Veteran coder builds stone-covered Dome Home into Texas hill

When Al Schwarz moved from upstate NY near Dallas, TX, he wanted a home with low energy bills and protection from extreme weather, so he dug into a hillside, inserted cement domes and buried them again with enough earth and rock to guarantee protection.
He spent 10 years stacking 230 tons of rock as a retaining wall and planting grass and trees atop the home. The final home is heavy enough to guarantee a steady temperature. “A normal house weighs about 46 tons,” explains Schwarz. “This one weighs between 600 and 700 tons, so it cannot change temperature rapidly - only about a degree in 24 hours. Therefore, it’s very easy to keep the inside comfortable.”
His 7 acres cost $49,000, though he took out a loan to build the domes which was not easy to find for such a non-conforming property. He finally found one that had financed other dome homes in the past.
With a greenhouse of vegetables and potatoes, and a lake in his backyard for fishing he is nearly entirely self-sufficient. The home is powered by solar and often feeds back into the grid.
His earth-sheltered home has also become a refuge for neighbors during extreme weather. One neighbor was so impressed they have installed their own prefab dome for private protection from storms.
Visit Al's YouTune channel: / @alschwarz9024
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/vete...

[@alschwarz9024]

Hello all, Al here... Thanks for all the great comments. I'm glad that you like it as much as I do. Many thanks to Kirsten for her excellent filming and editing. Many people had questions about the Domes. I took a week long class at Monolithic Domes of Italy TX, and ultimately hired them to build the lockable structure and once I had that and working bathroom, I moved in and started working on everything else. I bought this piece of property specifically to build this type of house. I researched the topography and found that the lake ultimately drains into the Trinity river about a mile away. The 100 year floodplain line would need to be 30 ft deep before it would get to my land, so I believe I am safe from flooding. Fortunately, I had the forethought to put in floor drains, so the few minor leaks on super heavy rain, drain away fine. Temperature control is minimal, due to the thermal mass, but the heat pump is mainly used for dehumidification. I'm sure my indoor pond and fountain contribute to the humidity, but I enjoy it, so it's worth it to me. I'm in rural Texas, so rules are more limited. Still need the approved and yearly inspected aerobic "septic system". I'm connected to a power grid, with a provider that has buyback credit when I produce more than I need during the day, then I pull power at night. "City" water and soon fiber internet (cellphone Hotspot now) Thanks again for the nice comments Al

[@latonjalane9749]

I have seen pictures, but it was cool to hear you explain the thought that went into it. Also, glad that you were able to highlight your AWESOME house!!! I miss you and can't wait to get my next jar of honey. lol

[@CheezNrice4u]

Amazing build/life❤😊

[@brianwalkosz9567]

Great work! Inspiring! All your hard work and ingenuity is gratifying as just a viewer of this !

[@LaLadybug2011]

Thanks for the extra info-brilliant place Al.

[@sevenravens]

You are blessed, my man. ❤️ Beautiful work. Anyone ever tell you your voice sounds like Billy Bob Thornton?

[@chad9971]

This guy's an example of having everything you want but not all at once. Patience really is a virtue.

[@AdamBechtol]

:)

[@garnetmuse]

Commitment and consistency

[@FloStudios]

I'm a 29 year old programmer born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and I've had a dream for the last few years of building a highly custom, efficient, sustainable and overall "different" home. I hope Al sees that this was enormously inspiring for me.

[@gryphern]

Im out of Buffalo, moved to Texas, currently also looking to build underground. HI!

[@carolewarrenrealtor]

Such a giving heart ... contributing and sharing with his neighbors food, shelter, whatever. That's a blessing and true definition of community. His home is well designed and engineered, and basically provides everything he needs. Kudos 👏

[@kiwidubz]

God loves you. If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It's the greatest free gift you could ever possibly receive 🙏

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

The kitchen is well designed. You don’t need to change a thing except as needed when appliances break. I live in Kennedale Texas. He’s absolutely right about the horrible weather. I’ve lived here for 54 years and it’s so much worse due to the severity of the wind speeds we get. Even if you don’t get a direct hit, the widespread wind damage is significant. Broken windows, skylights, downed fencing, trees on power lines, etc. hes so smart to do what he did. Plus he has water!

