PITTSBURGH: LIVING IN THE YACO-DOME

I have used the international website airbnb.com several times, and it has already given me some great places to stay since I joined The Gazelle Tour. This time, however, I've ended up living in a real gem of a place, sharing with Andrew, our new Zazu. 

We are living in the what is lovingly referred to as The Yaco-Dome, or The Igloo, designed and built by local legend Joseph Yacoboni.

I took this pic the day we arrived

That is a bee hive on the left, from which

we've already enjoyed some honey!

Joseph is a pretty amazing guy. He's still alive, living in Florida with his wife of 58 years.  He grew up right on this same site back when it was a six-acre property belonging to his family. When he got married, he built a home right across the road and lived there for many years. The home is still there.

Joe Yacoboni's original house

viewed from our patio

In 1969, he designed and built his first dome-home, the one we are living in now. It was originally intended as a show home and his office. The place isn't big, three bedrooms in fact, but doesn't feel cramped at all. The high, domed ceiling helps this but also there is actually more usable square footage than there would be in a square-cornered home of the same relative size.

Open kitchen/dining/living area

 My room

 Our patio surrounded by forest

Plenty of peace and quiet

Here's a link to a short piece about Joseph on YouTube

JOSEPH YACOBONI ON YOUTUBE

Joseph Yacoboni, architect, gardener, nature-lover, dreamer. 

Visit his official website for pics, articles, and biographical info. on this fascinating guy. 

Thanks for the great digs, Joseph !!