Lumen & Forge vs. Arctic Acres geodesic dome greenhouses comes down to one big choice: a light, quick-build dome or a permanent one. Lumen & Forge makes steel-frame domes with a clear vinyl cover. Two people can put one up in an afternoon. Arctic Acres is a Canadian company that sells permanent Growing Dome kits built with Growing Spaces of Colorado.
✅ Quick answer
- Lumen & Forge: 13, 16 or 20 ft domes, powder-coated steel frame, 30 mil clear vinyl cover. Rated for 7 lbs/sq ft of snow and 60 mph wind.
- Arctic Acres: an Ontario company and licensed Canadian distributor of Growing Spaces dome technology. Its site lists six sizes but no specs or prices when we checked.
- Pick Lumen & Forge for a beautiful three-season dome, sunroom or event space at a modest price.
- Pick a permanent dome or a rigid greenhouse if you get heavy snow or want to grow hard through winter.
- We sell Lumen & Forge with free shipping to the continental US.
We are a small, woman-owned greenhouse business in Georgia, and we carry the Lumen & Forge domes. We answer every question personally. Below is the honest comparison we give customers who call us about dome greenhouses.
What is a geodesic dome greenhouse?
A geodesic dome is a round shell made from many short struts joined into triangles. Triangles are very stable shapes. Together, they spread loads across the whole frame.
That shape brings a few real advantages:
- Strong for its weight. Loads flow through the whole frame, not just a few posts.
- Few flat surfaces. Rain, wind and light snow tend to move off the curved cover.
- Lots of volume. A dome encloses a lot of air for its surface area, so temperatures swing less.
- Light from every side. The round shape catches sun all day long.
Domes also have trade-offs. We cover those in the pros and cons section below. For a broader look, read our guide to regular vs. geodesic dome-shaped greenhouses.
What is a Lumen & Forge geodesic dome greenhouse?
Lumen & Forge builds immersive spaces for entertainment. Its geodesic dome kits work as a greenhouse, a sunroom or a cozy backyard retreat. Each kit includes:
- Powder-coated steel frame struts in white
- A clear vinyl cover with a zipper door and two window vents (optional bug screen)
- Steel, aluminum and nylon assembly hardware
- A manual with step-by-step assembly and cover care instructions
The cover is 30 mil (0.03 inch) vinyl. It is waterproof, easy to clean and flame certified. The door opening is 35 in wide by 85.5 in tall. There is room to run water lines at the base.
- Wind rating: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- Snow load: 7 lbs per sq ft
- Assembly: two people, 4 to 6 hours
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty
📌 A correction from us: an older version of this article said the Lumen & Forge domes use polycarbonate panels. That was wrong. They use a clear 30 mil vinyl cover on a steel frame. We have fixed it here.
Who is Arctic Acres?
Arctic Acres is a Canadian company based in Ontario. Its founder and CEO is Ben Canning. Growing Spaces is a dome maker in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. It lists Arctic Acres as a licensed Canadian distributor of its technology since 2019.
Arctic Acres calls its flagship product the Growing Dome greenhouse kit. It says the domes come in six sizes and are designed for extreme weather. These are permanent, rigid-panel domes built on a foundation. Growing Spaces says its own domes use polycarbonate glazing.
💡 What we could not confirm: when we checked in October 2026, Arctic Acres' website did not list dome diameters or frame material. It also did not list snow or wind ratings, warranty or prices. If you are in Canada and want a permanent dome, ask them for these details in writing.
Lumen & Forge vs. Arctic Acres: how do they compare?
Here is a side-by-side look, using only what each company publishes.
| Feature | Lumen & Forge | Arctic Acres (Growing Dome) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Lightweight kit dome | Permanent dome on a foundation |
| Frame | Powder-coated steel | Not listed |
| Cover | 30 mil clear vinyl | Rigid panels (Growing Spaces uses polycarbonate) |
| Sizes | 13, 16 and 20 ft | Six sizes (not listed) |
| Snow / wind | 7 psf / 60 mph | Not listed |
| Assembly | 2 people, 4 to 6 hours | Not listed |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | Not listed |
| Where to buy | Mulberry Greenhouses, free US shipping | Arctic Acres, mainly in Canada |
In short, these are two different kinds of dome. Lumen & Forge is quick, light and budget-friendly. A Growing Dome is a bigger, permanent build for serious four-season growing.
What sizes do Lumen & Forge domes come in, and what do they cost?
| Dome | Floor area | Height | Volume | Approx. price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 ft (4 m) | 132 sq ft | 8.6 ft | 600 cu ft | about $2,980 |
| 16 ft (5 m) | 200 sq ft | 9.7 ft | 1,150 cu ft | about $4,200 |
| 20 ft (6 m) | 310 sq ft | 11.5 ft | 2,250 cu ft | about $4,950 |
*Prices checked in October 2026. Prices can change and sales may apply, so click the model name to see today's price.
📐 Cost per square foot
Cost per sq ft = Kit price ÷ Floor area (sq ft)
Use today's price from the product page · Floor area is in the table above
🧮 Worked example: 13 ft vs. 20 ft dome
- 13 ft: about $2,980 ÷ 132 sq ft = about $23 per sq ft
- 16 ft: about $4,200 ÷ 200 sq ft = about $21 per sq ft
- 20 ft: about $4,950 ÷ 310 sq ft = about $16 per sq ft
The 20 ft dome gives you more than twice the floor space of the 13 ft for well under twice the price. These are estimates from October 2026 prices.
