Robot Ranch: An earth-sheltered dome and a work in progress

Robot Ranch.  — An elaborate door welcomes visitors to this Monolithic Dome home built into the side of a hill. Its gross floor area of 4,144 square feet includes two bedrooms and bathrooms, living area, kitchen, theater, office.

Robot Ranch. — An elaborate door welcomes visitors to this Monolithic Dome home built into the side of a hill. Its gross floor area of 4,144 square feet includes two bedrooms and bathrooms, living area, kitchen, theater, office.

Slate staircase.   — It spirals over an aquarium and down into the main living area of this underground dome.

Slate staircase. — It spirals over an aquarium and down into the main living area of this underground dome.

Retaining wall.  — A multi-level rock retaining wall surrounds the domes and creates gardens planted with flowers, greenery and berries.

Retaining wall. — A multi-level rock retaining wall surrounds the domes and creates gardens planted with flowers, greenery and berries.

Interconnected domes.  — The visible part of the seven interconnected domes is covered with rock. Rock stepping stones create the pathways too.

Interconnected domes. — The visible part of the seven interconnected domes is covered with rock. Rock stepping stones create the pathways too.

A back entrance.   — To date, Al said that he has moved more than 170 tons of rock and he’s not done yet.

A back entrance. — To date, Al said that he has moved more than 170 tons of rock and he’s not done yet.

Robot Ranch.   — Al calls his earth-bermed Monolithic Dome home Robot Ranch because of the five self-propelled mowers that he has roaming over and cutting the grass on his 7.3 acres.

Robot Ranch. — Al calls his earth-bermed Monolithic Dome home Robot Ranch because of the five self-propelled mowers that he has roaming over and cutting the grass on his 7.3 acres.

Inside Al’s dome – It’s cool, quiet and light. You forget that you’re standing inside a hill.

Inside Al’s dome – It’s cool, quiet and light. You forget that you’re standing inside a hill.

A natural look – The greenery inside the dome adds an appealing, natural ambience.

A natural look – The greenery inside the dome adds an appealing, natural ambience.

Fitting right in – The Monolithic Domes at Robot Ranch just melt into the landscape.

Fitting right in – The Monolithic Domes at Robot Ranch just melt into the landscape.

A relaxing lifestyle – Al’s living area reflects the easy lifestyle of a bachelor.

A relaxing lifestyle – Al’s living area reflects the easy lifestyle of a bachelor.