Atwood has learned a number of trades including home refurbishing. But, music has always been a part of her life with on-going live performances and the release of a number of records including Renegade Of The Light Brigade. This twelve track CD is insightful with intelligent lyrics and interesting arrangements that blend folk with world tones. The production is stark allowing the emotions and energy to flow to the surface. Peggy has a clean, concise vocal style, which works well in the context of her compositions. At times, Peggy's melodic music has edge as Atwood's words can be cutting - her music clearly has a conscience.

Peggy is also passionate about nature and sustainability. She has served on the executive committee for the Sierra Club (NYC) and has played at numerous benefits on behalf of the environment.

After almost losing three homes to tornadoes in Tennessee, Peggy moved to New York state's scenic Catskill region with an interest in alternative housing. After much research and reading, Peggy happened upon Monolithic.com. Atwood determined that her home and the future of building would be with Monolithic Domes.

A Monolithic Dome is a super-insulated, steel reinforced concrete structure built in the shape of a dome. A Monolithic Dome is free of leaks, thus energy efficient and virtually pest free. In addition, these sturdy structures can withstand destructive weather patterns such as tornadoes and hurricanes and they are also fire resistant.

Monolithic Domes are in use world-wide, serving as churches, homes, business and sports facilities. Monolithic Domes come in a variety of sizes and floor plans. These long-lasting, living domes are sustainable, structurally sound and greener than traditional brick and stick buildings.

In October 2008, we had the pleasure of meeting Peggy and visiting her at "Outpost Planet Earth". Atwood's dome was warm and cozy, yet spacious. Peggy explained that her dome utilizes passive solar heating and lighting in the cooler months and almost never needs air conditioning because the concrete in conjunction with proper shading keeps the heat out. Peggy squared off some of the rooms with walls, which she was using as bookshelves. There is plenty of potential for innovations and imagination in a dome home.

For those interested in building a sustainable dome structure the first step is getting the land in a community that has flexible zoning, often in more rural areas. Second and most importantly, is finding a good contractor, which can be challenging as this type of construction is still cutting edge and not everyone is familiar or willing to work on the plans. But Monolithic.com and the web have resources for locating builders and getting started.

The benefits of Monolithic Domes are that they can withstand the forces of tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes. Domes can not be destroyed by bugs thus their lifespans are measured in centuries. Hence they do not need to be replaced. They are energy efficient and require fewer materials to build and maintain thus more eco-friendly - and they offer great acoustics if you're a working/recording musician like Atwood!

Related Links: For more information on Peggy Atwood and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- PeggyAtwood.com | Buy "Renegade" CD | Monolithic.com

Originally Published: 11/07/2008 on Kweevak.com