📌 About prices: manufacturers update their prices during the year, and we often run sales and promotions. The price on the product page is always the current one. Prices in this article are a guide from when we wrote it (October 2026), not a quote or guarantee. Found a lower price for the same model at an authorized retailer? We offer a Price Match Guarantee - please check the rules first. Call us and we will confirm today's price and any current deals.
What are the pros and cons of a geodesic dome greenhouse?
Pros
- Eye-catching design. A dome is a true garden feature, not just a shed.
- Even airflow and steady temperatures. The large volume helps buffer quick swings.
- Strong, stable frame. You can hang lights or decor from the struts.
- Fast setup. A Lumen & Forge dome goes up in 4 to 6 hours.
Cons
- Curved walls. Straight benches and shelves don't fit tight to the edge. Round or tiered beds work better.
- Low edges. Headroom drops near the walls, so plan tall plants for the center.
- Hot air rises. Heat collects at the top, so a circulation fan helps.
- Light covers are seasonal. A vinyl cover is not built for heavy snow or deep winter growing.
How do you keep a dome greenhouse cool in summer?
Any clear greenhouse can overheat on a sunny day. The Lumen & Forge dome has two side vents and a zipper door you can open. In hot climates, add a fan. A common rule is to move the whole air volume about once a minute in summer.
📐 Summer fan size
Fan CFM = Dome volume (cu ft) × 1 air change per minute
CFM = cubic feet per minute · Volume is in the size table above
🧮 Worked example: the 16 ft dome
The 16 ft dome holds about 1,150 cu ft of air. 1,150 × 1 = about 1,150 CFM. So look for a fan rated near 1,150 CFM, and open the vents for fresh air to come in. The 20 ft dome (2,250 cu ft) would need about 2,250 CFM.
Shade cloth over the sunny side also helps a lot. For more ideas, see our guide to greenhouse vent positioning.
Can a geodesic dome greenhouse handle snow and wind?
It depends on the dome. The Lumen & Forge kit is rated for 7 lbs/sq ft of snow and 60 mph wind. That suits mild winters and sheltered yards. Lumen & Forge suggests a spot protected from wind, and strongly recommends anchoring the dome with the included plates.
Anchoring hardware is bought separately to suit your ground: wood deck, concrete or soil. In snowy areas, brush snow off after each storm, or use the dome as a three-season space.
💡 Love the dome look but live in snow country? Consider a Hoklartherm Riga instead of a dome. Its rounded onion shape sheds snow, and it uses 8mm twin-wall or 16mm triple-wall polycarbonate. Straight walls also make benches easy to fit.
What else can you use a dome for?
A clear dome is more than a greenhouse. People use them as:
- A backyard sunroom or reading nook
- A private dining dome for a restaurant patio
- An event or party space
- A seed-starting space in spring, then a garden lounge in summer
Thinking about a restaurant dome? Our article on adding a greenhouse to your restaurant has more ideas.
Which dome greenhouse should you choose?
- Check your winter. Mild winters or light snow? A Lumen & Forge dome fits well. Heavy snow? Look at a permanent dome or a Riga.
- Decide on the use. Mostly plants, or part sunroom and party space? Domes shine for mixed use.
- Pick the size. The 20 ft dome costs the least per square foot. It is 11.5 ft tall, so check your space.
- Plan the base and anchors. Our greenhouse foundation guide walks you through it.
- Plan airflow. Use the fan formula above for summer.
We ship Lumen & Forge domes free to the continental US. The 13 ft dome usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks, and the larger sizes in 4 to 6 weeks. Not sure which size? Call us, and we will help you decide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Lumen & Forge and Arctic Acres domes?
Lumen & Forge sells lightweight steel domes with a clear vinyl cover that go up in an afternoon. Arctic Acres sells permanent Growing Dome kits in Canada, built with Growing Spaces dome technology.
Are geodesic dome greenhouses better than regular greenhouses?
Not better, just different. Domes are strong, striking and hold a lot of air. Regular greenhouses make it easier to fit benches and use every inch. Choose by how you will use the space.
Is the Lumen & Forge dome made of polycarbonate?
No. It has a powder-coated steel frame and a clear 30 mil vinyl cover. The cover is waterproof, easy to clean and flame certified.
Can I use a dome greenhouse in winter?
A Lumen & Forge dome is rated for 7 lbs/sq ft of snow, so it suits mild winters. Clear snow off after storms. For heavy snow and winter growing, choose a rigid polycarbonate greenhouse like the Riga.
Does a dome greenhouse need a foundation?
A Lumen & Forge dome does not need a full base, but it should be anchored. It comes with anchoring plates for a deck, concrete or soil. You buy the anchor hardware to suit your ground.
How long does it take to build a Lumen & Forge dome?
Two people can assemble one in about 4 to 6 hours. Each kit comes with a detailed manual.
Dreaming of a dome?
Tell us where you live and how you want to use it. We will help you pick the right dome or greenhouse and let you know about any current sales.