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.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92bb9c29e068473000e7d/medium/schwarz1.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92bb9c29e068473000e7e/medium/schwarz2.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92bb9c29e068473000e7f/medium/schwarz3.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92bb9c29e068473000e80/medium/schwarz4.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92bb9c29e068473000e81/medium/schwarz5.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92bb9c29e068473000e82/medium/schwarz6.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2013/04/03/515c4fbdc29e06c7b0000001/medium/0owug3hnkmj_yznzykjetgoglsggcc7alfv60e-q3g8.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2013/04/03/515c4fbfc29e06c7b0000002/medium/bvhhgcllayzdlqomxfh5m5vdpcurezqgpoxljufgpvw.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2013/04/03/515c4fc2c29e06c7b0000003/medium/jslhngwz_k0e3zb4ewibnbwzo174k7dryn_p1vxa-ym.jpg)
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.](/vault/img/2013/04/03/515c4fc4c29e06c7b0000004/medium/q84w3m42e0qq8rmmvssktqay8j3qewolnupdfqtf21c.jpg)
A relaxing lifestyle – Al’s living area reflects the easy lifestyle of a bachelor.