years before major repairs begin. Monolithic domes, in contrast, are designed to last for centuries.

Key advantages include:

• Minimal maintenance
• Extraordinary energy efficiency
• Wildfire and disaster resistance
• Long-term return on investment
• Distinctive architectural appeal with growing market demand
   

This dome is more than a home — it’s a lasting asset and, in our view, one of Teller County’s most valuable properties.

Tri-Lakes Contracting handled every aspect of civil infrastructure, including:

• Excavation for tunnels, tanks, foundations, and driveways
• Grading, slope stabilization, and erosion control
• Utility trenching and electrical service installation over 3,000 feet
• Stormwater management and drainage
• Permit coordination, inspections, and full regulatory compliance
   

We turned an unbuildable mountainside into a fully functional, high-value homestead.

For homeowners seeking strength, safety, and sustainability — especially in regions prone to wildfires, storms, or utility disruptions — monolithic domes represent more than structures. They are a smarter, stronger investment in the future.