# Ballooning Eco Abodes These 'Binishells' Structures Bring the Hobbit Shire to Sustainable Reality By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-12-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/binishells-structures References: [boingboing.net](http://www.boingboing.net/2010/12/06/binishells-domed-str.html) & [binishells](http://binishells.com/technology.html) These domed domiciles may look like they're straight from science fiction, but 1,600 of these [grass-covered](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hata) 'Binishells' structures have actually been erected in 23 countries since the late 1800s. The environmentally conscious construction of these homes is created through the layering of [wet concrete and polymer materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cobbauge-house). Low air pressure is then applied to expand and shape the space below the malleable 'Binishells' structures. [Domes up to 120 feet in diameter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-ocean-dome) can be inflated with this technology, enabling the erection of airport and resort 'Binishells' structures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Eco-friendly Architecture:** The use of eco-friendly materials in creating unique and sustainable living spaces can be seen an opportunity to disrupt the traditional architecture industry. - **Innovative Construction Techniques:** The use of low air pressure and layering of innovative materials used in creating Binishells can be further researched and developed to bring about new ways of building structures. - **Green Roof Technology:** The integration of grass-covered green roofs, as seen in Binishells, can be a potential trend for the agriculture and gardening industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** The use of Binishells technology in building eco-friendly homes and other structures can bring about change in the traditional construction industry. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** The use of Binishells technology in creating resort structures can bring in a new form of tourism and hospitality industry. - **Agriculture and Gardening:** The integration of grass-covered green roofs, as seen in Binishells, can be explored as a potential trend for the agriculture and gardening industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Climate-Responsive Prefab Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-pod.md) - [Wooden Surrounded Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omer-arbel.md) - [Organically Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lib-earth-house.md) - [Off-Grid Self-Sufficient Island Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-house.md) - [Dynamic Concrete Modern Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shire.md) - [Dome-Like Futuristic Desert Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hata-dome.md) - [Martian-Informed Inflatable Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martian-house.md) - [Inflated Design Classroom Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intermittent-dome.md) - [Fully Recyclable 3D-Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d.md)