Kingdoms: backyard domes in hot demand for offices, yoga spaces

The city office could become a thing of the past as Covid-weary Sydneysiders snap up these stunning geodesic domes to create home offices in their backyards.

The term “Covid bubble” is taking on a new meaning in backyards across Sydney as locked down residents turn to portable domes to provide office or relaxation space while stuck at home.

A St Ives couple have been run off their feet since launching a business specialising in the igloo shaped structures last year with demand soaring in Sydney’s latest lockdown.

Also known as geodesic domes, the structures measure from four to 10 metres in diameter with a height of up to 5m and a floor space of 78.5 sqm.

Jesse Anyan and Ash Goulston run Kingdomes

Jesse Anyan, who launched the Kingdomes business with his partner Ash Goulston, said interest in the domes has been driven by Sydneysiders looking for new and inventive ways of providing extra space while at home.

“With Covid more people are moving to working remotely instead of an office so it caters quite well for people looking to have that bit of extra space,” he said.

“You can have an office space at home but get bombarded by the kids or family members – with the domes you your own little personal space in the backyard without distractions.”

“We’ve seen people use them for their own little libraries or a man cave or kids play area. We’ve got one in our backyard we use as a work area.”

“Essentially whatever you put inside you can use it for.”

Mr Anyan said demand for the domes was also driven by the “glamping accommodation” market as well as the alternative lifestyle sector with buyers refashioning them into yoga studios, spa rooms or meditation rooms.

The couple came up with the idea for the business while sleeping in a similar shaped set-up on a camping trip.

“We’ve always loved nature and went on a glamping trip and loved the concept – I looked more into the industry and found it’s still very much in its infancy,” he said.

“When you mention ‘what I do’ in conversation, people think it’s such a unique and different thing.”

A photo of one of the domes

Elsewhere in the world, geodesic domes have also been used as ‘dome homes’ as well as hotel accommodation in countries with tough terrain such as Chile.

Mr Anyan said demand for the domes shows no signs of slowing in post-lockdown Sydney with four orders requested since restrictions eased.

He said the use of them as home offices often came down to the individual.

“Some people prefer working from home, others find it more beneficial being in an office, but one of the common downsides you hear about working from home is not having that barrier between home and work life,” he said.

“That’s where the domes come into play – even having them in a backyard gives you that ability to say I’m stepping out of my office and mentally switch off after a day at the office.”.

The cost of the domes ranges from $12,999 for a four metre diameter dome suitable for uses such as office spaces, a meditation room or a kids play area.

At the roomier end is the a 10m diameter ‘goliath’ dome with a 5m roof height and multiple rooms including loft space, setting buyers back $29,999. 

The structures are made from thick PVC fabric and also come with custom fit extras such as insulation, solar fans and curtains.