- Aug 21, 2021, Vanuatu Daily Post
Pacific Ocean domes are distinct from other housing structures, 100-millimeter walls and floors and entirely made of concrete to ensure maximum safety.
Daryll Kelly shares that the idea for these structures had come to him after Cyclone Pam had devastated Vanuatu. Many people were left without houses by the cyclone. Being within his nature, Mr. Kelly had wanted to help.
“With much research I found that these dome structures are the most sturdy and safe structures there is. I have spent 7 years working on these domes,” he says.
The Pacific Ocean Domes structures are built ideally for Vanuatu and other Pacific countries.
“These countries are on the Ring of Fire and naturally face a lot of natural disasters,” says Mr. Kelly.
“These buildings are made to withstand all these natural disasters. The entire building is made of concrete with 100mm walls and floors with 55mm ceilings.”
The structures are distinct as they use basalt rods instead of iron rods to build the house. The shape allows the house to withstand earthquakes and cyclones. Because the house is made of concrete, termites and fire damage is not a problem, using the basalt rods ensures the house does not suffer from cracking in the concrete.
Kelly states that it had taken a long time for his building to be accepted as disaster shelters which was what they were originally meant to be.
“I would like to build domes like this in other islands in Vanuatu as well, in schools and other pacific countries. With the government’s help I can do this; the result is the security of people in times of Natural disasters,” he says.
The VT5 million structures can hold up to 200 people in times of emergency. There are 5 domes in Mr. Kelly’s compound. He explains that each was built by professionals that trained many locals who worked on building the domes. He believes that teaching people and equipping them with the necessary skills will go a long way towards helping Vanuatu’s economy.
Mr. Kelly has a long history of helping people in his lifetime. From a taxi driver who saved the life of a young man fleeing from an attacker and being named Taxi driver of the year to dedicating his life to ensure maximum safety housing in Vanuatu and a passionate driven man.
“I am passionate about this. I am 79-year-old man that sees the benefits of these domes and how they can help keep people safe. I want to do as much as I can about that,” he concludes.