[@martinfrantz1623]

I watched alot of videos and designs buildings etc.This is by far the most impressive thing I think I have ever seen.Also love how this man is willing to share .He tells his story and doesn't brag how smart he is or much better he is really down to earth literally. Just super amazing. Just can't get over this one.Truely one of a kind.just wow

[@MsBonijoni]

. . 🌻 it’s gorgeous, luv the privacy factor and how the temp in the cave stays steady at 65F year round, probably a perfect temp for the interior plant life ➖ . . it’s a dream of a place, sweet 🌺🐝

[@colinkelley6493]

Once again, Kirsten, I don't know how you two do it, another absolutely amazing house AND interview! I love what you do, and how you do it. Looking at what he built, you got into AL's way of thinking, asked some great leading questions, got him talking, and sat back and let him talk, then walk around enthusiastically and show you stuff. It is impossible to do a better job than what you did, for us to see anything and everything important from Al's point of view. Anyone else would have missed half of it. THANK YOU for doing what you do!

[@morningbear3794]

so true well put it takes skills to interview the way they do

[@SamerHajaj]

well put@@morningbear3794

[@pepperpepperpepper]

You showed an underground dome house before, that felt like a bunker, and seemed dark inside. This one is friendly and inviting. The rocks look great. Really nice place overall.

[@LaLadybug2011]

Coder? He said he's a Chemical Engineer. This man is amazing and my soul mate-Geaux Saints! I was nodding my head as he said he doesn't like paying electric bills-and I can only dream of my home constantly maintaining 65 degrees year around-heaven. I wondered about fresh air, does he have a problem with mold or mildew -what the humidity levels are like and how he deals with that. Here in Louisiana, the heat plus humidity is dangerous at times. Loved touring his place-it's just brilliant-he should be really really proud of his home and his land.

[@McDonaldsCalifornia]

I think he said he studied chemical engineering

[@Val2073]

He runs the heat pump to keep humidity low.

[@bobclarke2242]

Perhaps the nicest earth sheltered home I've ever seen. Good layout, plants, light...

[@Ballisticseeker2005]

❤

[@rachelm4066]

This is one of my favorite stories. I am now invested in Al, and his home because he seems very kind and very clever. His neighbors are lucky indeed.

[@huntakilla1234]

I love this. I'm a big fan of Lord of the Rings, and the Dwarfs that inhabit that universe. And they literally live underground, inside giant mountains. For some reason that idea has always resonated with me. I am very sensitive to warm temperatures, and will get a nasty heat rash if I get too hot. The fact that this house remains a steady, cool temp all year round sounds absolutely wonderful. I think it's incredibly cool and selfless that Al is happy to have his neighbors take shelter inside his home whenever there's a tornado warning going out.

[@Nirrrina]

I'm the opposite. Fibromyalgia makes me very sensitive to the cold. I end up being a ball of walking pain. So 65 is just too cold for me to be comfortable. Wearing extra clothes doesn't seem to matter either. Still add a couple of my radiant heaters & it would probably be good. And the coolness in the heat of the summer would be awesome. Not to mention being able to sleep through possible tornadoes. Although admittedly I've just about done that. It wasn't until a couple days later I realized it when my sister asked about any.

[@eclectricgay]

This would be heaven to me. Being on the autism spectrum I am sensitive to light, sound, and temperature changes so this would be wonderful.

[@dahur]

I normally am on the fence with dome homes. But this one turned out very nice.

[@Chereese0808]

Most dome homes are above ground. This one doesn't feel like domes since it's below ground and spread out.

[@GreeneGene33]

My husband and I built our monolithic dome home 20 years ago and I would never go back to stick built. Our home is energy efficient in every way and can withstand a boat load of snow on top without having to worry about removing it. Love it and have no regrets....Just built a dome root cellar also.

[@everhappy6312]

​@@GreeneGene33we are just building ours. I am absolutely in love with the round structure.

[@eg3730]

Hi I love the idea of a Dom home. How do you build one and where do you go about getting that if you have a little land I live in New England I’ve never seen a Dome here! E.

