The Whole Thiosphere Handbook is now available.
After eighteen months of prototyping, testing, failing, rebuilding, documenting, and refining — it's finally ready. You can buy it today. $29.
This post explains what's in the handbook, why it costs what it costs, and what happens after you buy it.
What's In the Handbook
The handbook is 200+ pages covering everything you need to build a Thiosphere.
Part 1: Philosophy (30 pages)
Before the cut lists and assembly steps, we explain why things are designed the way they are.
- Why spheres instead of rectangles
- Why nested double-shell construction
- Why elevated platforms
- Why standard lumber
- Why open source
Understanding the philosophy helps you make better decisions when adapting the design for your specific situation. If you know why we chose 5.5" wall thickness, you'll know when it makes sense to change it.
Part 2: Materials and Sourcing (25 pages)
Every material in the build, with specifications and sourcing guidance.
- Lumber grades and what actually matters (spoiler: not much)
- Plywood types and when to use each
- Fasteners: screws, bolts, brackets
- Insulation options and R-value calculations
- Specialty items: hinges, weatherstripping, vents
We include links to suppliers, but the design intentionally uses materials available at any major hardware store. You shouldn't need to special-order anything.
Part 3: Cut Lists (40 pages)
Every piece of lumber and plywood, dimensioned and labeled.
- Outer shell panels (all 12 faces)
- Inner shell panels
- Platform components
- Door and window frames
- Interior finish pieces
The cut lists minimize waste. We've optimized for standard sheet goods (4x8 plywood) and common lumber lengths (8', 10', 12').
Part 4: Assembly Sequence (80 pages)
Step-by-step instructions with photos from actual builds.
- Platform construction
- Outer shell assembly
- Insulation installation
- Inner shell assembly
- Door and window installation
- Finishing
Each step includes:
- What you need (tools and materials)
- How long it takes
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Photos of correct and incorrect results
Part 5: Configurations (25 pages)
The base Thiosphere is adaptable. This section covers common configurations:
- Saunosphere: Wood-fired sauna modifications
- Agrosphere: Growing space adaptations
- Ergosphere: Office and workspace setup
- Immosphere: Entertainment and media room
- WTFosphere: Custom applications (whatever the function you need)
Appendices (20 pages)
- Structural calculations
- Thermal performance data
- Building code considerations
- Troubleshooting guide
- Community resources
Why $29?
People ask why the handbook is so cheap. After all, professional construction plans cost $500-2,000. Custom architecture fees start at $5,000.
Three reasons:
1. Accessibility Over Revenue
The goal isn't maximizing profit. It's maximizing impact.
If 10,000 people buy a $29 handbook, that's $290,000 — enough to fund continued development, prototyping, and support. If 100 people buy a $290 handbook, that's $29,000 — barely enough to cover costs.
Lower price = more buyers = more builds = faster community growth = better designs through feedback.
2. The Designs Are Free Anyway
The CAD files are public on OnShape. The basic dimensions are in the blog posts. A sufficiently motivated person could figure out how to build a Thiosphere without the handbook.
What they'd miss: the assembly sequence that prevents mistakes. The lessons learned from our failures. The optimized cut lists. The configuration guides.
The handbook saves you 40+ hours of figuring things out yourself. That's worth $29 — less than a dollar per hour saved.
3. Aligned Incentives
When the handbook is cheap, my incentives align with yours.
Expensive handbooks: I want you to buy but I don't care if you build.
Cheap handbooks: I want you to build, so you'll tell others, so they'll buy handbooks.
The economics only work if the handbook actually helps people build. That's good incentive design.
What You Get
When you purchase the handbook, you receive:
Immediate download: PDF delivered to your email within minutes. No DRM, no restrictions on printing or sharing within your household.
Updates included: When we release updated versions (new configurations, improved instructions, community contributions), you get them free.
Community access: Discord server access for questions, troubleshooting, and connecting with other builders.
Support: Email support for build questions. We respond within 48 hours to most questions.
What You Don't Get
Let's be clear about what's not included:
Personal consultation: The handbook is self-service. If you need hand-holding through every decision, this isn't the right product.
Guaranteed success: Building requires some skill and patience. If you've never used a saw, expect a learning curve.
Permit-ready plans: Building codes vary by location. The handbook provides technical information; you're responsible for local compliance.
Physical materials: The handbook tells you what to buy. You still have to buy it.
The Upgrade Path
The $29 handbook covers the base Thiosphere. If you want more:
Lifetime Edition ($79): All current and future handbooks. As we release Saunosphere, Agrosphere, Ergosphere, and Immosphere detailed guides, you get them automatically.
Founder's Edition ($299): Everything in Lifetime, plus:
- Physical MDF templates shipped to you
- Your name in the handbook credits
- Direct Discord access to me for questions
- Early access to beta designs
The Founder's Edition is for people who want to support the project financially while getting extra perks. It's not necessary — the $29 handbook contains everything you need to build.
After Purchase
Here's what happens after you buy:
- Confirmation email with download link (check spam if you don't see it)
- Read the philosophy section first — it's tempting to skip to cut lists, but understanding the why helps
- Inventory your tools — the handbook lists required tools, make sure you have them
- Source materials — lumber prices vary by location and season, get quotes from multiple suppliers
- Plan your build timeline — realistically assess how many weekends you can dedicate
- Join Discord — introduce yourself, ask questions, connect with builders in your area
Most people spend 2-4 weeks between purchasing and starting construction. That planning time is valuable.
The Bigger Picture
Selling a PDF might seem anticlimactic after eighteen months of prototyping. But this is the point where the project scales beyond one person with a workshop.
Every handbook sold means:
- Another person learning the design
- Another potential builder
- Another set of eyes finding improvements
- Another voice in the community
The prototypes proved the concept works. The handbook transfers that knowledge. Now it's up to you.
FAQ
Q: Can I share the handbook with friends?
A: Within your household, yes. Posting it publicly, no — that kills the business model that funds development.
Q: What if I buy and never build?
A: That's okay. Life happens. The handbook will be there when you're ready.
Q: Can I get a refund?
A: Within 7 days, yes, no questions asked. After that, no — the PDF has been delivered.
Q: Is this available in other languages?
A: English only for now. Community translations may come later.
Q: What skill level is required?
A: If you can follow IKEA instructions and use a circular saw, you can build this. Prior construction experience helps but isn't required.
The Invitation
The handbook is live. The store is open.
If you've been following this project, waiting for the right moment to commit — this is it.
Download. Build. Share.
Let's make something remarkable.
Get the Whole Thiosphere Handbook — $29, immediate download.
Explore the Lifetime Edition — All handbooks, current and future, $79.
Join the community — Builders helping builders.