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Child of the 7th Age · 07-14-2006, 10:12 AM

Mithalwen,

Thanks for that great link! Those are totally stunning. Unfortunately, I have neither an appropriate tree or the 12,000 pounds to build a treehouse! However, I was also intrigued by the section on treehouse "rentals". Most of the flet hotels seem to be in Africa. They all look amazing, but I am particularly taken by the one in Australia's Hinchinbrook National Wilderness.

All the same, some of us prefer to keep our head in the clouds, but out feet well grounded in the earth. Not fair that you Elves are hogging the spotlight with your flets! We hobbits have burrows just as comfortable and much more sensible than any Elf!

The hobbit hole is an idea whose time has come. Here are a list of advantages of underground housing, provided by the British Earth Sheltered Association. . The first one on the list is my favorite! Maybe this is the real reason Bilbo lived so long -- forget that pesky Ring theory!

Long Life Expectancy
Better ENERGY SAVINGS than other designs
Architecturally exciting inside
Condensation is not a problem
Even Proof against Earthquakes
Does NOT contribute to, and is less affected by GLOBAL WARMING
Costs no more - maybe less to build
Unaffected by WIND or WEATHER
SAVES SPACE - Kind to the environment
Provides greater security
NO DRAUGHTS - Minimum infiltration
Exceptionally LOW FIRE RISK - so LOWER insurance premiums
Construction possible on steep slopes
Usually provides LOW VISUAL IMPACT
Very little Structural Maintenance
Quiet and Private. But light and airy
Sympathetic to elegant Landscaping

And here's another interesting article on the advantage of earth shelters: Going underground.

According to one website, there are about 6,000 earth dwellings in North America and 60 in Britain. I've also seen the North America figure quoted as high as a 100,000, so who knows? Over 10 million people (maybe as many as 40 million) live underground in China, but I also don't know too much about these dwellings.

Many earth sheltered homes don't look too "hobbity"--lack of round doors and such. However, a few do stand out. My favorite is Mole Manor in Yorkshire. Inside it's supposed to look like a Roman villa. Just scroll down the page for a look at the outside. Click here.

Now, if I can just come up with the 860,000 pound pricetag for Mole Manor, I'll be in great shape!

07-14-2006, 10:12 AM	#534
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Dreaming of a hobbit dwelling. Mithalwen, Thanks for that great link! Those are totally stunning. Unfortunately, I have neither an appropriate tree or the 12,000 pounds to build a treehouse! However, I was also intrigued by the section on treehouse "rentals". Most of the flet hotels seem to be in Africa. They all look amazing, but I am particularly taken by the one in Australia's Hinchinbrook National Wilderness. All the same, some of us prefer to keep our head in the clouds, but out feet well grounded in the earth. Not fair that you Elves are hogging the spotlight with your flets! We hobbits have burrows just as comfortable and much more sensible than any Elf! The hobbit hole is an idea whose time has come. Here are a list of advantages of underground housing, provided by the British Earth Sheltered Association. . The first one on the list is my favorite! Maybe this is the real reason Bilbo lived so long -- forget that pesky Ring theory! Long Life Expectancy Better ENERGY SAVINGS than other designs Architecturally exciting inside Condensation is not a problem Even Proof against Earthquakes Does NOT contribute to, and is less affected by GLOBAL WARMING Costs no more - maybe less to build Unaffected by WIND or WEATHER SAVES SPACE - Kind to the environment Provides greater security NO DRAUGHTS - Minimum infiltration Exceptionally LOW FIRE RISK - so LOWER insurance premiums Construction possible on steep slopes Usually provides LOW VISUAL IMPACT Very little Structural Maintenance Quiet and Private. But light and airy Sympathetic to elegant Landscaping And here's another interesting article on the advantage of earth shelters: Going underground. According to one website, there are about 6,000 earth dwellings in North America and 60 in Britain. I've also seen the North America figure quoted as high as a 100,000, so who knows? Over 10 million people (maybe as many as 40 million) live underground in China, but I also don't know too much about these dwellings. Many earth sheltered homes don't look too "hobbity"--lack of round doors and such. However, a few do stand out. My favorite is Mole Manor in Yorkshire. Inside it's supposed to look like a Roman villa. Just scroll down the page for a look at the outside. Click here. Now, if I can just come up with the 860,000 pound pricetag for Mole Manor, I'll be in great shape! __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote. Last edited by Child of the 7th Age; 07-18-2006 at 04:00 PM.