[@everhappy6312]

@@eg3730 Monolithic Institute in Italy Texas builds them. We just built ours in NC. It's awesome and I absolutely love it.

[@marthareyes4024]

That was a lot of fun to watch. He is a very cool man. I really admire self-sufficient individuals. Love everything he has done. Very peaceful place. A little bit of paradise.

[@boardwalkbw7130]

So in love with this entire property and the fact he built it himself and took years to do it makes it sooo soooo much better. Love this guy

[@r.k.2823]

What a fantastic property. If people would finally choose to build and live "outside of the box", they would create structures such as this. It makes perfect sense to have this type of home in areas of our country that are susceptible to fires, tornadoes and hurricanes. My favorite thing though is the vegetation that has made a smiley face. 😃 Each overhead shot was a reminder that he has a good heart and offers to others positivity with his property and life-style.

[@BeardedDanishViking]

It's not really a choice for most people.

[@codymcqueen6216]

I live in the same area, there are a few underground houses around, but I think this one is the coolest I’ve ever seen. Also, as a native Texan, he’s starting to sound like one of us. Love the house, and the video!

[@bruce-le-smith]

This is awesome. This is the American dream I remember as a kid. This guy deserves recognition for being a chemical engineer and building a homestead that is tornado and fire resistant! Bravo

[@TT3TT3]

Folks in tornado alley should build underground. Nice.

[@sashabenoit1518]

Just dome homes in general are a good idea for tornado prone areas. The dome shape is ideal for a variety of Mother Nature's forces because the round shape equally distributes the forces around the structure, leaving no weak points in the design like in a typical building with straight walls and corners. This shape has been proven successful against high winds, strong gusts, hurricane, and tornadic, as well as earthquakes. And when made out of a strong and resilient material, like concrete, cob, or other earthen structures, it is greatly protected from debris and projectiles from strong and from fires. You don't have to build them underground either and if you're willing to learn and put in the work, they're fairly DIY and cost friendly to build yourself, especially if you have some family or friends to help.😊

[@kgs2280]

And for places that experience high heat, or cold, it’s absolutely brilliant. Why aren’t more people doing this? It makes so much more sense than your standard house with a picket fence. I think that Climate Change is going to cause more people to “embrace the weird”.

[@PlanetEarth3141]

IMO, all homes everywhere should be underground. Imagine if the top of your property was your garden or park or baseball diamond. Imagine if your house or neighborhood never was burnable, subject to tornado, hurricane or even floods. Imagine with all that outdoor space over you were also solar panels that shaded your gardens. Economically the world is insane to endlessly repeat problems and conflict with nature. Everything should be underground and their is an infinite diversity of size, volume, types of design. Some entire city sections and underground shopping are beautiful and underground. Humanity creates there problems according to standards others control banks, government and peer pressure, not because of intelligence.

[@PlanetEarth3141]

​@@kgs2280Are you doing it or talking only? I agree with you. It's not a matter of cost. Just labor over time. A part time budget to play home creation with a bit at a time.

[@swatisquantum]

Also doesn’t even look like there’s a house there.. just open land 😂

[@ghostbeetle2950]

That HAS to be my favorite dome/underground house ever! I love how the cave-like quality of it keeps it cosy while still giving you a feeling of lots of space. Ideally, I would like to enlarge the central dome and that upper level entry "gallery" and try to have an Earthship-like greenhouse area up there. Plus, the self-sufficiency and stability are tremendous boons in a world that is suffocating in more and more dependencies and centralism. Enormous respect!

[@user-zd3qe6nu9j]

This is breathtakingly beautiful! I would definitely love to have a home like this. I am inspired, thank you!

[@liselottnelson5479]

This is absolutely hands down the coolest house ever ❤

[@yamchayaku]

We need more houses like this. I like that his house house was designed to be resistant to disasters such as tornadoes and earthquakes. I was under the impression that dome shapes should be structurally sturdy than the usual house. The more I watch this video, the more I'm impressed about this guy's simple lifestyle. This is something I really want to do but I lack the funds to follow through with building the property. I had a decent wage when I was still working, but most of my money went to living expenses, Utilities and medical bills. I had no luxuries either. It doesn't help that I live in a state that has an ungodly high cost of living. I'm pretty damn envious of this guy.

