Building Resilient Futures: 3-Day Spur Dome-Shell Making Camp18th–21st January 2024 | IGSB, Kathua, J&K

The Spur Dshelters team, pioneers in dome-shell construction, hosted a three-day intensive camp from 18th to 21st January 2024 at IGSB, Kathua. Designed as a hands-on learning experience, the program introduced participants to the unique Spur Dome-Shell technology—a patented innovation known for its resilience, efficiency, and organic form.

Spur Dome-Shells are celebrated for their stability against natural disasters such as windstorms, landslides, and snowstorms, while also ensuring remarkable energy efficiency in heating, cooling, and lighting. Beyond performance, their natural and organic aesthetics offer a refreshing alternative to conventional building forms. Spur D’s latest achievement includes an ambitious set of four interconnected shells for a restaurant at E-Square Hotels, Barnoti (Kathua), with the largest dome spanning 28 feet in diameter.

Program Highlights

The camp combined technical learning, teamwork, and community engagement, guided by Ar. Vivek Sagar Sharma, Architect, Mentor, and Superintendent of ITI Bhaderwah, who holds three patents in dome-shell technology.

• Day 0 (18th January): Registration, site walkthrough, and orientation on teamwork, followed by an evening bonfire and expert-led discussions on “Why Dome Shells?”

• Day 1 (19th January): Introductory lecture on dome-making processes, team formation, and preparatory works including excavation, reinforcement, material setup, and bamboo spurring. By afternoon, participants engaged in lean concrete casting, footing, and beam works.

• Day 2 (20th January): A focused session on hubs, spurs, and layering principles. Practical spurring exercises began with pedestal raising, hub placement, long and short spurring, and sack shaping. Afternoon sessions introduced layering, fiber-cast concreting, and fixing frames for doors and windows.

• Day 3 (21st January): Final layering, casting of upper strips, and completion of the dome structure. The camp concluded with group reflections, feedback, and a closing tea session.

Evenings across the camp featured bonfires, discussions, and impromptu games, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among participants.

Broader Impact

By making dome-shell construction economical, accessible, and disaster-resilient, Spur Dshelters is redefining sustainable architecture in India. The camp not only imparted technical skills but also emphasized teamwork, community learning, and innovation.

As participants left, many echoed the sentiment that dome-shells represent both tradition and progress—structures that serve people, protect nature, and inspire design thinking for the future.