An architect here suggested that it would be a good idea to cover our very sloped plot with lawn, and be so much cheaper than re-terracing it. He wasn't best pleased when, having realised he was serious, I told him he had a lot to learn about gardening.
He did manage to persuade our poor neighbours, novice gardeners who installed a (fortunately) small area of lawn complete with automatic watering system. It was on the north side of the house so I suppose it stood a chance. He neglected, however, to tell them how very often it would need cutting. It lasted a year or two, I think.