[@dtrout]

He said he built it himself and worked 10 years on it. I admire the persistence to bring it to this stage but watching him carry a single rock up over the others I began thinking he should mount a mini crane on the back of a truck so he would not injure his back…. Or potentially fall. This had to have been 10 years of very hard labor. It paid off, but the time and wear on the body would be significant. I’ve done similar types of work on weekends and it wears you down. It’s an impressive feat that he brought the project to fruition mostly by his own manual labor.

[@Khanfuzed1]

Thats the beauty of it. You piece it together as you save. Buy some land and then work towards the rest

[@velvetvel9763]

That man is so kind! He's such a great neighbor, looking to share and help people 💜 beautiful...

[@pepealexandre]

One of the best projects I've seen. Great job, very inspiring.

[@teresitastidem2846]

Holy cow! What a brilliant human being. Love his home.

[@Mikethechief]

Such a wonderful channel. Never debating the homes or process. Simply documenting. Incredible!!!

[@Omomommm88m]

One of my favorite episodes, Kirsten. Thank you for featuring owl and his really cool unique house. I live in Austin Texas, and have always dreamed of living in the home like his and now with him showing us his plans and how he did it over a couple of decades it’s very inspiring, thank you, Al, for sharing what your home looks like with the world. I appreciate your vision, and what you have accomplished, and are doing still into the future.

[@AtomicAtom87]

This doesn’t seem like an easy project, but his determination, patience, and trust in the process is phenomenal. Beautiful home, peaceful life, what a dream ✨

[@pasveritas1872]

Loved the life he's created for himself. I wondered about the plumbing, waste water etc

[@originsdecoded3508]

he digs a whole and poops outside.

[@someoneelse6463]

wow, dude is living the best life. Love the house

[@WitchKitty79]

I absolutely love this place. What I wouldn't give to be able to build my own home this way! I also have a huge obsession with Earthship Homes. I think they are just phenomenal and it doesn't make sense to build homes in the mass-production, cookie-cutter, low quality - high cost, generic way that homes are, and have been being built for the past 20 or 30 years! Not to mention the waste! Just look at the empty houses around Arizona, some haven't even been finished! They're just sitting there..... It's a real shame. I love cob, strawbale, earth-domed-cement homes and their ability to be so incredibly unique and artistic. I love the tiny homes built there in Texas from 100% reclaimed materials, they look so sturdy and absolutely whimsical. All of these amazing habitats give me hope that someday I'll be able to have a part in building my own haven

[@johnpeter4436]

24:19 Love the shots with the full "blue-bonnet" look. Beautiful!

[@pistolen87]

Love self-sufficient nature of this place.

[@Chereese0808]

I wasn't expecting to look down when entering. I'll bet most are surprised by it. Very cool place, and such a nice man. He spoke a lot about sharing It must be wonderful sleeping down there. Cool and quiet. I was surprised by how massive it is. What more does one need really. Thanks for another qreat and unusual tour. Aloha ~~ 🌺

[@hillcountrycottage]

This brilliant man is like a Hippy Hobbit!!!! This brings “off-grid living” to a whole new level. I would love to live this way. How inspiring!!!!💕👍😃

[@MrFroglips69]

Groovy episode. This cat is amazing. He dreamed it, he built it, and there it is. WOW! I could be jealous, but I am to happy for him.

[@jimgilbert9984]

Very cool! Ever since I learned about underground homes way back in the 80s, I've wanted to build one for myself. 🙂👍

[@svetlanapil8089]

I'm left with such a nice and warm feeling after watching this video. The smile didn't leave my face all this time. What a wonderful person! What a welcoming and unique house he buit! I love how modest and at the same time proud of his creation he is and his relationship with his neighbors is deserving a praise. Thank you for this episode!

[@robertmillar9279]

I agree.

[@cathiecoward7468]

What a nice person and obviously very intelligent- his home is outstanding. Great video.

[@voyagehome5810]

I don't know what's more impressive, the house or the owner.

[@jasonhelms1837]

This guy has done something right in life and worked hard for it and has put himself on the level of the pyramid builders unknowingly. True role model

[@belindajames3541]

The ultimate man's cave! Your home is extraordinary, unique and beautiful. Thankyou for letting us in.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

So amazing. I love people like this.

