Friday, September 06, 2013

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, 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 !!

1 comment:

rob said...

Hey Patrick! I don't know if my previous comment went through... but I'm just wondering if you're with the Lion King show in Sydney, because I'm living here now! I'm considering getting tickets, never seen the show before. It's Robyn, by the way, from Ravine back in the day! :)