earth sheltered log cabin?

[Euripides]

I am planning to build a log cabin and recently have been considering an earth sheltered log cabin. The plan would involve basically creating a hill around the cabin, including the roof. However, I am unsure that a log wall would be able to support the weight of all that earth. I would love to hear any input on the idea.

[lekizz]

I've seen a wooden structure with a grass roof, one was being constructed next door to a summer work camp I was involved in. Mind you it was quite a substantial wooden frame of old telegraph poles and railway sleepers, topped with a few inches of soil and a layer of turf. Grass, sedum or moss needs only a very thin layer (1-2 inches) of substrate in order to grow successfully.

The problem you will have (apart from the weight of soils behind the retaining walls and on the roof) will be damp - it will eventually rot the wood unless you have devised a way to protect the wood and drain any pools of water. And a wet soil roof is like having a swimming pool, with the combined weight of water and substrate!