[@klr1523]

That's one of the first things I noticed with starting my prepper journey; there are huge overlaps in self-sufficiency, resilience and cost savings. Great Video!

[@user-vl7ug2kh2w]

I was a metal lather on Constuction for 35 years we built many shapes for cement plaster, i really enjoyed seeing his home well done.

[@TJ-eq6dl]

Geezer Is a genius if we all built and lived In a similar fashion ,Mother Nature would be so proud of us.

[@ladyjjj]

This is so neat. Love how quirky it is! I want to get something like this built. Al is very kind, smart, and patient as well.

[@maryfrancen1765]

I love this man's way of building and living

[@pattin4015]

I loved this tour. I can just imagine the endurance, enjoyment and passion Al had in building this and the rewards from years of his craft, ingenuity and engineering. I couldn't help but to notice his adorable dog's wagging tail throughout the tour - happiness abounds!

[@jennfoley325]

I loved this episode! Thanks for taking me around the world every Sunday!

[@billofrightsamend4]

You can build a normal house into the side of the hill. My Great Aunt did it because of the Tornados in her state.

[@zakadams762]

this man had a vision, I love it so much

[@Enhancedlies]

i wish there was some document that was a blueprint for this, so many people could create versions for themselves. just utterly incredible, i am so jealous!

[@Khanfuzed1]

There are very many re domes/building underground. They come with alot of unique challenges but the info is there

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

He worked with Monolithic Domes, based in the town of Italy, Texas. You could research their projects. They have an very interesting process - they make giant air balloons as forms and spray the concrete on them!

[@Enhancedlies]

thats an amazing little bit of knowledge, thank you!@@JJoy-bk8yr

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

@@Enhancedlies You're welcome!

[@critters16]

Wow this is what everyone should strive for, in my opinion - cuz I love it ❤

[@9catlover]

just love this. Amazing structure. i'd happily live there and have someone so lovely as a neighbour.

[@indyku7405]

Wow! Just wow! What a wonderful neighbour to have

[@smrk2452]

This is the home of the future. Thank for showing us what’s possible!

[@cindybraun371]

What about flooding? The door is low and that lake looks flooded now..

[@cindybogart6062]

The greenhouse is to die for!❤❤ Fabulous kitchen!

[@timslee2573]

One of the best yet on Kirsten's channel. Well done Al.

[@palmsky1119]

What a wonderful home. Basically has all you need! His dedication is admirable. 😄

[@anon_y_mousse]

That's a cool setup and I love that house. Only thing I would warn him on is that tree roots can be deadly to concrete. You may not even notice it happening until there's a giant crack, but realistically you should keep trees at least 5 feet away from a house, 10 to be on the safe side.

[@killcrazyvegan]

The Monolithic dome system is built from the outside in; polymer vapor barrier - polymer foam insulation - concrete on the inside. But yeah tree roots are insidious. The peach tree is probably not a problem but looks like he cleared all the mesquite first - mesquite can get into anything.

[@anon_y_mousse]

@@killcrazyvegan Indeed, mesquites are the worst, on top of those insane needles. But they make for good barbecue wood.

[@nopejoeandangie]

Unfortunately he planted them on or near his roof, so when the roots penetrate, he'll have to move tons of dirt and stone to access, oy

[@mysticmimi3924]

I absolutely love your videos but wish that I could always see more because it looks like we only get a glimpse of what is inside of these homes.

[@susanadeoliveira976]

He is very right… a piece of paradise 😮, just amazing

[@debbralehrman5957]

I have love so many of the houses you have showed us. I think this is my favorite.💕

[@deroux]

Love this home. Great video Kirsten.

[@maobfh]

Fantastic house and very similar to what I designed 20 years ago but only recently unloaded my square box. I always thought Bluegill and Croppie were the same thing.

[@starletsatori8933]

I love the interaction between you two !!! Your talent and her voice ❤❤❤

[@monkeywrenchboltcut]

Nice place Al !! And thanks Kirsten and team for bringing another wonderful home for us all to see. ❤ from South Western Australia

[@gabie4892]

Wow, I just love what he did. Awesome!

