Earth-Sheltered or Underground?

[GoOrganic]

I've seen some homes that were built with ground over them so all you could see is the front of the house. I think they would be the most environmentally-friendly homes built, and I know they conserve energy because it doesn't take much to heat and cool them. Would they be considered earth-sheltered or underground homes, or are the two terms interchangeable?

[Evelynisorganic]

I would think the term would be interchangeable. I love that type of home BTW. It's really nice to be able to regulate your homes temperature much easier. I saw one home that faced the sun so they had a ton of sunlight streaming in the front room.

[Campanitas]

I have also seen a couple of these homes on shows. However, they need to be built correctly or there could be lots of problems with them in terms of moisture/mold, etc.

[Chris]

I really think that all of those home that are eco friendly, like underground, earth sheltered, dome, are quite fantastic. I would really like to have one of my own someday.... or maybe just a grain silo.