A hobbit hole would be the ultimate pro-environment statement, wouldn't it? There are many more things to consider beyond the basics of how to stabilize the structure... still this is a good starting point, and needs to be addressed in order to continue the discussion forward into areas such as positive environmental impact and providing animal habitat.

I agree that wood is probably not the building material of choice, given its low strength and susceptibility to rot. I have been thinking about a combination between concrete and steel. The strength of the roof itself needs to be considerable, and impervious to the ravages of moisture. Apart from that cost should be factored in. Steel would be quite exorbitant. Concrete or cinder blocks would be inexpensive by comparision.

If we construct the roof in a dome structure, thereby distributing the downward force of weight along vertical lines, we could accomodate for a much greater load. I envision having at least three to five feet of soil atop the hole, enough to nurture the growth of trees. This brings up another question. Would a concrete roof be strong enough to resist questing roots, to divert them along the side? Over time, if roots embraced the underground structure, and the tree fell over, it might cause considerable damage to the home. I don't know. This could probably be alleviated if you only allowed trees with shallow root structures to grow overhead.

This is what I envision. A skylight in all rooms. The skylight would tunnel upward out of the earth to the forest floor. The walls of the skylight shaft would be made out of stone or concrete, and the shaft itself would have to be cleared of debris on a weekly basis, and covered when it rained. There would be a way to open the window from below, for the purpose of drainage, cleaning, and letting in fresh air.

In addition there should be at least one windowed side to the hole. The windows could be quite large, floor to ceiling even, if the house design could tolerate the loss of a load-bearing wall.

Ah, I just viewed your more extensive pages on your proposed Bag-End. This is a terrific idea. I see the concrete pipes, either circular or elliptical, as quite viable for hallways, windows and skylights. But for rooms, some provision ought to made for more expansive spaces and large, flat floors.

I have always dreamed of a house under the ground or semi under a hill and spent many long hours dreaming and wondering if this dream will come true and if so how will i do this my husband and I both want a unique and expressive house we both have looked into dome and clay homes which can be inexpensive if done right so as to comment on this a dome house which is very strong because of the structure with the clay top will help make more the look of a hobit home and while placing the clay over the dome house you can put seed within it promoting growth of grass and or ivy roses and other climbing flowers or plants justa thought

Most sites completely miss the point that a hobbit hole is one continuous hall from front to back of the hill. Also that the "good" rooms are on the left upon entering so as they have the ONLY windows in the house.