[@mapuanakupuna3471]

Al, ur ingenious! LOVE what you've created & built by hand! Amazing place!! Aloha to you all!

[@deborahcoffman5742]

Congratulations!!! Just Fantastic!!! Beautiful Home. You have been Blessed.😊

[@MrChrislynn]

May be my all-time favorite 🌟 thanks for sharing

[@elmolewis9123]

One of the most interesting houses, and personalities, I have seen. Truly amazing.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

*This is just TOO COOL!* I'd love to embrace the cave!

[@lisadebrito7283]

Genius!!! Thank you; your channel is inspirational as always ❤

[@sequoiawarner6756]

What a fun interview! Thanks for sharing!

[@sharonrimsza7960]

What a great home! What a beautiful space. Your plants will provide fresh air, and beautiful backdrop for relaxation. The bubbler for your fish is very comfortable sound. The fish water will be good for the plants. The solar will provide electric without a large ‘plug-in’ for the grid. Safety from the storms. A comfortable constant internal temperature. This place is very nice.

[@LOGDOG5375]

AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@SAMZIRRA]

I am phenomenally envious of this beautiful abode. Really gorgeous layout. Excellent video as well. ❤

[@Campzzyzx]

Kristen. You provide so much fuel and inspiration to me. Thank you

[@barbaramuzychka3836]

If for some reason he had to sell this, how could you even start thinking about what the home and property are worth/would sell for? How are his property taxes assessed? This entire video was one huge WOW! Thank you Kirsten.

[@peternyc]

Super excellent question!

[@swatisquantum]

Breaks the system. 😊

[@anamariadiasabdalah7239]

Achei bem legal todos os espaços, o lago é um bônus 👌👏🙏

[@vivianperez280]

Amazing! Well done for this gentleman, and tks for your great report!

[@marianl3447]

What a beautiful home...and what a beautiful person. I love this home ..love the open space and the plants and everything else about it. thank you for sharing it with us.

[@Ahzpayne]

It seems like if he can lift the rock a tornado can lift the rock which makes it a less than ideal material to cover the domes. Especially when you're already covering so much with soil (the clearly superior option).

[@deezynar]

I wish you had talked about the concrete domes that he bought and had other people install.

[@Sunshine-lg8su]

This was the most satisfying video I’ve ever had the privilege to watch. What an incredible person!🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@Blah115]

The coolest place ever. Wish I know this brilliant man in person. Kudos!❤

[@paranoidhumanoid]

Very interesting and looks like it'll be safe from the more frequent tornados affecting the state. The only thing that would make me nervous is the lake.

[@surfside75]

Flooding.. true, because some of the property is lower than the lake itself😮

[@EarthshipFreedom]

Awesome place, thanks for a great video! I do wish you would ask about the sewer systems in these unique homes you visit.

[@FloridaGirl-]

He must have a septic system

[@khakicampbell6640]

WOW! Truly wonderful! Al seems very relaxed and chill, for being such a hard worker! lol

[@miguel--rush]

Excelente casa....imperdible todo el potencial que tiene. Muy completo..! Gracias Kirsten y familia.!

[@joselucnico]

How many times have I come back from this? But in my idea, stairs are replaced by a ramp because as you get older it becomes difficult to climb stairs and it is also convenient to go down heavy objects. For the ceiling light, a bowl filled with water, this increases the light.

[@davis.fourohfour]

Electric motors are cheap and powerful. Why not a DIY elevator? No cables, just gears.

[@alschwarz9024]

Upper entrance is really just for show. Main house can be entered directly from carport AL

[@MrPhotodoc]

It's great to see a guy like Willie Nelson embracing eco-friendly living.

[@CivilianSheepdog631]

Wow that was awesome to see thank you for sharing this video. Absolutely love it. It’s definitely the way to go forward.

[@JohnMarsing]

Wondering if he got the domes from David South of Italy Texas?

[@Hero4Hire4]

Yes. On their website look for “Robot Ranch”.

[@KenMMark]

my only concern about the buried home is radon.

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

Same

[@rickysickles1429]

If radon was such a issue then new construction would have removal systems standard