Dymaxion
House
Daily Activities at Dymaxion House
Conceived by visionary architect R. Buckminster Fuller as the home of the future, the Dymaxion House was designed to be the strongest, lightest, and most cost-effective housing ever built. Over the last decade, it has assumed an iconic presence in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. To some people it’s a giant Hershey’s Kiss. Others sense a kinship with the Airstream travel trailer. Painstakingly restored, it’s the only remaining prototype in the world.
Go on a guided tour through this one-of-a-kind home, designed by R. Buckminster Fuller. Please note that the historic design of the Dymaxion House does not accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. However, the home may be viewed from the deck at the top of the ramp, and a special exterior presentation is available upon request.
Highlights
Ventilator
A ventilator on the top of the Dymaxion House allows fresh air in, but keeps the wind out. This was designed to cut down on heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.
As Buckminster Fuller put it, “A complete air change every six minutes.” The ventilator is also built strong: able to withstand winds up to hurricane force and beyond – up to 180 miles per hour! On the top of the structure is this box that turns to maximize airflow and keep the structure well ventilated.
Dymaxion House
Check out some of the amazing inventions you'll see first-hand when you take a journey through our Dymaxion House exhibit in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
Dymaxion House
The circular house was designed to be easily transportable and shipped in a metal tube.
Resource-Efficient Dome Design
The round form encloses more space with less material than a square structure, using the "more with less" principle.
